The Centre has conducted field studies on the population density, habitat selection, food habits, home range, activity patterns and reproductive ecology of species such as Testudo horsfieldi, Sacalia quadriocellata, Sacalia bealei, Cuora galbinifrons, Cuora mouhotii, Platysternon megacephalum, Geoemyda spengleri, Rafetus swinhoei and Pelodiscus sinensis, providing important field ecological data for the conservation of these species.

We found that the population of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle has plummeted by 90 percent, providing data to support the upgrading of its endangered status to vulnerable. We also discovered that the turtle's hatchlings spend the winter in their nests after emerging from their shells, which is an adaptive choice to successfully overwinter to escape from unfavourable environments, and it is the first discovery of freshwater turtles in China. However, illegal fishing and habitat destruction have led to sharp declines in Pelodiscus sinensis and turtle populations, so it is urgent to strengthen their protection. These two species are the most widely distributed and abundant species of soft-shelled turtles and chelonians, respectively, but this is the first report on their field ecology in China. This has greatly contributed to the importance of their endangered situation and the protection of their wild populations.