Researchers from World Animal Protection have established that more than 55,000 tortoises are being poached from just one site alone in south-east India each year.
In the first study to examine the trade of Indian star tortoise for over 15 years, the World Animal Protection has put forth evidence of a thriving international criminal operation, with tortoises being smuggled in boxes hidden under food items like vegetables or fish. Many don’t survive the long and illegal journey, and those who do survive suffer in confined spaces. Often they die prematurely from malnutrition, suffocation or the overwhelming stress of confinement
The study published in the scientific journal ‘Nature Conservation’ describes Thailand, one of the primary destinations for the smuggled animals, as a hub of illegal trade activity.
It also expresses legitimate concern about poachers having found a legal loophole in facilitating illegal poaching. “For instance, it’s illegal in India to possess and commercially trade star tortoises but not in Thailand, which has made them the most frequently seized tortoise recorded by Thai authorities between 2008 and 2013,” says the study.
Mr. Gajender Sharma (India Director at World Animal Protection) said: “Despite being protected in India since the 1970’s, legal ‘loopholes’ in other Asian countries such as Thailand and China appear to undermine India’s enforcement efforts. They are smuggled out of the country in confined spaces. It is clear there is little or no concern about the welfare of these reptiles.”
The survival of the Indian star tortoise is under threat by booming illegal trade that is growing due to international demand for them as exotic pets, wildlife experts warned.
Dr. Neil D’Cruze, head of Wildlife Research at World Animal Protection, said: “We were shocked at the sheer scale of the illegal trade in tortoises and the cruelty inflicted upon them. Over 15 years ago, wildlife experts warned that domestic trade in Indian star tortoises needed to be contained before it could become established as an organised international criminal operation.”
“Sophisticated criminal gangs are exploiting both impoverished rural communities and urban consumers alike. Neither group is fully aware how their actions are threatening the welfare and conservation of these tortoises,” Mr. D’Cruze added.
The Indian star tortoise is famed for the ‘star-like’ radiating patterns on its shell, which serve as camouflage. However, it is this same patterning that also makes it a popular pet for collectors around the world. To help save the tortoises from extinction and close the ‘loophole’, wildlife experts are calling for better cooperation between national enforcement agencies and for Thailand to prohibit private ownership by extending its domestic legislation to also cover non-native species.
