Florida turtle species threatened by Asian demand
The demand for softshell turtles is growing rapidly, and threatening the survival of the species, according to a recent LA Times article. Chinese demand has already wiped out wild turtles in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and China and the U.S. turtle population could be next.In Chinese communities, turtles are in demand for their meat, which is not just eaten for sustenance, but is thought to enhance "longevity and prowess." The turtles are also used to make tonics for cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Freshwater turtles are in high demand for both food and medicine, and according to Matt Aresco, a Florida biologist, the demand is "insatiable." Common turtles, such as Florida softshells, have not been protected historically.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist has called for a ban on the commercial harvest of softshell turtles and other experts say that wild turtles are contaminated anyway, with such lovely things as mercury, PCBs and pesticides.
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