Endangered speckled softshell turtle dies after artificial insemination

An endangered female speckled softshell turtle aged in its 90s died on Saturday after being artificially inseminated at a zoo in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.

The number of speckled softshell turtles remaining has fallen to just three following the death of a female on Saturday, April 13, 2019 after an attempted artificial insemination. [Photo: Suzhou Daily Newspaper]

The turtle was given a checkup and found to be in good health before what was the fifth attempt at artificial insemination by international experts and zoo staff. The procedure appeared to go smoothly, however the turtle died the following day.

The number of speckled softshell turtles remaining has fallen to just three following the death of a female on Saturday, April 13, 2019 after an attempted artificial insemination. [Photo: Suzhou Daily Newspaper]

A team including both Chinese and foreign experts will be established to investigate the cause of death. The turtle's ovarian tissue has been collected and stored in liquid nitrogen for future breeding research.

The speckled softshell turtle is one of the rarest turtles in the world. Found in Vietnam and China, there are now only three known members of the species remaining.