Physical meeting

>>> Hopes raised for conservation of world’s rarest turtle in Vietnam

>>> New individual of world’s rarest turtle found in Hanoi

The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have made dramatic progress to possibly prevent the extinction of the Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle.

At a Hanoi workshop last week, scientists revealed that genetic testing has confirmed a female turtle captured last October in Dong Mo Lake in suburban Hanoi is definitively a Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle.

This confirmation means that in addition to the one known male Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle at Suzhou Zoo in China, there is now the female captured in Dong Mo Lake.

Authorities believe there is at least one more of these turtles in Dong Mo Lake and yet another in nearby Xuan Khanh Lake. Conservationists hope to at least to capture and determine the sex of the turtle in both Dong Mo and Xuan Khanh Lakes this coming spring.

The mission team photographed with the giant turtle captured in October 2020. (Photo credit: ATP/IMC)

Ultimately, conservationists aim to ensure at least one male and female are given a chance to breed to ensure this species can return from the brink of extinction.

Nguyen Huy Dang, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said: “This is a very important mission and it needs to be done effectively. We have been seeking advice and consultation from the Hanoi People’s Committee to promulgate guiding documents and to collaborate with international organisations to execute our development and conservation plan of rafetus swinhoei. Hanoi Department of Fisheries has been assigned to continue implementing the Plan #200 from the Hanoi People’s Committee to revive and preserve the Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle, a rare, precious and endangered species listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List.”

The team took measurements of the animal. (Photo credit: ATP/IMC)

Timothy McCormack, Programme Director of the ATP/IMC said: “It is so important that we are taking these steps, confirming the sex of the identified animals, and in the case of the animal in Xuan Khanh Lake confirming the species, as currently this has only been based on Environmental DNA. Once we know the sex of the animals in Vietnam, we can make a clear plan on the next steps, hopefully we have a male and a female, in which case breeding and recovery of the species becomes a real possibility. At the same time, our surveys in other areas of Vietnam suggest other animals might still survive in the wild, we need to be looking at bringing these together as part of the broader conservation plan for the species.”

WCS Vietnam Country Director Hoang Bich Thuy said: “In a year full of bad news and sadness across the globe, the discovery of this female can offer all some hope that this species will be given another chance to survive. In Vietnam, with the leadership of the government, we are determined to take responsibility to give this species another chance.”

A closer look at the rare turtle. (Photo credit: WCS Vietnam)

Andrew Walde, Chief Operating Officer of the Turtle Survival Alliance, a technical advisor on this project, said: “This is the best news of the year, and quite possibly the last decade, for global turtle conservation. As the most endangered turtle on Earth, a tremendous amount of energy and resources have been dedicated to the preservation of the Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle. Following the loss of the only known female at the time in 2019, the confirmation of this wild specimen as female is a cause for celebration for all those who have worked tirelessly to see this turtle species survive.”

Prior to this discovery, there had been a major effort to breed the remaining two known animals of the species. Then, the last known female Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle died on April 13, 2019, during recovery from anaesthesia after an artificial insemination procedure in Suzhou, China. The male and female turtles, which had failed to produce offspring naturally after they were brought together in 2008, were determined to be healthy for the procedure, and similar anaesthesia procedures had previously been performed without incident. When the female died, the hopes for the species turned to the possibility of additional turtles in two different lakes in Vietnam, Dong Mo and Xuan Khanh.

Since early 2019, with technical support from the ATP/IMC and WCS, Hanoi Fisheries Department had organised various consultation and review meetings to develop a technical approach for the discovery and capture, while conducting more surveys of Dong Mo Lake and selecting trapping locations.

The plan was delayed due to COVID-19 until September 2020 when a team returned to the field, including local fishermen, the Hanoi Fisheries Department and the ATP/IMC and WCS personnel.

The animal was fitted with a PIT tag device before being released to the lake. (Photo credit: ATP/IMC)

They spent weeks putting out a series of nets to create a trapping zone, making sure that from the 1,400 ha lake, the turtle could be observed in a fenced-in 90 ha capture zone. On October 22, an animal was seen next to the net fence and a quick-thinking team member was able to capture the animal with the help of a local fisherman.

