The Threat of Illegal and Unsustainable Wildlife Trade to Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles

Presentation by Dr. Chris R. Shepherd

Wednesday, April 11   7pm at Scout Island Nature House

Illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade is one of the greatest threats to the conservation of a long list of species around the world.    Among the most heavily traded, and most threatened, are the tortoises and freshwater turtles.  Traded for their shells – used in traditional medicines, their meat – for consumption, and live – for pets, this group of species is in serious trouble.  Efforts to tackle illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade are underway, but more work is needed, as many species are now threatened with extinction.  Dr. Chris R. Shepherd will share his expertise on these efforts.

Now living in Big Lake Ranch, Dr. Shepherd has been working in Southeast Asia on wildlife trade related issues for the past 25 years.  He has recently returned to Canada and founded the organization MONITOR, and will continue researching the global wildlife trade to support policy, enforcement and other conservation interventions.