Breeding features of northern Chinese softshell turtle on the Lower Amur in 2022

The article presents for the first time materials on the breeding of the red-listed northern Chinese softshell turtle in Khabarovsk Krai (near the village of Innokentievka, Nanai district) in 2022 during the period of elevated water levels in the Amur basin. The research covered almost the entire reproductive period - from June 6 to September 1. We have traced behavioral features and reproductive capabilities of mature females, found 55 clutches, 45 were under direct observation. The results of the research showed that the problem of maintaining the numerical state of the rare endemic of the Amur River region is quite solvable due to strict control and timely digging of eggs from the nesting soil and moving them to higher places or using home incubators to avoid flooding. It was the first experience of incubation of the northern Chinese softshell turtle eggs. The research was carried out under the control of the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources of Khabarovsk Krai.