The 19th Meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES in Panama recently made headline news with the adoption of India’s proposal. Aimed at securing better protections for endemic species, the proposal focused on the transfer of Leith’s Softshell Turtle from Appendix II to Appendix I and the inclusion of the Jeypore Hill Gecko in Appendix II.
Significance of the Species Listings
The recent changes in the CITES Appendices have substantial implications for these species’ conservation. The move of Leith’s Softshell Turtle to Appendix I signals a comprehensive ban on its international commercial trade. Henceforth, international trade in captive-bred specimens will only be permitted from registered facilities. In tandem, there will be an increase in the severity of penalties for violations of illegal trading practices involving this species. These moves aim to strengthen the turtle’s CITES protection status, ultimately ensuring better survival prospects.
Similarly, the inclusion of the Jeypore Hill Gecko in Appendix II is significant. While it doesn’t impose the same rigid restrictions as Appendix I, it does mean that exporting countries must ensure that any trade is sustainable and not detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.
The Leith’s Soft-shelled Turtle: An Overview
Indigenous to peninsular India, the Leith’s Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia leithii) is a large freshwater turtle commonly found in rivers and reservoirs.
Over the past three decades, intensive exploitation has posed severe threats to this species. The turtle has fallen victim to rampant poaching and illegal consumption within India, and has also been traded abroad illegally for its meat and calipee — a gelatinous material extracted from its lower shell.
Reflecting the grim reality of its situation, population estimates indicate a staggering decline of around 90% over the past 30 years, rendering the species now challenging to locate.
Conservation Status of the Leith’s Soft-shelled Turtle
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identifies this turtle as ‘Critically Endangered’ on its Red List. This rating signifies that this species is on the brink of extinction and warrants immediate action to prevent such an outcome.
Domestically, under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), it features in Schedule IV, which encompasses animals accorded protection but ranked lower in terms of conservation priority compared to species listed on Schedules I and II.
Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), it has been moved up to Appendix I, which offers the highest level of protection, regulating the commercial trade of the animal to prevent its exploitation.
Final Remarks
The recent CITES amendments affirm the commitment of the international community towards biodiversity conservation. By reinforcing trade regulations and penalties, they aim to curb illegal activities that pose threats to endangered species. While it’s a step in the right direction, continuous monitoring and enforcement are crucial to ensure the survival of these threatened species.