TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature

Radiated Tortoise Astrochelys radiata was the most numerous species observed during TRAFFIC's surveys in Chatuchak Market. The species is listed in Appendix I of CITES, yet is readily available and openly sold in Thailand. © Chris R. Shepherd TRAFFIC Southeast Asia  Click photo to enlargeKuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 April 2008—Thailand is a major hub for the international trade in illegal freshwater turtles and tortoises, finds a new report, Pet freshwater turtle and tortoise trade in Chatuchak Market, Bangkok, Thailand, launched today by TRAFFIC, the wildlife monitoring network, a joint programme of WWF and IUCN.

Surveys of Chatuchak Market (also known as the JJ or Weekend Market) by TRAFFIC investigators found that 25 out of 27 freshwater turtle and tortoise species for sale were non-native, the vast majority of them illegally imported into the country.

“Dealers stated openly that many specimens were smuggled into and out of Thailand,” said Chris R. Shepherd, Senior Programme Officer for TRAFFIC Southeast Asia. “They even offered potential buyers advice on how to smuggle reptiles through customs and onto aeroplanes.”

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Ploughshare Tortoises are severely threatened by illegal trade, but appear to be increasingly available in the Southeast Asian pet trade, like this individual seized in Malaysia. Authorities are urged to take serious action against anyone trading in this species. © Chris R. Shepherd/TRAFFIC Southeast Asia  Click photo to enlargeKuala Lumpur, Malaysia—The Royal Thai Police have seized 14 Slow Loris, an otter, 96 birds (including 24 owls), several tortoises and marine products (including 480 hard corals, 187 soft corals, 22 sea fans and 22 Giant Clams) during a raid on  Chatuchak market, popularly known as JJ Market, the largest wildlife market in Bangkok.

The raid on 22 March targeted dealers selling wildlife in contravention of Thailand's Wild Animals Reservation and Protection Act 1992, or in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  

The seized tortoises included 18 Radiated and 3 Ploughshare Tortoises from Madagascar (both listed in CITES Appendix I, meaning international trade in these species is banned).

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Indian Star Tortoises being traded illegally and in filthy conditions© Chris R. Shepherd / TRAFFIC Southeast Asia  Click photo to enlarge  Cambridge, UK—In reponse to a TRAFFIC report, An overview of the regulation of the freshwater turtle and tortoise pet trade in Jakarta, Indonesia, launched last month, the Indonesian Government has acted swiftly to tighten up regulations on importing exotic species of tortoises and turtles into the country.

The report highlights the rampant illegal trade in tortoises and turtles in the pet markets of the nation’s captial, Jakarta.

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