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VIETNAM NET (Hanoi) 01 January 11 Legendary turtle suffers new injuries
After seeing a red-earred turtle on the back of the ancient turtle of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake last week, many visitors saw some new injuries on his back when he floated to the surface on December 30.
Professor Ha Dinh Duc, a famous researcher of Hanoi culture and Hanoi’s legendary turtle, said that perhaps red-eared turtles gnawed his shell.
The ancient turtle in the Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the only four turtles of the giant turtle species in the world. The another is living at another lake in Hanoi, named Dong Mo and the two last turtles are caged in China.
Hanoi authorities have asked relevant agencies and scientists to have measures to deal with red-eared turtles in the Hoan Kiem Lake to defend the legendary turtle.
Legendary turtle suffers new injuries

SAI GON GIAI PHONG (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) 07 January 11 Hanoi approves solutions to remove red-eared turtles from Sword Lake
The Hanoi People’s Committee has approved the Department of Science and Technology’s measures to remove red-eared turtles from Guom Lake (Sword Lake).
Hanoi will use cages and nets to catch the red-eared turtles that have thrived in the waters of Sword Lake
The department proposed to catch the turtles by two main ways. The first by means of baited cages, which will be placed under the water. The second way is to have floating traps which lure the turtles into the nets.
Therefore, the department will use catching devices that will not have an impact on other living species that inhabit the lake.
The People’s Committee said in order to bait the turtles into the traps, insects will be used. This is to ensure that no environmental damage will be caused to the lake.
According to Sai Gon Giai Phong records, the red-eared turtles have been sold widely at the Huong Pagoda in Hanoi and the Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh Province although the pagodas’ management has banned street vendors from selling the invasive turtles.
Hanoi approves solutions to remove red-eared turtles from Sword Lake

VIETNAM NEWS SERVICE (Hanoi) 11 January 11 Concern grows about care of legendary Ha Noi turtle
Ha Noi: There is increasing public concern over the safety of the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake turtle which has suffered numerous cuts inflicted by those who have tried to catch him.
Officials also say the turtle is under threat from invasive red-eared turtles that have proliferated in Returned Sword Lake.
"I feel very sorry for the legendary turtle who has suffered many injuries. It is also very cold at this time of year," Hanoian Bui Minh Duc said.
He said authorities should have taken steps to eradicate red-eared turtles when they first appeared in the country's waterways. Instead, he said they only planned to do something about the red-ear infestation in Hoan Kiem Lake in the lunar new year.
Officials plan to eradicate red-eared turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake using baited cages.
Hoang Hai from Thua Thien-Hue City said time was of the essence because eradicating red-eared turtles in the lake could not be done overnight.
"Everyone knows it will not be easy to wipe out the red-eared turtles. Why don't they move the turtle to a safe place and treat its injuries," he said.
The fabled Kim Quy Turtle is precious to Ha Noi because of the legend surrounding it. Every effort should be made to protect it, Hai said.
Do Thi Anh Ngoc from HCM City agreed with Hai. He said the turtle – one of just four such turtles left in the world – should be moved to Dong Mo Lake, where there is another giant turtle.
"Hoan Kiem Lake turtle is not only a national treasure but held dear by every Vietnamese person," Ngoc said. "It will be a crime if this turtle's life cannot be saved."
Meanwhile, associate professor Pham Binh Quyen, director of the Sustainable Environment Development Institute, said the municipal People's Committee's decision to try and wipe out the non-native red-eared turtles in the lunar new year was a prudent move.
"The injuries sustained by the Hoan Kiem Lake turtle are ominous. Caution should be exercised," Duc said.
Turtles are a cultural icon here in Viet Nam, particularly the one in Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend has it that King Le Loi helped repel invading Chinese forces with a sword presented to him by God.
He later returned the sword to the turtle in the lake. In fact Hoan Kiem means "Returning sword."
Officials from the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Hoan Kiem district People's Committee and the Hoan Kiem Lake Management Board will spearhead efforts to wipe out the red-eared turtles.
Ngo Thi Thanh Hang, deputy chairwoman of Ha Noi Municipal People's Committee, has asked the department to ensure the lake's ecological balance is not harmed by efforts to protect the giant turtle.
In addition, the city will disseminate information about the negative impacts of red-eared turtles on the lake's ecosystem and ban trade and transport of red-eared turtles.
"It is heart-rending to hear the legendary turtle has sustained so many injuries," said Hanoian Nguyen Giang Nam. "We must protect the turtle as soon as possible."
Concern grows about care of legendary Ha Noi turtle