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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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