Combatting Turtle Trafficking
The illegal trade of turtles is a significant and ongoing problem, and a recent New York Times article has brought this issue to light once again. In this particular case, a man from Virginia has pleaded guilty to trafficking turtles, and unfortunately, this is not anything new. Turtles are collected in large numbers, sold illegally, and shipped overseas for the pet and food trade or to be used in folk medicine. Many turtles die or become sick during transportation, which is a cruel and inhumane way to treat these animals.
To combat this illegal trade, federal authorities work to confiscate shipments of illegally trafficked turtles before they leave the country. However, once the authorities open a shipment and find turtles sick or injured, they need to find a way to care for them. That’s where the Turtle SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program comes in. Turtle SAFE aims to conserve and expand wild populations of several species of turtles, including spotted turtles, bog turtles, wood turtles, Blanding’s turtles and the Eastern Box Turtle, which is currently the most numerous North American turtle in the illegal trade. Reflection Riding is a proud team member of the AZA’s American Turtle SAFE program.
Between 2018 and 2020, there were at least 11 major U.S. cases involving the confiscation of 11,892 turtles. The New York Port of Entry is a major point of departure for large numbers of illegally trafficked North American turtles. Over a three-year period (2017-2020), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Inspectors interdicted (meaning detecting, detaining, or seizing wildlife that has entered the stream of commerce) shipments containing more than 7,000 individual turtles representing 13 different native species at the international mail facility at JFK Airport.
The Easter Box Turtle, the most numerous North American turtle in the illegal trade.
It is important to note that the impact of a trafficker on a wild population can result in a ripple effect that could last for generations. Turtles tend to be slow to reach sexual maturity, which makes it even more critical to stop traders before they can affect those populations.
AZA Turtle SAFE works with agencies to receive confiscated turtles from the illegal trade, enter them into a series of quarantine phases where injuries and illnesses are treated, and determine their provenance if possible before repatriating them. Those that cannot be repatriated will remain in long-term care facilities like Reflection Riding. We will also be a quarantine three and four holding area for this program.
Turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, and their importance cannot be overstated. Nat Geo states, “turtles are ecological movers and shakers, thanks to their digging, moving a lot farther than you’d think they do and moving between ecosystems.” They create and modify habitats, affect food webs and mineral cycling, and act as scavengers. Their dug-out burrows can provide homes for animals large and small, and they are also important seed and spore dispersers for many plants, trees, and fungi. Native American tribes view the turtle as a symbol of healing, wisdom, spirituality, health, safety, longevity, protection, and fertility.
The burrow of a baby box turtle on Reflection Riding’s campus.
The illegal trade of turtles is a cruel and inhumane practice that must be stopped. Organizations like Turtle SAFE and Reflection Riding are working hard to care for confiscated turtles and conserve wild populations, but more needs to be done. It is our responsibility to protect these animals and ensure that they continue to play their crucial role in the ecosystem.
Nature is slow, but sure; she works no faster than need be; she is the tortoise that wins the race by her perseverance.
- Henry David Thoreau
