Status and Analysis of Artificial Breeding and Management of Aquatic Turtles in China

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Turtles have been on Earth for 300 million years, but their survival has been challenged as human activity has expanded. The results of a census and statistical analysis of artificially domesticated aquatic turtles in 15 provinces of China showed that 29 species were aquatic turtles native to China and a large number of exotic aquatic turtles are domesticated in China. This paper presents the current situation and problems of aquaculture and conservation of aquatic turtles in major provinces of China, and puts forward some suggestions for the conservation and management of aquatic turtles. ABSTRACT: China is a major country in turtle cultivation and has a long history of artificial breeding of turtles. In this study, a census and statistical analysis of artificially domesticated aquatic turtles in 15 provinces of China were conducted. The results showed that 29 species were aquatic turtles native to China, accounting for approximately 9% of the world’s total, and a large number of exotic aquatic turtles are also domesticated in China. The present situation of artificial breeding and protection of aquatic turtles in major provinces of China is shown, and existing problems are also put forward, with suggestions for the protection and management of aquatic turtles.