Abstract

Illegal trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles is an ongoing threat to wild populations. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that draws on perspectives from conservation, criminology, and supply chain management, we describe the Canadian tortoise and freshwater-turtle supply chain and examine the intersection between legal and illegal trade. Leveraging data gathered through federal wildlife enforcement records as well as interviews with vendors, we characterize the actors involved in trade, the species traded, and pathways for legal and illegal trade in Canada. Given current laws, regulations, and information resources, we find that non-native turtles successfully trafficked into Canada are, for the most part, indistinguishable from legally sourced specimens. This reality, coupled with a small captive-bred population, creates the potential for illegal supply chains to provide these turtles for willing purchasers. To reduce the possibility of illegally sourced animals being laundered through legitimate trade, it will be useful to explore and research ways to engage industry, educate pet buyers, and enhance policy to mitigate these realities.

Abstract

The illegal trade in meat and pets is a well-recognized conservation threat to South Asian tortoises and freshwater turtles. We highlight additional threats from the trade in turtle body parts, particularly in dried calipee of softshell turtles. Evidence from media-reported seizures, publicly available government records, and field-based information suggests that the illegal trade in calipee, which targets endangered softshell turtle species, is more pervasive than previously acknowledged. Between 2007 and January 2024, at least 5351.5 kg of dried calipee (equivalent to 133.8 tons to 246.2 tons of turtles) were seized from South Asia, with several large consignments (more than 500 kg) headed to international destinations, including Hong Kong, China. Given the lack of awareness and enforcement challenges in identifying this product, we expect that the seizures represent a very small percentage of the actual trade. Literature and field-based information suggest that this trade specifically targets endangered softshell turtle species such as Nilssonia gangetica, Nilssonia hurum, Nilssonia leithii, and Chitra indica, further highlighting the conservation concerns surrounding this cryptic trade. We urge the conservation community and law enforcement agencies across Asia, at both source sites and markets, to contribute toward creating a nuanced understanding of this trade and take active measures to mitigate the threat posed by calipee trade to endangered turtles in South Asia.

Abstract

This study examines the global trade dynamics of Testudo tortoises from 2006 to 2021, using data from the CITES database, and compares it to a prior study between 1975 to 2005. The analysis covers trade volumes, patterns, and sources, highlighting discrepancies in reported figures and the impact of illegal trade. Over this period, 125 countries imported and 97 countries exported Testudo species, with the majority of transactions involving Testudo hermanni, Testudo horsfieldii, and Testudo graeca. The United States emerged as the largest importer, and Germany was the leading exporter. A significant portion of the trade involved live tortoises for the pet industry, with captive-bred sources surpassing wild-caught specimens in later years. However, discrepancies between declared imports and exports suggest ongoing challenges in trade regulation. Statistical analysis indicated varying trends among species, with a noticeable decline in the T. horsfieldii trade after 2017. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced regulatory enforcement and consumer awareness to mitigate illegal trade and promote sustainable practices. It also calls for continued international cooperation to address the socioeconomic drivers of wildlife trafficking. The findings aim to inform policy interventions and conservation strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability and welfare of Testudo populations.

Editorial Introduction. — This section is devoted to poetry involving turtles, representing either reprinted previously published or new unpublished material. We encourage our readers to submit poetry or songs for consideration, either their own material or work by other authors. Poems may be submitted to Anders G.J. Rhodin, Chelonian Research Foundation, E-mail: RhodinCRF@aol.com.

Our desire is to share with our readers the beauty and wonder of turtles as expressed through the art of the poem or song. In the sense that the relationship between humans and turtles is multifaceted, so too is turtle poetry. The poems we