A woman in Vietnam got a surprise visitor in her yard recently, and it turned out to be a very rare little reptile with an unforgettable look.
Phan Thi Hong Van, who lives in Binh Dien Commune in Hue, spotted an unusual turtle wandering around her property. Instead of ignoring it or trying to keep it, she did exactly the right thing. She safely captured the turtle and contacted local forest rangers for help.
Officials from the North Huong River Area Forest Protection Unit responded to the scene with help from the People’s Committee of Binh Dien Commune. They soon identified the tiny yard guest as a four-eyed turtle, a rare endangered species known scientifically as Sacalia quadriocellata.
Despite its dramatic name, the turtle does not really have four eyes. The name comes from the eye-like markings on the back of its head, which give the little animal its striking appearance. The turtle weighed less than a pound, making its surprise visit even more adorable.
After completing the proper checks and procedures, forest rangers released the protected turtle back into its natural habitat.
The four-eyed turtle is considered one of Southeast Asia’s most eye-catching reptiles, but it is also in trouble. The species is listed as endangered by the IUCN, according to the Turtle Survival Alliance, with its population declining because of threats including the illegal exotic animal trade.
The turtle is usually found in streams, brooks and small pools in mountainous forest areas across China, Laos and Vietnam.
Van was not the only local resident to make a compassionate choice for wildlife that week.
Officials in Hue also received a rare yellow-headed box turtle from another resident, Dao Van An, of Kim Long Ward. That turtle had also been found in a residential yard and was voluntarily handed over to authorities.
The yellow-headed box turtle is listed in Group IB, Vietnam’s highest protection category for endangered wildlife. Officials said the turtle will be used for conservation purposes.
Both rescues are a sweet reminder that sometimes helping wildlife starts with simply paying attention and calling the right people.