51 Turtles seized by authorities from military car (Cambodia)

August 27, 2007

Rangers Seize Turtles in Pursat

During the night of 15 August 07 Forest Rangers in Pursat in cooperation with Military Police confiscated 51 yellow-headed temple turtles (Hieremys annandalii) and giant Asian pond turtle turtles (Heosemys grandis) from a car fixed with military plates. The shipment of turtles, which weighed 358 kg reportedly being transported originated in Banteay Meanchey province and was on its way to Ta Khmao district in Kandal province, where authorities believe that the turtles were to be smuggled across the border into Vietnam.

One of two men involved in the shipment was reportedly a soldier from Banteay Meacchhey province. Both men were charged with violation of article 96 of the Forestry Law and could receives fines of up to $5,370USD.

On August 16, the turtles were released into Tonle Sap Lake.

The information in this report provided by Kimsan of the Forestry Administration (FA), Central Cardamom Mountain Conservation Project and Conservation International.

Visit the Asian Turtle Conservation Network website:
www.asianturtlenetwork.org

The Asian Turtle Program (ATP) is a consortium of people and institutions dedicated to the protection of Asian turtles in the wild. Support for the Asian Turtle Program is provided by the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Conservation International, the Turtle Survival Alliance, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Project activities carried out by the ATP are supported by a wide range of institutions and private sponsors from around the globe