23 May · World Turtle Day – Can Hong Kong do more to save our endangered turtles?

Hong Kong has an exceptionally rich biodiversity including globally threatened species. One such group is the freshwater turtles in which nearly all the species across Asia have been threatened by over-exploitation. Local wild turtle populations used to be rather robust due to good protection. However, that is no longer the case.

According to a study conducted by Lingnan University for the past 15 years, three species of Hong Kong endangered turtles, Golden Coin Turtle, Big-headed Turtle and Beale’s Eyed Turtle are disappearing due to illegal poaching and trading. Despite patrols by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and special joint operation with the Police, poaching remains widespread, even within country parks.

It is not too late to save the endangered turtles. For the Critically Endangered Golden Coin Turtle which has largely disappeared from the wild, there is a joint conservation breeding program by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and AFCD. The young turtles produced can be released back to wild providing illegal poaching can be addressed. For the other species, there are still breeding wild populations left. More effective and sustained actions are urgently needed. In particular, the Police should be proactive in the investigation and enforcement of wildlife poaching and trade. AFCD should establish an anti-poaching enforcement unit that undertakes regular, targeted night patrols. These actions will not only save these amazing wild animals in Hong Kong, but would also allow the restoration of wild turtles in the Greater Bay.

Golden Coin Turtle

(Cuora trifasciata)

Critically Endangered

Big-headed Turtle

(Platysternon megacephalum)

Critically Endangered

Beale's Eyed Turtle

(Sacalia bealei)

Endangered