Chinese Softshell Turtle of the Ou River

Chinese Softshell Turtle of the Ou River

　　The Chinese Softshell Turtle of the Ou River

　　The Ou River is the native habitat of the Chinese softshell turtle. This species is under first-class state protection in China. Currently, there are only over 100 individuals left nationwide, mainly distributed in places such as Shimen Pool, Zhixi Pool, Shawan Pool, and Shili Pool in Qingtian. The turtle resembles a soft-shelled turtle in appearance but weighs twenty to thirty times more. It possesses great strength — capable of capsizing small boats, carrying people across the river, or even pulling people underwater. It stays hidden at the bottom of the river during the day and comes out to feed at night. Its reproductive ability is not strong, laying eggs in sandy areas along the riverbank. After laying eggs, to avoid leaving any traces, the female turtle will leap from the sandbank — four or five meters away — into the river like an arrow. The sight is truly spectacular, though such a phenomenon occurs only once in a century and is rarely seen.

　　The turtle’s meat is rich in gelatin, which naturally sets into jelly in summer. Its culinary value is considered higher than that of monkey brain or bear paw, but it is prohibited from being consumed. Legend has it that buying and releasing a turtle can ward off illness and disaster, making turtle release a notable custom in Qingtian.