AKP Phnom Penh, April 24, 2026 -- 

A total of 15 Asian giant softshell turtles, locally known as Kantheay Kbal Kongkaeb, were released into their natural habitat in Kratie province as part of ongoing conservation efforts to protect one of the world’s rarest freshwater turtle species.

The release ceremony was led by H.E. Ms. Im Rachna, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, together with fisheries conservation experts and relevant officials at O’Krosang village, Boeung Char commune, Sambo district.

Speaking with local community members, H.E. Ms. Im Rachna conveyed greetings and appreciation from Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries H.E. Dith Tina, thanking residents for their dedication to conserving rare wildlife habitats along the Mekong River.

She also expressed gratitude to the Fisheries Conservation Department of the Fisheries General Department, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), fisheries authorities in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces, and local communities for their joint efforts in protecting the species.

H.E. Ms. Im Rachna encouraged continued conservation activities, including nest protection, public education and awareness campaigns, stronger law enforcement, and livelihood support programs for local communities.

The Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is considered one of Cambodia’s most threatened aquatic species.

The species has disappeared from many countries, while the Mekong River stretches in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces remain its only confirmed stronghold and the largest known habitat in the world.

So far in 2026, conservation teams have discovered and protected 14 turtle nests. As a result, 95 hatchlings have successfully emerged, while one adult breeding turtle was rescued and transferred to the Koh Kong Reptile Conservation Centre for care and monitoring.

By C. Nika