With the close coordination and technical support from the capture and animal care teams, on October 23, a health check was done, samples were taken, an ultrasound was performed and a physical check was recorded. The animal weighed in at 86kg and 1m in length. An identification microchip was implanted, while swabs and blood samples were taken for a future conservation plan. She was healthy, strong and keen to get back in the lake where she was released on the same day.

Ultrasound was performed, which helped confirm the animal’s sex. (Photo credit: ATP/IMC)

A comparison of head markings from the animal captured in October 2020 against those of a large Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle rescued and released back into Dong Mo Lake in November 2008 indicate that it is the same animal.

With sightings of a second animal in Dong Mo Lake, additional work started at the end of November with the capture team which then did simulation exercises on different trapping methods. It is hoped the second animal can be captured and confirmed at the lake in spring 2021 when the water level is at the lowest.

The team is hopeful the second animal is also a Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle and a male, giving even more hope that the world’s rarest species can mate and produce offspring in either a semi-wild area or captivity in Vietnam.

The second Swinhoe’s Softshell Turtle discovered on Dong Mo Lake. (Photo credit: WCS Vietnam)

Growing vegetables, raising fish and living in peace

Nguyen Hoang Nam in Ba Dinh district in Hanoi had never thought of leaving the capital city, where he had been living for 50 years, until he took a trekking tour on a motorbike to the highlands.

During the trip, Nam discovered the quietness in the mountains and forests, and the wonderful environment with pristine nature and fresh air.

After that, he began thinking about abandoning everything and living in the forests. He hinted at his intention during family dinners, but his plan was not supported by other family members.

In 2017, Nam decided to buy a 5 hectare land plot in Hoa Binh to settle down there. He began building a house, improved the soil, and grew vegetables on the land.

After two years of development with the total cost of VND1.5 billion, he is going to reap fruit from organic gardening. His garden area increased by two hectares after he bought land plots nearby.

He is proud of what he has: a house in the middle of green plants.

“I am used to life here. Our family members like to live here more than in the city. I only return to Hanoi when I have to attend meetings,” he said.

More and more big businesspeople and high income earners like Nam are willing to spend big money to be able to have peaceful lives in places that are not flashy and bustling and where they can enjoy organic food. They are seeking sustainable values for health, both physical and mental, and the experiences of connecting with nature.

Do Manh Thang in Hoang Mai district in Hanoi spent billions of dong to develop a farm in Hoa Binh, but it was not enough for him. Five years ago, after a trip to Thailand, Thang came up with an idea of building a house in the forest.

He began looking for a land plot which could satisfy his requirements to become a place for weekend stays and a business facility. He targeted areas with wild nature near Hanoi where he could reach by highway. He also wanted a conveniently situated land plot near streams, ponds or lakes.

The first phase of the farm project has been completed with a house, an orchard and vegetable garden. Thang plans to build one more house, a swimming pond and an outdoor meditation space.

“At my age, it would be healthier to live in the middle of nature, grow plants and hoe the land,” he said.

“During the pandemic, you can see how important a natural living environment is. We have been living here all this time and work online. Our children and grandchildren can play in nature. The life here is just like in a fairy land that many city dwellers cannot have,” he said.

More and more big businesspeople and high income earners are willing to spend big money to be able to have peaceful lives in places that are not flashy and bustling and where they can enjoy organic food. They are seeking sustainable values for health, both physical and mental, and the experiences of connecting with nature.

He said he lives in the second home 60 percent of his time, while the other 40 percent of time is spent in Hanoi. However, he and his wife plan to live most of their time in the second home next year.

Assets for next generations

Many people want to get back to nature, leading peaceful lives in villas on hills with open views and pristine nature and fresh air, in well designed and strictly protected areas.

Asked about the benefits, Thang said the biggest benefit is the spiritual value.

“I want to leave my children and grandchildren a place where they can stay and enjoy when they feel tired,” he said.

Thang believes that as urbanization speeds up and the environment becomes more polluted, the movement of getting back to nature will be stronger.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Duy Ha said he bought a land plot in Ba Vi as an investment deal. He said Ba Vi has emerged as a tourism site as it is near Hanoi and has many beautiful landscapes to visit.

He said he bought the land to store his assets and doesn’t expect to earn big money from leasing at this moment.

