Half of world's turtles face extinction, scientists say

While the plight of sea turtles is fairly well known, very few people realize that many freshwater turtles and tortoises face an even more critical situation.

August 27, 1999
Web posted at: 10:01 a.m. EDT (1401 GMT)

Nearly half of the world's turtle species face possible extinction, due in large part to the growing use of turtles as sources for food and medicinal ingredients, freshwater turtle experts attending an international conference concluded earlier this month.

While the plight of sea turtles is fairly well known, very few people realize that many freshwater turtles and tortoises face an even more critical situation. The causes are crystal clear, says Dr. Jeffrey Lovich, a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. "With freshwater turtles we know that it's over exploitation by humans, so we know it's manageable. The issue is, are people willing to stop killing turtles, especially in Southeast Asia."

The Southeast Asian trade is driven by an enormous and growing demand from China, where age-old traditions of consuming turtles for food and as medicine are growing dramatically with increased affluence and the recent convertibility of Chinese currency. Some of the most desired species cost as much as $1,000 in Southeast Asian markets.

"Although much of this is being done in the name of tradition, it now threatens the survival of a globally important group of animals. In light of the severity of the problem, this use of turtles should be stopped," said Mittermeier.

The already depleted turtle populations in Southeast Asian countries have been hit particularly hard.

The turtle decline seems first and foremost to be driven by human consumption.

More and more frequently scientists have been finding turtles that are rarely seen in the wild in open markets and restaurants. Several Chinese species discovered in the last two decades may already be extinct. Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia are exporting large numbers of turtles to China and this unsustainable trade now seems to be extending to other countries as well.

The United States, home to about 55 species of turtles representing approximately 20 percent of the world's total turtle diversity, exports more than 7 million turtles every year as pets or food products. Conference participants say that of the 55 species in the U.S., 25 species are in need of conservation action, and 21 species are protected, or are candidates for protection.

Conference participants outlined a series of measures to address the turtle survival crisis, calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws, an increase in import and export regulations governing international trade of freshwater turtles, and the establishment of captive breeding programs for some of the most endangered species. The scientists also want more dialogue among international researchers and policy makers, and recommended that non-governmental conservation organizations develop turtle conservation strategies.

"We are on the brink of losing a group of animals that has managed to survive the upheavals of the last 200 million years, including the great extinction episode that eliminated the dinosaurs," says Dr. Russell Mittermeier, president of Conservation International.

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