Wenzhou Network Yongjia Branch News - Recently, fisherman Chen from the Nanxi River caught a large turtle weighing 8.3 catties (approximately 4.15 kilograms) in the Ban Yue Chen River潭in Fenglin Town. The carapace of the turtle was grayish-brown in color, with its massive shell measuring 27 centimeters wide and 35 centimeters long. Including its extended head and legs, the turtle measured about 55 centimeters in length.
Fisherman Chen from the Nanxi River caught a large turtle in the Ban Yue Chen River潭in Fenglin Town. The carapace of the turtle was grayish-brown in color.
"Such a large turtle has rarely been seen in the Nanxi River for many years," said local villagers as they gathered to observe and discuss the turtle. Most villagers speculated that this creature must be wild. After carefully observing the turtle, Chen found it different from the native wild turtles of the Nanxi River but was unsure of its exact species. Therefore, on the next morning, he reported the matter to the local fisheries department. Upon learning of the situation, fisheries enforcement officers promptly sent people to Chen's home to take photos and consult relevant experts. They also instructed Chen to properly protect the turtle until its species could be identified.
The day before yesterday, after identification by experts from Wenzhou University, it was determined that the turtle was a pearl turtle (pearl鳖), originally native to the United States and not a native species of the Nanxi River. It is speculated that in recent years, pearl turtles have appeared in the pet market and were purchased by enthusiasts for home breeding. This particular turtle might have either been released into the wild or escaped. Since this turtle is an alien species, it may pose potential harm to local species. The county fisheries management department therefore urges the public not to release alien species into the Nanxi River to protect its ecological balance and biodiversity.
Reported by journalist Jin Lizhen, with correspondents Chen Zhijian and Hu Yiqian.