The Intermediate People’s Court in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, held a public trial on Wednesday for a case involving the smuggling of 1,760 red-eared slider turtles into the Chinese mainland. This marks the first public prosecution in China concerning the illegal introduction of an invasive alien species.
The defendant, identified by the surname Yi, was accused of bringing the turtles into China without a valid quarantine certificate in October 2022. The estimated value of the turtles was 88,000 yuan (about $12,149).
Red-eared sliders are listed among the world’s 100 most invasive species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are included on China’s List of Invasive Alien Species. Their introduction poses significant risks to native ecosystems, as they can outcompete local species for resources and habitat.
Given the substantial number of turtles and their significant value, the procuratorate proposed that Yi be held criminally responsible for illegally introducing the invasive alien species. The case is currently under trial, drawing attention to issues of wildlife smuggling and environmental protection.
This landmark trial underscores China’s commitment to enforcing laws against the smuggling of invasive species, aiming to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. Authorities hope that the case will serve as a deterrent and raise public awareness about the consequences of illegal wildlife trade.
Reference(s):
Chinese court tries first case of smuggling over 1,700 turtles
cgtn.com
