Rare impressed tortoise released back into natural forest

Authorities receiving the rare impressed tortoise. Photo: Long Quang Commune People’s Committee

The rare impressed tortoise was discovered by Mr. A Lang A Phut (born in 1978, residing in A Chieu Village, Long Quang Commune) while he was working in his upland fields. He subsequently brought the animal to the commune authorities for handover.

After inspection, Nam Dong Area Forest Protection Unit confirmed that the animal was an impressed tortoise (scientific name: Manouria impressa), a rare and endangered wildlife species classified under Group IIB pursuant to Government Decree No. 06/2019/ND-CP on the management of endangered, precious and rare forest plants and animals. The tortoise weighs approximately 4 kg and was found to be in stable health condition.

Following the handover, Long Quang Commune People’s Committee directed relevant authorities to coordinate efforts to release the impressed tortoise back into its natural forest habitat in accordance with regulations.

“The Long Quang Commune People’s Committee acknowledges and highly appreciates the voluntary and responsible spirit of local residents, which reflects strong awareness and responsibility in wildlife protection and nature conservation, contributing to the maintenance of biodiversity,” Mr. Nguyen Anh said. “At the same time, we call on the community to continue upholding this sense of responsibility by refraining from hunting, keeping, or trading wildlife species,” he added.