Dynamics of the global trade Asiatic Softshell Turtle (Amyda cartilaginea Boddaert 1770): Shifting trends in commerce and consequences for sustainability

Abstract

Biodiverse countries such as Indonesia provide the exotic Asiatic Softshell Turtle (Amyda cartilaginea Boddaert 1770) for the wildlife trade. Deciding which trade model is detrimental to species survival in the wild can be a major challenge for Management Authorities (MA) in implementing CITES. The consequences for conservation, long-Term use, and livelihoods are uncertain. The study used the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) trade database. The collection of raw data is based on trade reports for the species of freshwater turtles (testudinidae) for the period 2011 to 2021, export countries from Indonesia, export destinations for all countries and sources of harvested turtles from the wild. This research aims to study the freshwater turtle trading trends over the decade, compare total quotas to actual harvest, and recognize how the precautionary principle is applied in harvesting A. cartilaginea. Harvesting and trading are following the quota regulated under the Indonesian government. However, conservation efforts were less emphasized, so it is feared that there will be a population decline and even extinction in the future, while the population in the wild cannot be ascertained. The larger the harvest quota set and the shorter the harvest period, the larger the natural population that must be available.