Why are so many of Asias turtles and tortoises imperiled?
Several factors are involved. Rapid development has destroyed large swaths of habitat. The growing Chinese middle-class has created a huge demand for turtles and tortoises – for food, folk medicine and now the pet trade. Surrounding countries are being vacuumed of their turtles to feed China’s unending appetite for exotic species. Although chelonians have been consumed for food and folk medicine for millennia, the skyrocketing demand has surpassed any level of sustainable harvest. The result has come to be known as the Asian Turtle Crisis.
