SONGKHLA: Three endangered Asian forest tortoises have laid a total of 91 eggs at Songkhla Zoo.
Wanchai Tanwattana, director of the zoo, said the Asian forest tortoise, also known as Asian brown tortoise, is the second largest tortoise species found in Thailand, and listed as an endangered and protected animal.
The zoo had five male Asian forest tortoises and was able to get them to mate with 10 females, and on Thursday, three of the females laid 91 eggs, Mr Wanchai said.
He said zoo officials are keeping a close watch on the eggs. The incubation period is about 60 days.
After they hatch, the zoo will help the young tortoises get back to their natural habitat, he added.
The Asian forest tortoise is listed in Cites (Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix II, which requires countries to regulate trade of a species by issuing export permits to ensure their sustainability in the wild.