Mexico Seizes Illegal Shipment Containing 15,000 Live Turtles to Be Delivered to China

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Mexican authorities uncovered an illegal shipment of 15,053 freshwater turtles inside 158 wooden crates last month. The illegal cargo was found at a freight facility on the outskirts of Mexico City and was due to be shipped to China, according to the Mexican environment prosecutor’s office.

Although most of the turtles were still alive, more than 260 were found dead in the crates at the international airport. Among the turtles seized, some were endangered, while several species were found, including Mexican giant musk turtles, white-lipped turtles, narrow-bridged musk turtles, and red-eared terrapin or red-eared slider turtles.

The recently discovered shipment was not marked in accordance with regulations, the environmental office stated, and lacked the proper ownership records to be transported. After the seizure, the turtles were sent to a conservation and research center outside of Mexico City.

Additionally, the Mexican environmental protection authorities decided to file a criminal complaint with the Attorney General’s Office for the possible crime of illegal wildlife trafficking, the Mexicanist reported.

The illegal turtle-smuggling trade is worth millions of dollars globally. Rare varieties of turtles can fetch as much as $300 apiece, Newsweek reports. Specimens may become exotic pets or satisfy demand in the Chinese traditional medicine industry.

“Much of Asia has always revered turtles for longevity and traditional Chinese medicine,” Eric Goode, founder of the Turtle Conservancy, told National Geographic. The Asian nation’s increased wealth in recent decades have made turtles a coveted collector’s item, like wine or fine art, Goode adds. As demand has wiped out many native populations in Asia, American turtles have become increasingly sought after.

Between 2016 and 2019, approximately 6.5 million turtles were exported from the United States, according to Newsweek.

Approximately half the turtle species on the planet will become extinct by the end of the century, the Turtle Conservancy states. Turtles grow and reproduce more slowly than other species, and that makes them particularly vulnerable.

“Turtles are among the most threatened groups of animals on the planet, and are in desperate need of conservation help. More than half of their 300+ species are threatened with extinction according to IUCN Red List criteria,” the Turtle Conservancy’s website says. “Primary threats to turtles and tortoises include habitat loss and degradation, high-volume unsustainable consumptive exploitation for food and medicinal products, and illegal international pet trade.”

“Global awareness of the wildlife trade is at an all-time high, and there has never been stronger public demand for its abolition. China and Vietnam have taken significant steps toward banning (most) wildlife trade,” the conservation group adds. “While this is the type of reaction we need from governments, the stricter laws and enforcement have not reduced demand. It will take major shifts in public opinion to stop the behaviors that destroy wildlife and perpetuate this obvious threat to global health.”