Conservation efforts fall short as turtle populations plummet in Myanmar
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Khit / Saw (NP News) - Aug 31
Approximately 70 percent of terrestrial and aquatic turtles in Myanmar are classified as rare and require urgent conservation efforts according to a conservation expert interviewed by The NP News.
Of the turtle species, four terrestrial species are critically endangered, and nearly 20 out of approximately 30 freshwater species are endangered.
He said, “Whether on land or in water, about 70 percent of them are already rare. They are on the verge of extinction, and there is concern that they might go extinct soon. That is the situation they are in now.”
Conservation efforts for turtles have been implemented, but the sale of turtles continues to far exceed the number being conserved. Consequently, turtle populations in Kachin State and Shan State have suffered a significant decline."
"In Myanmar, turtles are primarily sold to China, both for meat and for breeding while some keep turtles as pets (domesticated animals for display). Most of them are slaughtered and eaten. About 80% of the turtles are sold for consumption, and all of them are sent to China. Nowadays, they are still being sent to China, and in border areas, some are also sold in local markets for consumption," he continued.
Currently, Batagur trivittata – Dumeril and Bibron tortoise is classified as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it is also protected under Myanmar’s fully protected wildlife list.
"The Batagur trivittata, a native species to Myanmar, experienced a dramatic population decline in the past. By the early 2000s, it was believed to be extinct. However, undeterred by this disheartening news, international turtle conservation groups and local conservationists in Myanmar launched a search for the species. Their efforts paid off, as they discovered a mere six or seven individuals remaining in the entire country. Through dedicated breeding programs, they successfully revived the population. Despite this remarkable achievement, the Batagur trivittata's plight remains largely ignored. Its conservation status is even more critical than that of the tiger, yet it receives far less attention and support. The lack of significant conservation programs and public awareness highlights the urgent need for greater protection of this species."
Myanmar breeds and conserves Batagur trivittata – Dumeril and Bibron tortoise in various sanctuaries, such as Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Yadanabon Zoological Garden, Yangon Zoological Garden, and Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary.