Yet Another State On Its Way To Initiating Ban Of Turtle Harvesting
Arkansas may be following in the footsteps of New York, Nevada, and Missouri in implementing new laws to ban the commercial harvest of the 14 turtle species that are legally collected each year. A shocking 126,381 turtles were harvested between 2014 and 2016 within the state, and Elise Bennett from the Center for Biological Diversity states that it has come time to take action against the unlimited trade of these declining turtles. Not only is this commercial harvesting detrimental to the fragile ecosystem, research has shown that such a practice cannot sustain the turtle population in the state. Environmentalists and conservationists are adamant that Arkansas begin to recognize the need to conserve their native species along with their habitat. As of yesterday, a petition was submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity, Arkansas Sierra Club, Arkansas Watertrails Partnership, Audubon Society of Central Arkansas, Environmental Resources Center, Kory Roberts and John Kelly to halt this harmful practice which is causing the rapid decline of these fascinating animals.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
UK: 5 ft. Caretta caretta shows up on Vatersay West Beach
Asia: Manouria impressa released into National Park
AU: Enthusiastic crowd sends off 80 sea turtles at Casuarina beach
Asia: Heroic fishermen take action for trapped sea turtle
US: Volunteer-run group headstarts Chelydra serpentina for release
Crime & Punishment
France: 450 kg of turtle meat discovered and suspects held
Health & Medical
US: Incredible victory for this Lepidochelys olivacea
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Photo from Dakota L..
