World Turtle Day, on Could twenty third, raises consciousness in regards to the threats confronted by turtles and tortoises, together with habitat destruction and air pollution. It encourages motion for his or her conservation whereas celebrating their important function in ecosystems.
Critically Endangered Turtle species in Cambodia
The Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis), or Royal Turtle, and the Asian large softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) each are underneath the Critically Endangered species of the IUCN Checklist.
Principally discovered within the Mekong River space, they face important inhabitants declines. Key threats embody business sand mining, unlawful fishing, and habitat loss from land grabbing and deforestation. Pressing motion is required to assist defend these turtles.
Most poached Turtle species in Cambodia
The Mekong snail-eating turtle is a small, protected freshwater turtle native to Cambodia. It primarily eats snails, however its eggs are additionally wanted for meals. Dealing with these turtles can pose well being dangers resulting from zoonotic illnesses.
The species is threatened by habitat destruction, unlawful fishing, and demand for its meat in markets and conventional drugs. Important numbers of Mekong snail-eating turtles have been seized in 2020 and 2021 resulting from unlawful commerce.
On January 17 2025, the WRRT group rescued 15 Mekong Snail-eating turtles from being bought at a market in Kandal province. And on April 24, 2025, the group rescued/confiscated bushmeat and stay wildlife, together with 20 Mekong Snail-eating Turtles and 1 Asiatic softshell turtle, from a market in Sihanoukville.
Inhabitants declines end result from over-exploitation and unlawful trapping for the pet commerce. The demand for its meat, particularly alongside Nationwide Highway 5, has precipitated alarming losses, together with a raid the place 12 turtles have been discovered lifeless. Wildlife Alliance Cambodia warns towards consuming this turtle resulting from potential well being dangers.
The Significance of Turtles within the Ecosystem
Turtles are important for wholesome ecosystems on land and in water. They regulate animal populations, help nutrient biking, and point out environmental well being. As each prey and predators, they preserve stability within the meals chain by consuming invertebrates and small fish whereas being meals for sharks and birds. As an illustration, inexperienced turtles graze on seagrass beds, that are important for marine habitats.
Turtle eggs and shells enrich close by crops, supporting coastal dune stability. Species just like the gopher tortoise present burrows for different animals, enhancing biodiversity.
Turtles additionally sign broader environmental points, as declines of their populations mirror habitat loss and air pollution. Wholesome turtle populations contribute to thriving ecosystems that profit fisheries, leisure actions, and coastal safety whereas attracting ecotourism.
Threats:
Turtles are threatened by human actions, together with unlawful buying and selling for meat and the unique pet market. Plastic air pollution, oil spills, and chemical runoff endanger marine turtles by way of ingestion and entanglement.
Coastal growth and sand mining disrupt important nesting and feeding areas. Sea turtles are sometimes caught in fishing gear, resulting in damage or dying. Unlawful harvesting for meat, eggs, and shells additional jeopardizes their survival.
Entanglement in plastic waste may cause drowning, whereas coastal erosion from rising sea ranges destroys nesting websites, making it tougher for females to put eggs.
Wildlife Fast Rescue Workforce (WRRT): Combating Unlawful Wildlife Commerce
Unlawful wildlife trafficking is among the greatest threats to endangered species.
The Wildlife Fast Rescue Workforce (WRRT) (Study Extra) is Cambodia’s frontline protection towards this disaster. Working alongside regulation enforcement, WRRT conducts raids, intercepts smugglers, and rescues animals from the black market. Since its inception, this elite group has saved 79,043 animals from exploitation.
By supporting WRRT, you assist fight wildlife crime and make sure that rescued animals are rehabilitated and, each time attainable, launched again into the wild.
Wildlife Alliance’s Dedication to Conservation
At Wildlife Alliance, we take an lively function in preserving Cambodia’s wealthy biodiversity. By means of hands-on conservation initiatives, we defend forests, rescue trafficked animals, and educate communities about sustainable residing. This World Turtle Day, we invite you to affix our mission by supporting a few of our key packages.
How You Can Make a Distinction
World Turtle Day is a chance for everybody to take motion. Right here’s how one can assist:
Help Conservation Packages: Donations to Wildlife Alliance packages immediately influence on-the-ground efforts to guard wildlife.
Guide an Eco-Tourism Journey: Expertise Cambodia’s breathtaking wildlife by way of accountable tourism at Chi Phat Neighborhood-Primarily based Ecotourism or Steung Areng Neighborhood-Primarily based Ecotourism.
Sponsor an Animal: Present ongoing help for rescued animals by sponsoring a pangolin (Sponsor Right here) or an Asian elephant (Sponsor Right here).
This World Turtle Day, let’s work collectively to make sure a future the place wildlife and people coexist in concord. Each motion counts—whether or not it’s spreading consciousness, donating, or selecting moral journey experiences. Be a part of Wildlife Alliance in defending Cambodia’s wildlife and ecosystems for generations to come back.
