A zoo in Mexico successfully reproduces the world's smallest endangered turtle.

In a step forward for the conservation of endangered species, the Guadalajara Zoo in Jalisco, Mexico, has successfully bred the Vallarta turtle (Kinosternon vogti) under professional care, considered the smallest turtle in the world.

The milestone marks a key step toward preserving a species endemic to the Ameca River wetlands, between Jalisco and Nayarit, whose population is estimated at only 500 individuals.

Biologist Ricardo Dávalos, head of the zoo's herpetarium, explained to EFE that the Casquito turtle, discovered in 2018, faces threats from urban expansion in Puerto Vallarta, Telesur reported on its website.

"The construction of residential areas is increasingly covering more territory where some of these graves are located. If we add to that the fact that it's a rare species, it