Endangered Turtles Discovered in Black Market Scandal

-
The issue of environmental crime can take place anywhere at anytime. Luckily, there are people out there who help stop such crimes from happening and reverse any potential damage that may have been caused. Or, to keep the issue from getting any worse, they are actively involved in preventative measures as well as educational outreach for the general public. One agency in particular recently got involved in a smuggling event regarding an airport in the Philippines that led them to discover suitcases filled with live exotic animals.

items.[0].image.alt
Photo from https://www.kjrh.com/news/national/more-than-1-500-live-turtles-found-duct-taped-and-stuffed-in-suitcases?fbclid=IwAR2qox8aWrhrYKErNnpUEWgdwZpVg_TFCXVYWHDzMiQOXTkqcOC5RP00s8s\
The officers of the Bureau of Customs in the Philippines recovered a number of suitcases that were hastily abandoned at Manila's Ninoy Aquino Airport. These suitcases, which had been smuggled onto a flight from Hong Kong, held more than 1,500 live turtles. Of the many turtles found, three of the species, the star tortoise, red-foot tortoise and African spurred tortoise, are listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as vulnerable. The fourth species, red-eared slider turtle, is a common household pet sold around the world. 

turts.jpg
Photo from https://www.kjrh.com/news/national/more-than-1-500-live-turtles-found-duct-taped-and-stuffed-in-suitcases?fbclid=IwAR2qox8aWrhrYKErNnpUEWgdwZpVg_TFCXVYWHDzMiQOXTkqcOC5RP00s8s\

When added together, the turtles were worth approximately $87,000 US dollars (4.5 million Philippine pesos), which led the Bureau to believe they were most likely trying to be sold.  Although the black market is highly illegal, it is unfortunately just as profitable. Due to this, both the Hong Kong and Philippine governments have hefty fines and lengthy jail sentences for those found with any endangered species. These repercussions are used to intercept but also deter people from engaging in such crimes. 

If you would like to read more about this incident and the issue of the black market on wildlife related to Hong Kong and other areas across the world, here are some links!

https://www.kjrh.com/news/national/more-than-1-500-live-turtles-found-duct-taped-and-stuffed-in-suitcases?fbclid=IwAR2qox8aWrhrYKErNnpUEWgdwZpVg_TFCXVYWHDzMiQOXTkqcOC5RP00s8s

https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/27/asia/golden-coin-turtle-hong-kong-intl/index.html

https://www.newsweek.com/2014/11/07/extinctcom-280884.html

More information about environmental crimes, as well as laws and policies in place to help the issue, will be coming in future blogs!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Electric Torpedo Ray of New England

-
Image
The Shocking Ray of New England Blog by  Coleman Earner - December 21, 2020 Dead Torpedo Ray in Brewster, MA Torpedo Rays are a genus of rays that are part of the Order  Torpediniformes (electric rays). In reference to local sightings, the most commonly seen torpedo ray in the Cape Cod region is the Atlantic Torpedo ( Torpedo nobiliana ). They are cartilaginous fish (most similar to the structure of sharks and skates) with a flat and rounded disc-like structure. As suggested by their order, torpedo rays are most commonly known for their ability to discharge electricity of up to 220 volts from both pectoral fins (pectoral fins are flat and expanded and fused to the head area) as a self defense mechanism or as a means of capturing prey. Their feeding strategy consists of burying themselves under the sand and waiting for unsuspecting prey to wander by.  Dead Torpedo Ray on a Cape Cod Beach. Torpedo Rays feed mainly on benthic/pelagic fish such as flounders, damselfish, and other small fis
Read more

Ocean sunfish stranding at Linnell Landing - October 9, 2010

-
Image
This afternoon, Chris called about an ocean sunfish that stranded dead at the end of Linnell Landing in Brewster, MA. Krill Carson along with two NECWA interns, Nick Schomburg and Caitlyn Dionne, headed down or met at Linnell Landing in the late afternoon. When they arrived on the shores of Cape Cod Bay, a crowd was gathering around the ocean sunfish carcass that was just off the beach parking lot. This sunfish was almost 6 feet in length and some of the beachgoers indicated that it had come up on the beach around 2 pm that day. At first, it was difficult to look at the deep propellor scars that cut through the dorsal (top) surface of the sunfish and extended into its left flank. But sunset was quickly approaching so this team focused at the task at hand, that was collecting body measurements as well as tissues from this carcass. Nick and Krill conducted a Level A exam on the carcass and Caitlyn took pictures as well as recorded data. Krill was able to determine that this animal was
Read more

September 21, 2013 - Successful Beach Cleanup at Scusset Beach State Reservation

-
Image
NECWA staff members Leah, Jane, Mary and Tammy. Squid egg cases.  Beach Cleanup at Scusset Beach We had a very successful beach cleanup this morning down at Scusset Beach State Reservation. Over 20 people joined us to help pick up the beach trash along the shores of Scusset Beach, a beautiful sandy beach at the mouth of the Cape Cod Canal. Joining us for this events were students from Bourne High School and Mass Maritime Academy as well as member of the general public. Kids young and old helped NECWA staff and interns pick up and record the type of marine debris that washed up on the beach.  Mass Maritime making a difference.  Mass Maritime students helping out.  This beach cleanup is part of a larger effort through COASTSWEEP, the Massachusetts-wide coastal cleanup that occurs during September and October. And our beach cleanup at Scusset Beach is in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Captain John Boats and Plymouth Whale W
Read more