|
This species is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, as vulnerable by the 2003 IUCN Redlist and is protected
from trade under Appendix I of CITES. Habitat loss and capture
for Asian food markets and the pet trade have significantly reduced
wild populations of this beautiful tortoise. Its range has declined
by one-fifth over the last 25 years. Turtle species are being
harvested at an alarming rate and reproduce very slowly. Wild
populations cannot sustain this type of pressure for long.
The
Minnesota Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums's
Chelonian Advisory Group. This group works with many other zoos
and private breeders to exchange information, expand captive populations,
develop successful breeding programs, and promote conservation
of turtles. The SSP carefully manages captive breeding of this
species to preserve its genetics for the future. |