The Chinese softshell turtle

A Chinese softshell turtle basks amid some Brazillian turtles on a rock in the Dasha River. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The Chinese softshell turtle

The Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a medium-sized turtle with a distinct softshell carapace. Its shell, with a pliable and leathery texture, varies in coloration but is typically brown or olive, often adorned with intricate patterns.

中华鳖是一种体型中等的龟鳖属爬行动物，具有独特的软壳龟甲，质地柔韧如皮革，背甲颜色存在个体差异，但通常为棕色或橄榄色，具复杂花纹。

Its head is relatively large and features a long snout. Its webbed feet help it move swiftly in water.

中华鳖的头部硕大，吻长，足具蹼，善游泳。

They are primarily found in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. In Shenzhen, these turtles can be seen basking on rocks or on submerged logs along the banks of water bodies, such as those along the Dasha River or in Wutong Mountain. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation and ample sunlight, where they can nest and bask.

中华鳖常见于淡水河流、湖泊、池塘、沼泽等区域。在深圳的大沙河沿岸及梧桐山的溯溪径附近，可以观察到它们在岩石上或岸边的沉木上晒太阳。偏好植被丰富、日照充足的环境，以满足繁殖及取暖需求。

A Chinese softshell turtle basks amid some Brazillian turtles on a rock in the Dasha River.

Having a diverse diet, they primarily feed on aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, small fish, amphibians and mollusks. Their long snouts help these efficient hunters to swiftly snatch prey from the water. Their varied diet contributes to their adaptability and survival in different ecosystems.

中华鳖属杂食动物，主要以水生植物、昆虫、甲壳类、小鱼、两栖动物及软体动物为食。它们是老练的猎手，依靠长长的吻来迅速从水中捕获猎物。多样的食谱，有助于它们在不同的生境中生存。

Breeding season is usually during the warm months, typically from April to August. Females lay their eggs in sandy or gravelly areas near water. A single clutch can contain up to 20 eggs, depending on the size and maturity of the female.

中华鳖通常在温暖的月份繁殖，如四月到八月。雌龟在临水沙地或砾石地抱窝产卵，数量视雌龟的体型大小和性成熟度而定，最多时每窝可20枚卵。

This turtle plays a crucial role in the local ecosystems. As an omnivorous species, it helps maintain the ecological balance by controlling populations of aquatic plants, insects, and small vertebrates. These turtles serve as prey for larger predators, contributing to the food chain dynamics within their habitats. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

中华鳖在本地生态系统中扮演着重要角色。作为杂食动物，它可以通过控制水生植物、昆虫和小型脊椎动物的数量来帮助维持生态平衡，同时它们也被大型食肉动物捕食，促进了其栖息地内食物链的动态循环。同时，中华鳖也是判断水生生态系统健康程度的重要指示物种。

However, some introduced turtle species pose a potential threat to the local turtle population, competing against them for food and nesting sites. Another concern is the possible interbreeding between native and introduced species, which leads to hybridization and potentially harms the genetic integrity of the local population.

然而，生境中被不科学放生的外来龟鳖种会与本土物种争夺食物和巢址，从而对本土种群的生存构成潜在威胁。另一个令人担忧的问题是，本土龟鳖种和外来种之间可能会存在交配行为，导致出现杂交种并损害本地种群的基因完整性。

Conservation efforts and awareness are essential to preserve the Chinese softshell turtles in Shenzhen.

想要保护深圳的中华鳖种群，就必须开展保育工作，并提高公众的保护意识。