Illegal trade of South Asian Box Turtles

This afternoon, I happened to pass by Duterte St and I found these turtles sold by two guys for P40 to P50 each.

These are South Asian Box Turtles (Cuora amboinensis) from marshy villages of Midsayap, North Cotabato sold for P40 to P50 each along the street in Davao City. A biologist from University of Southern Mindanao (USM)- Kabacan that this turtle’s  status is "vulnerable." This is commonly found at the periphery  of Ligusan Marsh. The Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) says trade of  this specie is strictly regulated.

I was a bit worried because they did place these turtles into a container filled with container or something that could make these creatures feel better.

According to these guys, they brought about 30 turtles and already sold about 20 already.

I asked a biology professor in Kabacan via mobile fone if what’s the status of these turtles. He said this is a “threatened” specie.

I’m not sure if they are the same species.  I hope our authorities can track down these hunters and stop this illegal trade.

I could rarely find this turtle anymore even if I’m at the vicinity of Ligusan Marsh. When I was still a kid, this turtle can be found right at the pond near our ricefield in Pigcawayan. That was about 22 years ago.