The act of unlawfully trafficking two disparagingly endangered tortoise species from Madagascar has exceeded epidemic proportions. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Turtle Survival Alliance, Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, Turtle Conservancy, Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund and other groups, it is advised that authorities must discontinue others from wildlife smuggling before some of these species are collected to the point of extinction.
According to the aforementioned groups, more than 1,000 radiated and ploughshare tortoises have been seized from smugglers during the beginning of 2013 alone. In fact, during late March, 54 ploughshare tortoises were found as far as Thailand before being apprehended by law officials. A recent report by TRAFFIC states that the radiated tortoise is currently the most common tortoise for sale in Bangkok's notorious Chatuchak wildlife market.
The groups feel that since the beginning of Madagascar's ongoing political crisis in 2009, smuggling has amplified by at least ten-fold due to poor administration and rule-of-law. In addition, destruction of cultural protection of the tortoises for short term financial gain has added to their rapid decline. In the past, tortoises were protected by "fady." By definition a "fady" is a local belief that harming the tortoises is forbidden. However, with years of drought and an increase in the poverty level in the area, people from regions beyond the tortoise's natural habitat, who do not practice these beliefs, are catching and illegally selling tortoises.
"These tortoises are truly one of Madagascar's most iconic species," said James Deutsch, WCS Executive Director for Africa Programs. "This level of exploitation is unsustainable. Unless urgent action is taken to better protect the wild populations, their disappearance is expected."
The Wildlife Conservation Society and many other groups like it are beseeching to Malagasy officials to establish a strong stance against illicit trafficking and increase the number of guards in remote areas to the north where the tortoises remain. Doing so, coupled with public education efforts and better enforcement in importing countries such as Thailand, will assist in taking pressure off these disparagingly endangered reptiles. In the meantime, the Turtle Conservancy and Turtle Survival Alliance have been able to import a few animals seized from the illegal trade into the U.S. for the basis of an assurance colony.
If trade acts such as these continue, then extinction of species such as these will likely be anticipated.
