The parrot turtle is a fascinating and unique species of turtle that originally inhabited rocky, shallow rivers in mountainous regions. Unfortunately, it is now facing the threat of extinction in the wild, making it crucial to promote domestication and artificial breeding efforts. Recently, experts from the leading amphibian and reptile museum in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, have successfully cultivated parrot turtles, marking an important step in their conservation.
Parrot turtles are visually striking with long tails, scales, and a head, eyes, and mouth that resemble those of a parrot, giving them a particularly charming appearance. They have strong limbs, sharp claws—five on the front legs and four on the back—and a beak-like structure between their fingers and toes. These features allow them to crawl quickly and climb rocks and trunks with ease. When calm, they often sit still like an owl watching its prey, but when agitated, they make buzzing sounds and open their mouths in defense. If confronted by a larger animal, they can suddenly emit a loud roar to scare off predators.
In addition to their ornamental value, parrot turtles are also valued for their meat, which is considered delicious, tender, and low in fat and cholesterol. Their meat, blood, eggs, gallbladder, and shells have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as colds, infertility, and more. The shell itself is a natural handicraft, and with creative use of multiple shells or materials, beautiful and unique crafts can be made.
Artificial breeding of parrot turtles involves careful planning and attention to detail. Breeding sites should be located in sunny areas with good water supply and drainage. Ponds should be constructed with bricks and cement, filled with sand, and equipped with vegetation for shelter. A fence is necessary to prevent escape, and a separate spawning area is essential. Eggs are collected after spawning and incubated in a controlled environment with proper temperature and humidity.
Feeding and management are critical for the growth and health of both juvenile and adult turtles. Juveniles require soft, nutrient-rich food, while adults benefit from a balanced diet of animal and plant-based feeds. Proper feeding practices, along with regular water changes and temperature control, help maintain a healthy environment.
Disease prevention is also important. Malnutrition and metabolic disorders can occur if feeding practices are not well-managed. Ensuring a varied, nutritious diet and avoiding spoiled or high-fat foods can help prevent these issues.
Overall, the successful artificial breeding of parrot turtles offers hope for their survival and highlights the importance of conservation efforts. With continued research and care, this remarkable species can thrive in captivity and contribute to both ecological and cultural values.
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