A bale of critically endangered Arakan forest turtles hatched at the Tennessee Aquarium, with all seven eggs successfully emerging. The species is endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal trafficking. The successful hatching is a positive step in preserving the population.
Key Points
All seven Arakan forest turtle eggs successfully hatched at Tennessee Aquarium
Species is endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal trafficking
Population in human care increasing to combat declining wild population
Pros
Successful hatching of critically endangered species
Increase in the population of Arakan forest turtles in AZA facilities
Efforts to preserve the species and distribute them to other zoos
Cons
Endangered status due to habitat destruction and illegal trafficking