DNA analysis confirms Hoan Kiem turtle is new species

[Surroundx]

DNA analysis has apparently been performed on the legendary Hoan Kiem turtle , long considered an individual of R. swinehoei. The animal, a female, has apparently been confirmed as a new species:

VietNamNet - Hoan Kiem turtle is a new species | Hoan Kiem turtle is a new species

[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoan_Kiem_turtle]Hoan Kiem turtle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

 

[Surroundx]

I'm not sure whether to believe the story! But if it is true, then this is the only individual known and the species must therefore be considered as being listed as functionally extinct. It would also be the second chelonian to have only a single individual left of its kind, after "Lonesome George":

[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelonoidis_nigra_abingdoni]Chelonoidis nigra abingdoni - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

 

[DDcorvus]

Not so good news. So the Rafetus swinhoei is down to 3 specimens and the Hoan Kiem turtle is functionally extinct. Very nice

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Yes, functionally extinct (1 / 1) plus R. swinhoei down to 3 individuals to assist in its potential recovery (...alas).

 

[Blackduiker]

So they finally caught the Hoan Kiem mystery turtle? I've been seeing videos and reading about that turtle for years. Hopefully in some remote area lakes of Vietnam, they'll discover more of the same of this species. Keep hope alive.

 

[Saola]

Has anyone ever successfully cloned a turtle?