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The Asian box turtles of the Cuora galbinifrons complex (C. galbinifrons, C. bourreti, and C. picturata) rank among the most endangered chelonian species in the world. Despite several previous studies, the phylogenetic relationships and species boundaries of this complex remain a matter for dispute due to a shortage of field-collected samples for genetic validation, observed discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear markers, and reported intergradation zones combined with a strong tendency of hybridization in the genus. Here, we re-investigate the relationships and potential hybridization between the species of the C. galbinifrons complex based on the most comprehensive dataset to date consisting of 394 morphologically identified specimens (136 C. galbinifrons, 200 C. bourreti, 49 C. picturata, and nine individuals allegedly from Hainan). The turtles mainly came from assurance colonies as well as from zoological and private collections across the USA and Europe. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood analyses of a concatenated mitochondrial dataset (COI and ND4 plus adjacent tRNA genes) yielded almost identical topologies, supporting three major clades corresponding to C. galbinifrons, C. bourreti, and C. picturata, respectively. In accordance with previous studies, C. bourreti represented the sister clade to C. galbinifrons and these two clades together were sister to C. picturata. Haplotype networks revealed pronounced mitochondrial divergences between the taxa. STRUCTURE and PCA analyses using 12 microsatellite loci also confirmed three distinct clusters that are in agreement with the recognized species. Only a few specimens with admixed ancestry (hybrids) or mismatched mitochondrial identity were revealed, suggesting extremely limited gene flow among the three species. However, this pattern could also reflect the separate captive management of the individual taxa and an underrepresentation of geographic contact zones in our sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the IUCN, Southeast Asia is the area of the world with the highest number of threatened turtle species. The current status of chelonians is particularly catastrophic in Vietnam. However, there is still a lack of field data to unambiguously support this fact for a few species. To better understand the freshwater turtle diversity and eventually undertake efficient conservation actions, we conducted surveys with local fishers using standardized questionnaires in two independent river systems in northern Vietnam. A total of 112 questionnaires were administered to as many fishers in April and October 2022. We directly observed four sympatric freshwater species (Pelodiscus sinensis, Palea steindachneri, Mauremys sinensis and Sacalia quadriocellata) in Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces, and two species (Pelodiscus sinensis and Palea steindachneri) in Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Thai Binh, and Hung Yen provinces. Based on the interviews, we added as possible the presence of two other species (Rafetus swinhoei and Pelochelys cantorii) in each of the two study areas. Moreover, we recorded for the first time in Vietnam, two wild individuals of an invasive alien species, the Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), confirming that the distribution and ecology of turtle species in Vietnam is poorly understood. Furthermore, recent photos (year 2019) of a 38 kg softshell turtle, possibly attributable to Rafetus swinhoei, were recorded from a restaurant in the area. In conclusion, interviews with local fishers have been found to be useful for exploring the likely presence and the local distribution of the various turtle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yangtze giant softshell turtle Rafetus swinhoei is the rarest turtle species, with just two individuals known to be surviving, one male in a zoo in China and one individual recently identified as a female in the wild in Viet Nam. As the species is on the brink of extinction, it is an urgent priority to search for additional individuals in the wild, and for areas where it may still be present. Here, we analysed areas where the species may still occur, identified through interview surveys in Viet Nam. In addition, we introduced a novel system for evaluating the potential for occurrence of this rare and elusive freshwater turtle, using a conservation priority index. This index was based on three recorded variables: (1) probability of the species' presence based on interviews with local fishers, (2) degree of habitat alteration, and (3) fishing intensity, with the latter two based on experts' evaluation of the sites where the species could potentially be present. There were at least 13 independent, reliable sightings in the 2010s, seven of which were in 2018–2019, indicating that R. swinhoei potentially persists in the wild. Although the species was confirmed at only one site, there are at least three more sites where it is likely to be present, and 13 sites of conservation interest. We provide a description of all sites where the species is potentially present, and a summary of relevant interviews. The Da River system has the highest number of recent sightings. We recommend that a research and conservation project be initiated urgently, and outline how such a project could be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cát Bà gecko Goniurosaurus catbaensis is endemic to Cát Bà and Ha Long islands of Vietnam. The ecology of this species is still scarcely studied but previous reports have suggested that the species is Endangered due to small population size and low ecological plasticity. We studied aspects of the ecology of this species between May 2019 and June 2020, along seven transects on Cát Bà island. At least 173 different individuals (possibly as many as 189) were recorded, with an equal sexratio and apparently no intersexual differences in adult body size. The species was clearly more widely distributed than previously supposed. We were able to confirm that G. catbaensis is a limestone karst microhabitat specialist, as the farthest sighting from a karst area was only 10 m. Geckos were observed at a mean height of 45 cm but up to 500 cm above ground, with males perching significantly higher than females. We observed these geckos at altitudes ranging from 11 to 228 m a.s.l.; much higher than previously recorded. Overall, our study revealed that this endemic gecko is certainly less threatened than previously feared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gia Lai bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus gialaiensis) was firstly described in 2017, and is an endemic species with very restricted distributional range, estimated to be less than 10 km2 in coffee plantation in Gia Lai province, Central Highland of Vietnam. This species is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) in the IUCN Red List. To date, the natural history of this species is totally unknown. In this paper, we provide the first-of-ever natural history data on this highly threatened gecko species, with emphasis on morphometrics, habitat preferences, thermal ecology, and activity patterns. In 23 days of surveys, we captured 42 C. gialaiensis individuals and recaptured 4 of them. Sex ratio was not skewed from equality and juveniles accounted for 23.8% of the observed individuals. The two sexes did not differ in terms of mean Snout-to-Vent Length, Tail Length and weight, but the adult females had longer head than adult males. Geckos were observed at a mean substratum temperature of 24.2±1°C (n=14), and exhibited a mean body temperature of 29.5±2.5°C (n=14). There was no significant correlation between substratum and body temperatures. Body temperatures were significantly higher than substratum temperatures. The study species exhibited a clearly nocturnal above-ground activity, with main peak occurring between 20:00-21:30 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade of turtles, for both food and pet, represents a substantial business in Vietnam, especially because this country is a cross-bridge for wildlife trade from Indochina to China. Vietnam is also one of the main countries worldwide in terms of the number of Facebook members, and a considerable portion of the business has gone online through Facebook trading, including turtle trade. Here, the advertisements of turtles for sale in Vietnamese Facebook groups were monitored for the period 2013-2018, obtaining a total of 481 advertisement cases concerning 5,758 individuals belonging to 53 species and 12 families. There has been a rapidly rising trade of turtles online, especially in the last two years. Many traded species were allochthonous, but native species accounted for 22 species and over 36% of the traded individuals. Most allochthonous species were traded as hatchlings and juveniles, whereas most of the native species were traded as subadults and adults, thus suggesting a high frequency of illegal trade in wild caught animals. Five traded native species are considered among the 50 most threatened turtle species in the world. Turtle trade occurred mostly in the two biggest cites of Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi), which accounted for 68% of the total trade. Turtle price varied substantially across species and by different lifestages (i.e. hatchlings, juveniles, sub-adults and adults), and increased considerably in comparison to 1993 estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]