Hey everyone,
Never posted on this forum before but just wanted to share a bit of travel notes to my homeland of Taiwan this summer. Apparently, there's a surging interest in softshell turtle farming for food that I noticed. It's not like locals there never ate softshells before, but usually turtle eating is a unique delicacy for those who want to try something funky. As a kid, I always got angry at seeing turtles offered for sale at markets (though not often)as food but this time back I realize the potential in turtle farming as a way to preserve wild specimens. The mass production of softshells are done in well-kept farms by well-knowledged owners who frequently document their successes on TV for people to watch. And then they have physicians who talk of research on the health benefits of eating softshells...I don't quite buy it but my point is I have realized the benefits of turtle farming here. If it helps prevent overcollection from the wild, I'm all for it. As for increased consumption of turtles, it's still rare considering how much easier and cheaper it is to eat something else. But for pets, they are still popular. In some places and nightmarkets, you can buy softshell hatchlings at 2 for US $3 equivalent! I don't know but that seems like a pretty good deal for anyone who wants to buy one (and I did).
The other commonly seen turtle in the local markets are numerous striped-necked turtles (Ocadia Sinensis) which are usually cramped up in cages or bins in very unkempt conditions (try Kuan Du region by Tam Shui River). They sell for pretty cheap too...usually as pets. And of course, the red-eared slider dominates in every sale. I have read up on their numbers and it seems they are both farmed or rather abundant as of now.
Anyways, just thought it'd be interesting to share that. Anyone have a striped-necked and want to share their husbandry or interesting experiences please let me know.
Johnny
