PHNOM PENH, May 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 297 rare turtles in two species had hatched from their nests in Cambodia during the 2026 breeding season, said a news release from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia on Monday.
About 257 Cantors Giant Softshell Turtle hatchlings have been discovered on sand beaches along the Mekong River, the news release said.
"So far, 12 of the 14 nests have successfully hatched 257 turtles, while conservation teams continue monitoring the remaining two nests," the news release said.
Cantors Giant Softshell Turtle is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Also, during the 2026 breeding season, 40 Royal Turtle hatchlings successfully hatched in the Southeast Asian country.
"This is one of the biggest achievements for Cambodia's turtle conservation team this year," the news release said.
The 40 Royal Turtle hatchlings came from 50 eggs found in three nests discovered by the conservation team in February 2026 along the Sre Ambel River System in Koh Kong and Preah Sihanouk provinces.
The Royal Turtle is one of the world's 25 most threatened freshwater turtles and tortoises and is listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered. ■
