The recent publication of “From Pets to Plates,” a study conducted by the Counter Wildlife Trafficking Programme of the Wildlife Conservation Society-India, in Oryx, The International Journal of Conservation, sheds light on the illicit trade of tortoises and hard-shell turtles. This article aims to provide an overview of the key findings of this report while focusing on the various species of tortoises and turtles under threat.
Chennai: The Hub of Turtle Trafficking
According to the study, Chennai is at the forefront of tortoise and hard-shell turtle trafficking. The city’s strategic position in the global pet trade facilitates the illicit trade of these reptiles. Other significant Indian cities contributing to the trafficking network include Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Anantapur, Agra, North 24 Parganas (in West Bengal), and Howrah (near the India-Bangladesh border).
Soft-Shell Turtle Trafficking: Mostly Domestic
The study reveals that the trafficking of soft-shell turtles is predominantly domestic, with international trafficking mainly limited to Bangladesh. These turtles are in high demand on the illegal market due to their popular culinary use amongst certain communities.
The Asian Turtle Crisis
Illegal trade for food, pets, and medicinal purposes has placed immense pressure on wild populations of tortoises and freshwater turtles. The study reports that at least 15 of the 30 threatened Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles (TFT) species in India are currently being illegally traded. The Indian flapshell turtle and the Ganges softshell turtle, both freshwater species found in the Ganges, Indus, and Mahanadi rivers, are amongst those widely traded.
Comparing Trafficking Networks
Comparatively, the tortoise and hard-shell turtle networks have more international links and a wider geographical scale than the soft-shell turtle network. Tortoise and hard-shell turtle smuggling involves complex routes, while soft-shell turtle trafficking typically involves a direct route from source to destination.
Dire State of Trafficked Turtles
Turtles involved in illegal trade often suffer dehydration, starvation, and injuries. High mortality rates among trafficked turtles underscore the critical need to address this issue urgently.
Tortoises and Hard-Shell Turtles: Overview
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), most turtle and tortoise species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Examples include the terrestrial Indian star tortoise and the semi-aquatic Olive Ridley Turtle and Green Turtle. These animals, part of the order Testudines/Chelonia, feature rigid and bony shells that provide them with excellent protection.
Soft-Shell Turtles: Characteristics and Indian Species
Softshell turtles, belonging to the family Trionychidae, get their name from their leathery, flexible shells lacking hard scales. They commonly inhabit mud, sand, and shallow waters. The Indian Flapshell turtle, Indian peacock softshell turtle, and Leith’s Soft-shelled Turtle are some of the widely found soft-shell turtles in India.
Distinguishing Features of Tortoises and Turtles
While all tortoises are technically turtles, they primarily differ in their habitat and physical features. Tortoises are mainly terrestrial and have a high-domed, heavy shell, thick, columnar legs, and claw-like toes. In contrast, turtles, whether omnivorous or herbivorous, often feature thinner, more streamlined shells and flipper-like legs with webbed feet for an aquatic lifestyle.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024