YUNNAN BOX TURTLE
LAMBERT M. SURHONE, MARIAM T. TENNOE, SUSAN F. HENSSONOW
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The Yunnan Box Turtle (Cuora yunnanensis) is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae (formerly Bataguridae).
It is believed to be endemic to China (Yunnan) and was suspected to be extinct since the early 20th century; the last verified specimen was collected in 1940 (Blanck, 2005, Blanck et al. 2006).
In 2004, a living female appeared from the pet trade in Kunming, one year later a male from the same source and again one year later another female was found there.
The validity of these specimens was doubted and many believed that they were intentionally produced hybrids (see IUCN 2006), a common technique in China to produce turtles that get high prices.
In 2007, He et al. sampled the three living specimens and gave the genetic proof that all three living specimens are indeed Cuora yunnanensis and not hybrids.
The distribution of this species remains unclear, but due to its value, it is heavily sought after.
Protection measures are needed to save this probably highly endangered species from its return onto the IUCN list of extinct animals.
