World’s most heavily trafficked turtle plays vital role in Indonesia environment, economy
The Southeast Asian box turtle is the most heavily trafficked turtle in the world – captured and sold to China for food and medicine and for the pet trade in the United States, Japan and Europe. But little was known about its ecology until a University of Rhode Island herpetologist spent six months studying the animal’s habits and habitat last year.
Her findings suggest that the attractive turtle plays a vital ecological role in the region’s lowland swamp and savannah pool ecosystems by increasing the germination rate of tree seeds, including trees that are important to the region’s lumber industry.
“Trafficking in turtles is a major issue in Southeast Asia, and it’s important that we understand the key ecological roles that species like this box turtle play before it’s too late,” said Nancy Karraker, URI associate professor of natural resources science. “As we learned through this study, protecting this one single element of biodiversity may be especially important.”
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Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Cape Verdes:- TUI Care Foundation supports Sea Turtles
Crime & Punishment
Malaysia:- MMEA busts two smugglers with 3,300 turtles
India:- SC Denies Bail to International Turtle Smuggler Lodged in Madhya Pradesh Jail
Ecology
India:- Mass nesting of Olive Ridleys starts in Odisha’s Gahirmatha
Health & Medical
Thailand:-Group of Thai fishermen rally to save turtle trapped in tangled fishing net (Video)
Miscellany
Australia:- Mon Repos Turtle Centre features in national podcast
USA:- The Wild Center, Marsh Turtle webcam
USA:- Turtle Roadkill Survey Training Course, ME
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Photo from Jessica Atutubo.
