Hà Đình Đức
Quick Facts
Biography
Hà Đình Đức is a Vietnamese biology professor. He was born on March 23 1940 in the Thọ Xuân District (Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam). He is known for describing the Hoan Kiem turtle, which he classified under name Rafetus leloii. Duc believes it is distinct from the Yangtze giant softshell turtle, which is generally regarded by other biologists as the same species. He has also been at odds with other conservationists and officials who believe the turtle should remain in the Hoan Kiem lake, while he believes it should be removed to avoid competing with other invasive turtle species of the lake. Additionally, Ha believes there is only one Hoan Kiem turtle living in the lake, even though witnesses have reported at least one other turtle in the lake.