Indian Turtles Are At Risk For Restaurant Trade

Of late, Indian soft shell turtles are under constant threat of extinction due to poaching and illegal trade.
Despite being listed under the highest level of protection law under Indian Wildlife Protection act, Indian Pond Terrapins and Indian Flap-Shelled Turtles are constantly poached for meat.

This pathetic conditions of Indian turtles are highlighted in a recently published article in the journal Tropical Conservation Science.

According to a survey conducted by K. Krishnakumar, Rajeev Raghavan and Benno Pereira in Punnamada, Kerala, it is revealed that Indian pond terrapins and Indian flap-shelled turtles are regularly trafficked for the restaurant trade. They are poached from the Punnamada wetland and Vembanad lake to meet the demand for meat in local restaurants and toddy shops.

People believed that consumption of turtle meat would effective in controlling arthritis and curing other diseases. Authors of the article has mentioned that despite having a strong a Indian Wildlife Protection Act, very little law has been enforced till date. Turtles are very easily exploited and traded in this region.

So, to safeguard the population of turtles, its become really important to launch an awareness programs to educate local fishers, turtle collectors and restaurants owners about relevant wildlife laws as well as on the biological and socio-economic impacts of turtle exploitation and trade.