Black Market Turtle Trade: How Much Do They Make?

The illegal trade of turtles is a global issue, with a recent report exposing a massive network of turtle smuggling. The trade is driven by demand for turtles as exotic pets, food, jewellery, traditional medicine, and religious and cultural practices. Rare and uniquely patterned turtles are the most valuable on the black market, with some people paying thousands of dollars to get their hands on these creatures. The black market price of a sea turtle can be more than $3500, and a single egg can cost up to $300. In addition to the live animals, the black market also trades in turtle shells, bones, and meat. This illegal trade has led to the seizure of thousands of turtles and the arrests of dozens of people worldwide.

Sea turtles are worth more than $3500 on the black market

Sea turtles are worth a lot of money on the black market, with their meat, eggs, shells, and bones selling for more than $3500. The illegal trade in sea turtles is a serious issue, with people going to extreme lengths to get their hands on these majestic creatures. While it is a criminal offence to trade sea turtles in any form, there are still those who are willing to pay a high price to own one.

The black market for sea turtles is driven by various factors, including the belief that turtle products have medicinal properties, their use in traditional medicines and cultural practices, and their value as exotic pets. Some people also view sea turtles as a delicacy, with their meat and eggs being consumed as food. This demand for sea turtle products has led to a thriving global market, with thousands of turtles being smuggled and sold illegally each year.

The high price of sea turtles on the black market poses a significant threat to their survival. Sea turtles are already an endangered species, and the illegal trade only adds to the pressure on their populations. It is estimated that the survival rate of sea turtle hatchlings is less than 1%, and even those who make it to the sea face threats such as pollution, climate change, and death or injury from trying to cross roads.

To combat the illegal trade in sea turtles, regulators are working to strengthen regulations and increase enforcement. It is important for people to understand the impact of the black market on sea turtle populations and to make informed decisions when it comes to owning a turtle. Instead of trying to own a sea turtle illegally, people can consider adopting one from a reputable rescue organization or supporting conservation efforts to protect their habitat.

While the black market for sea turtles may be lucrative, it is important to remember that the true value of these creatures lies in their contribution to the environment and ecosystems. Sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy oceans and have been doing so for over 100 million years. Their survival is essential for the balance of the ocean food chain and the overall ecological health of the planet.

Rare Mexican box turtles are in high demand

The Mexican box turtle (Terrapene mexicana) is a species of box turtle belonging to the family Emydidae. It is found in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and San Luis Potosí, typically in tropical climates within humid forests near shallow rainwater puddles.

The turtles have a distinctive long and dome-shaped carapace with variable colors and markings. Adult males exhibit gray-blue shades on the head and red or orange hues on the front legs. They have a lifespan of up to 100 years and grow to a length of about 18-20 cm (7.1-7.9 in).

Due to their rarity and the difficulty in obtaining them legally, Mexican box turtles may be highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts. However, it is important to note that the trade of endangered species, including turtles, is illegal, and it is crucial to prioritize the conservation and protection of these vulnerable creatures.

While I cannot provide an exact price for the rare Mexican box turtles on the black market, it is clear that they are highly sought-after and their illegal trade poses a significant threat to their survival.

Turtles are smuggled from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh

Turtles are worth thousands of dollars on the black market, with their meat, eggs, shells and bones being sold for more than $3500. The illegal trade in turtles is a global issue, with turtles being smuggled from countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

In 2017, an Indian national, Bakrudin Ali Ahamed Habeeb, was arrested in Kuala Lumpur with two suitcases containing 55 live black spotted turtles. He had posted on Facebook that he had reptiles to sell, and was in contact with a buyer when the authorities interrupted his actions and conducted a proper investigation. Habeeb was sentenced to 24 months in prison. This case is just one example of the illegal trade in turtles, which is driven by demand for the animals as pets, as well as their use in traditional medicine and food.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are home to a variety of turtle species, including the Indian softshell turtle, the Indian flapshell turtle, and the black spotted turtle. These turtles are targeted by smugglers due to their beautiful shells and peaceful demeanour, as well as the perceived medicinal properties of their body parts. The illegal trade in turtles from these countries is flourishing despite laws protecting the animals, such as India's 1972 Wildlife Protection Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Local communities in these countries are often involved in poaching turtles, with thousands of turtles being captured and killed each year. The turtles are then sent to collectors, who supply them in large numbers to underground collection centres. Trains are commonly used to transport the turtles to sorting centres, taking advantage of the many small railway stations without screening procedures. The turtles are then sorted according to demand and smuggled across porous borders to reach Asian markets such as China, Hong Kong and Japan.

