By Willy Chowoo
Conservation efforts should focus on establishing eco-tourism initiatives to benefit local communities while protecting the Nile Softshell turtle species.
Discovery of the Nile Softshell Turtle in Amuru
Amony Florence, 33, a resident of Pupwonya South village in Attiak Sub County, Amuru District, knew nothing about the Trionyx triunguis (Nile Softshell turtle) until she accidentally caught one while fishing. Expecting to reel in a mudfish, she instead found a 20kg turtle on her hook.
“When I tried to pull it out of the water, I found it was too heavy. When I finally managed to get it out, I realized it was something different. I almost lost my senses and ran mad,” Amony recalls.
As a fisherwoman, Amony had set up 10 hooks along River Ayugi, half a mile from her home. That night, two of her hooks caught large mudfish, while the third captured the turtle. This marked the latest recorded discovery of the Nile Softshell turtle in Uganda.
The Status of the Nile Softshell Turtle in Uganda
Scientifically known as Trionyx triunguis, the Nile Softshell turtle is a critically threatened species in Uganda. It has been recorded in several locations, including the shores of Lake Albert near River Semliki, Lake Edward, and Murchison Falls National Park. The species is also found near oil drilling sites in the Albertine region, particularly around King Fisher, Kaiso-Tonya, and Mbegu-Buliisa near the Tilenga Project operated by Total E&P Uganda (TEPU).
According to Dr. Mathias Behangana, a senior herpetologist and researcher in Uganda, the discovery of the Nile Softshell turtle in Amuru District in July 2023 is the most recent record of the species since 2015.
“These turtles are critically threatened due to their consumption by locals,” says Dr. Behangana. “Many people believe the meat has medicinal value.”
He emphasizes the need for joint conservation management, advocating for community engagement in conservation efforts. “Since these turtles are found in community areas, we need to educate locals on alternative uses such as eco-tourism rather than hunting them for meat.”
Fishing Practices and Human Encounters with the Turtle
Fishermen and women along River Ayugi say they often capture the Nile Softshell turtle accidentally while fishing. On average, more than 25 turtles are caught each season, although they are difficult to find.
Mr. Okeny, a well-known fisherman in the area, recounts an incident that occurred two days after Amony’s encounter. “One of my neighbors killed a Softshell turtle on the eastern side of the river. I tried to stop them, but by the time I arrived, they had already skinned it for meat,” he narrates.
Unlike Amony’s neighbor, her husband, Nyeko Geoffrey, recognized the importance of conserving the species. With the help of their son, the family brought the turtle home alive. “When I saw it for the first time, I realized it was a rare creature that needed to be protected. Although many people wanted to eat it, I refused and returned it to the water,” Nyeko says.
Despite these conservation efforts, many people in the area continue to eat Softshell turtles. Mr. Okeny admits, “I have been eating Softshell turtle meat for the last seven years, and some people continue to do so even if they are not actively hunting them.”
The Habitat and Distribution of the Nile Softshell Turtle
The Nile Softshell turtle is one of two freshwater turtle species found in Uganda. The other is the Nubian Flapshell turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans), which was presumed extinct in the wild but was rediscovered in Uganda in 2021. However, it remains critically endangered according to the IUCN.
River Ayugi, a tributary of the White Nile, originates from Lamogi Sub County in Amuru District and stretches approximately 140 km. Reports indicate that both freshwater turtle species inhabit Amuru District, with Cyclanorbis elegans recorded along the border with South Sudan at Elegu Township. Dr. Behangana suggests further research is needed to determine whether the two species share habitats.
“This species seems to exist in the same environment as the Cyclanorbis elegans,” he notes. “We need more research to understand their interactions. They might be living together in the same river.”
Threats to the Nile Softshell Turtle
The Nile Softshell turtle is widely collected for consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily for local subsistence. In Uganda, the meat is highly valued, but due to the species’ rarity, trade remains minimal. At River Ayugi, residents consume the turtle without engaging in trade, as few people are aware of its existence.
Beyond local consumption, Trionyx triunguis faces additional threats.
Conservation Efforts and the Need for Eco-Tourism
The Nile Softshell turtle is listed in CITES Appendix II, and conservation measures are in place in some parts of the world, including Egypt, Turkey, and Israel. In Turkey’s Dalyan region, marine turtle protection initiatives have successfully incorporated the Trionyx triunguis into eco-tourism projects.
Dr. Behangana believes similar strategies should be implemented in Uganda. “Eco-tourism can provide alternative livelihoods for local communities while ensuring the conservation of this species. If locals understand the economic benefits, they will be more inclined to protect the turtles rather than hunt them.”
Uganda’s conservation policies should integrate awareness campaigns, habitat protection, and sustainable tourism initiatives to safeguard the Nile Softshell turtle from extinction.
NB: The story was initially in 2023