“The land prices in Ba Vi have increased to a new level. There won’t be such good land plots in the future to buy,” he said.

Nguyen Thanh Trung, director of Ngoai O Resort Development JSC, noted that the trend of relocating to suburbs areas started many years ago. Investors mostly seek land in Soc Son, Luong Son – Hoa Binh, Hoa Lac and Ba Vi.

Duy Anh

Dr Philippe Jean Collin. — Photo courtesy of Family Medical Practice

by Dr Philippe Jean Collin*

How do I know if my child is overweight?

Your child’s doctor or nurse will tell you. They will measure your child’s height and weight and use those measurements to calculate a number called the “body mass index” or “BMI.”

The doctor or nurse will use your child’s BMI to tell if their weight is healthy for their height. To do this, the doctor or nurse will compare your child’s BMI to the BMIs of other children of the same age and sex. If your child’s BMI is high compared to other children, they are overweight. When a child’s BMI is much too high, the condition is sometimes called “obesity.”

Why is it important for my child to have a healthy weight?

It’s important to have a healthy weight, because children who are very overweight can have:

●Asthma – This is a lung condition that can make it hard to breathe.

●High blood pressure

●Knee or back pain

●Liver problems

●Sleep apnea – This is a condition that makes people stop breathing for short periods during sleep.

It’s also important that your child has a healthy weight so they are more likely to have a healthy weight later in life. Being overweight as a teen or adult can lead to medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes (high blood sugar), heart attacks, and some types of cancer.

What causes children to be overweight ?

Children can be overweight for different reasons. Some children simply gain weight more easily than other children. These children can become overweight by eating too much, eating unhealthy foods, or not getting enough exercise. When children gain weight very easily, they have to work extra hard to have a healthy weight.

Although uncommon, some medicines and medical conditions can also make children gain weight more easily.

Will my child need tests if they are overweight?

Maybe. The doctor or nurse will talk with you and your child, and do an exam. They might do blood tests to check for:

●A condition that could be causing your child to gain weight easily

●Health problems that can happen when children are overweight

How can I help my child get to a healthy weight?

To help your child have a healthy weight, you need to help them eat healthy foods and be more active. Making these lifestyle changes can be hard, especially at first. These are some goals you can work toward to help your child be healthier:

●Have your child eat five servings of fruits or vegetables each day. Fresh or cooked fruits and vegetables count towards the goal, but fruit juice does not. A serving is usually one whole fruit (such as an apple or banana) or a half cup of vegetables. If you don’t have fresh fruits and vegetables available, you can use frozen or canned ones instead.

If your child does not like vegetables or fruit, start slowly. Eat these foods yourself to set a good example, and have your child keep trying them.

●Limit your child’s “screen time.” Screen time includes watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer or other electronic device for things other than schoolwork. Experts recommend that young children (ages two to five) have no more than one hour a day of screen time. Older children should also limit screen time. Spending too much time watching TV or using electronics raises a person’s risk of being overweight.

●Have your child do physical activity for one hour or more each day. This can include organised activities like sports or dance. But children can also get exercise just through play.

●Do not give your child any sugary drinks. Sugary drinks include soda, sports drinks, and all juices.

You and your child might not be able to meet all of these goals at first, but that’s OK. Choose one or two goals to try first. Later on, you can try to meet all of these goals. — Family Medical Practice

*Dr Philippe Jean Collin is a French peadiatrician with Family Medical Practice Hanoi. He is a member of the French Society of Pediatrics, American Society of Nephrologists, and the Pediatric Academy Societies.

For more advice on any medical topics, visit www.vietnammedicalpractice.com or visit our clinics:

Family Medical Practice Hanoi on 298 I Kim Mã Street, Ba Đình District or call (024) 3843 0748. Email: [email protected] or

FMP’s downtown HCM City location is at Diamond Plaza, 34 Lê Duẩn Street, District 1; Other facilities are at: 95 Thảo Điền Street, District 2. Tel: (028) 38227848. E: [email protected] .

FMP Danang is located at 96-98 Nguyễn Văn Linh Street, Hải Châu District, Đà Nẵng. Tel: (0236) 3582 699. E: [email protected] .