Men Involved In Traffic Of Protected Spotted Turtles
I, Columnia, SC 2 men have been sentenced on federal wildlife trafficking charges for operations involving protected spotted turtles. Baker, who sold about 35 spotted turtles is sentenced to 3 years probation for the wildlife and weapons charges while Robertson, who claim he has more than 119 spotted turtles was caught selling 26 spotted turtles to an undercover agent and is sentenced to time served. This area of the United States is qualified as a “Turtle priority area” given its turtle biodiversity. Clemmys guttata is classified as Endangered species and it is a protected species, therefore a permit is required for possessing and selling them in the area. Obviously, neither Baker nor Robertson had a permit.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
The Cairns Tropical Zoo just received 5 radiated tortoises Astrochelys radiata
Apart from Fabio that we mentioned a few days ago, the Marine Science Center has rescued more than 16 turtles this year. This is above the average and the year is not over yet
Education
If you are not qualified enough to tell whether the animal is a turtle or a tortoise, do not toss it into a pond. The girl featured in that video tossed a gopher tortoise into a pond. This is not the first time it happens…. unfortunately.
Crime & Punishment
The National Environment and Planning Agency is investigating a group of men involved in the slaughtering of a Hawksbill turtle in Alligator Pond, Jamaica.
Miscellaneous
Tortoises on the run in Plymouth
Did You Know…
The spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata, can handle very cold temperatures. It has been seen wandering about in a pond beneath a thick layer of ice.
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