Two rare Asian tortoises hatch on Corsica: Myth or Reality?
Endangered Tortoise Species Welcomes Newborns on the Island of Corsica - Endangered turtle species successfully hatch on Corsican soil
Let's dive into the buzz surrounding two new arrivals! The baby tortoises were born on Corsica, gracing the soil on May 19 and June 1. Currently, they're teeming with life, indulging in a sumptuous diet of worms. Their weights hover around 9.64 grams and 8.89 grams respectively, as per updates from esteemed herpetologist Moisson.
The tiny titans have temporarily been named Tric and Trac, leaving room for the public to suggest their final monikers on the A-Cupulatta-Instagram page. The sex of these offspring is yet to be revealed, as Moisson mentioned, the big question mark won't be unveiled for "five or six years."
Contrary to initial reports, the land tortoise species these infants belong to isn't native to the formidable Himalayas. However, the species is listed on the IUCN Red List and can be recognized by its striking shell adorned with three yellow stripes. These creatures typically reach 20 centimeters in length and weigh around 1 kilogram. Interestingly, 98 specimens of this species were seized by customs in Hong Kong in 2017. To ensure the species' survival, a few of them were sent to trusted conservation centers in Europe for propagation. One such center, A Cupulatta, received two females and two males in 2021. The two hatchlings on Corsica are believed to be the first successful European breeding, albeit not officially acknowledged in scientific circles.
A separate tale unfolded in May 2024 as a specimen of the endangered Galapagos giant tortoise hatched in Vero, gracing A Cupulatta with their presence. Last year, A Cupulatta celebrated the first birthday of a reptile named Darwin, a Galapagos giant tortoise as well.
- Corsica
- Asian Tortoises
- Galapagos Giant Tortoise
- AFP
For the record, there's no evidence of the first successful breeding of endangered Asian tortoises (possibly the Indian star tortoise or Asian forest tortoise) in Europe, specifically on Corsica, as suggested by recent sources. European and Corsican conservation efforts primarily focus on native biodiversity and managing invasive species. While Corsica plays a significant role in ecological and conservation research, the first captive breeding of endangered Asian tortoises is usually announced by major zoological institutions. The confusion around the species, specifically referring to it as the "Himalayan land tortoise," is likely an error.
Despite speculation, there's no confirmatory evidence of the first successful breeding of endangered Asian tortoises, like the Indian star tortoise or Asian forest tortoise, occurring in Europe, specifically on Corsica. AFP and Instagram posts suggesting otherwise might be based on misunderstandings about the species or the conservation process. On the other hand, ecological and conservation research in Corsica primarily focuses on native biodiversity and managing invasive species.