The illegal trade in turtles from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh has devastating consequences for the local turtle populations and ecosystems. Out of 28 freshwater turtle and tortoise species in India, 17 are facing threats from poaching and habitat destruction. The situation is similar in Pakistan and Bangladesh, where the black spotted turtle is sourced and traded illegally. The decline in turtle populations also has cultural implications, as turtles are consumed as part of rituals during the annual Kali Puja festival in these countries.

Turtles are sold as pets, food, medicine, and decor

Turtles are sold on the black market for a variety of purposes, including as pets, food, medicine, and decor. While there is no exact value to determine how much turtles are worth on the black market, their value likely varies depending on the specific purpose for which they are being sold.

Pets

Turtles are commonly sold as pets, and the illegal trade of certain species, such as the Eastern box turtle, has become a significant issue. In South Carolina, for example, it is legal to commonly harvest Eastern box turtles for the pet trade, which has led to an increase in turtle laundering due to weak laws surrounding this practice. The slow reproduction rate of these turtles, coupled with high mortality rates, makes them particularly vulnerable to illegal trafficking.

Food and Medicine

In some cultures, turtles are consumed as food and used in traditional medicine. For instance, in China, turtles are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments. This demand for turtles in traditional medicine has driven some species to the brink of extinction. While there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the medicinal benefits of consuming turtles, cultural beliefs and symbolism have fueled the demand for wild turtles in China.

Decor

Turtles are also used for decorative purposes, with a variety of turtle-themed items available in the market. These decorative items can include anything from garden statues and lawn ornaments to jewelry, trinket dishes, and home decor. The use of turtles as decor may contribute to the demand for turtles and potentially impact their conservation status.

The value of turtles on the black market is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including cultural beliefs, decorative trends, and the vulnerability of certain species. While the exact monetary worth of turtles cannot be determined, addressing the various drivers of the turtle trade is crucial for their conservation and protection.

Turtle poaching includes the sale of turtle shells, bones, eggs, and meat

Turtle poaching is a lucrative and illegal activity that poses a significant threat to turtle populations worldwide. It involves the sale and trade of turtle shells, bones, eggs, and meat on the black market, with prices reaching over $3500. This global issue is driven by demand for turtle products, including meat, eggs, and decorative items made from shells and bones.

Turtle meat is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. In some cultures, such as in China, turtle meat and bones are believed to promote longevity, and stuffed turtles are seen as status symbols. Additionally, turtle eggs are consumed as a traditional delicacy and are considered an aphrodisiac in certain regions, such as Costa Rica. The high demand for these products fuels the illegal trade and puts intense pressure on turtle populations, causing rapid declines in their numbers.

Turtle shells, particularly those of the hawksbill turtle species, are also highly valued. The exquisite patterns and thickness of hawksbill shells make them the most popular type of tortoiseshell. They are sought after for the creation of jewellery, trinkets, spectacle frames, and Japanese handicrafts. Despite international bans and efforts to protect turtles, such as the CITES convention, the persistent demand for these products continues to drive illegal trade and push turtle species towards extinction.

To combat turtle poaching, various initiatives have been implemented. One approach is to offer legal and controlled harvesting of eggs, providing locals with their traditional delicacy while also creating incentives for them to protect the eggs and hatchlings. Another innovative method involves the use of fake turtle eggs containing GPS technology, designed to guide law enforcement to poachers and those higher up in the illegal trade chain.

The battle against turtle poaching is ongoing, and the involvement of local conservationists, law enforcement, and international efforts, such as the ShellBank DNA database, are crucial in protecting these majestic creatures from illegal trade and ensuring their long-term survival.

Frequently asked questions