Turtles

From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

A booming international trade in turtles has put pressure on populations across the country and has led to concern about the long-term survival of our native turtles. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed rule to bring four native freshwater turtle species – the common snapping turtle, the Florida softshell turtle, the smooth softshell turtle and the spiny softshell turtle – under the protection of CITES.

If finalized, this action will address the growing threat of illegal take and trade in native turtles. More herehttp://1.usa.gov/1zNKmvT and how to provide comments.

Freshwater turtles and tortoises are collected, traded and utilized in overwhelming numbers. Bringing these turtle species under CITES protection will allow us to better monitor international trade, determine the legality of exports and, in consultation with state wildlife agencies and other experts.

Photo: Florida softshell turtle at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. (Vanessa Kauffman/USFWS)