The Royal turtles of Cambodia are facing extinction with only less than 10 on the planet. The main culprit of its decline is the illegal cutting of the flooded forest. The remaining royal turtles have been protected by a project governed by the fishery administration. The big issue is trying to revive the species but because of the lack of suitable habitat it is in grave danger.

This past year the nesting habits have been declined where only one had been discovered. This is very concerning and the species is considered an extreme risk of being extinct.

In the world there are over 25 endangered tortoises/turtles with the Royal turtle being one of them. It was believed that it was extinct for a long time until it’s discovery in the year 2000 where a small pocket population was discovered. During that time, they have saved over 40 nests and in close to 600 eggs. Most of these were hatched during captivity and raised to be released in the wild. But because of the destruction of its habitat, it is that a losing cause but there is still hope with the current population. It will need extreme monitoring and also protection. This will involve some needed money.