NParks investigating after protected turtle removed in Jurong East by member of the public

SINGAPORE – The National Parks Board (NParks) is investigating the case of a turtle from a vulnerable species that was spotted in Jurong East Street 24 before it was taken away by a member of the public.

A video of the turtle on a footpath circulated on social media on Aug 24, the same day it was spotted. Onlookers can be heard in the video discussing if the turtle was someone’s escaped pet, with one joking that the turtle could be cooked. 

“Based on the video, the turtle appears to be an Asian softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea), which is a native species protected under the Wildlife Act 1965,” said NParks’ group director of wildlife management How Choon Beng.

“It was later removed by a member of the public before the arrival of NParks,” he said, adding that the agency is looking into the matter.

In the Singapore Red Data Book, which provides information such as the scientific and common names, and descriptions of each plant and animal species here, the Asian softshell turtle is listed as a vulnerable species. 

According to nature website Ecology Asia, these freshwater turtles can grow their shells up to 75cm long. They mainly inhabit lowland streams in forested areas and have a varied diet of insects, crustaceans, fish, vegetation and carrion.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is an offence to keep or take any wildlife without the written approval of the director-general of wildlife management, said Mr How.

In cases where the offence committed involves a protected wild animal, an offender may be fined up to $50,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both, if convicted in court. 

Correction note: In an earlier version of the article, we said the Asian softshell turtle is an endangered species. This is incorrect. It is a vulnerable species.