Critically Endangered Tortoises Stolen From Breeding Center
There is bad news for some critically endangered tortoises in the Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. It has been reported that six Astrochelys yniphora and 72 Astrochelys radiata were stolen from Bang Phra Water Bird Breeding Station last month. These tortoises were being cared for at the bird breeding center following their confiscation from poachers. This news is especially concerning considering the fact that Yniphora is the world’s most endangered tortoise species. Adisorn Noochdumrong, deputy director and general of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, has reported the theft to the Si Racha police and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Surasak Kanjanarat. Kanjanarat has ordered an investigation committee; however, the country of Madagascar has demanded that they be returned to them, as declared under CITES. The value of these tortoises is beyond imagining, being valued at 3 million baht; consequently, it is of high priority to recover the stolen animals and bring justice to the illegal wildlife traders.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Learn about conservation efforts: video
Nests discovered in North Carolina: video
Marianas government wants permission to harvest sea turtles
Painting boulders to raise sea turtle awareness
Another happy ending for a sea turtle
Project to benefit freshwater turtle nesting sites
Crime & Punishment
Fisherman discovered in possession of turtle meat
Firefighters responsible for sea turtle slaughter
Ecology
Storm decimates turtle nest
Education
Participate in a “Turtle Walk and Talk”
Miscellany
Florida to hold annual turtle festival
Did You Know…
The Tortoise Table provides a comprehensive guide on plants suitable and not suitable for tortoises. Uses an intuitive “traffic light” guide for suitability.
Question or Concerns? Want to submit an article to get posted? Email us at [email protected].
Photo from wikimedia commons.
