Xiamen Customs Intercepts Smuggling Terrapene carolina Case

Xiamen Customs has successfully intercepted a case of smuggling common box turtles (Terrapene carolina) while carrying out the task of supervising inbound flights. It is reported that a passenger who chose the undeclared channel for customs clearance carried six live ornamental turtles in his checked luggage. After professional identification, these live turtles are common box turtles (Terrapene carolina), which has no natural distribution in China, belonging to a typical alien species.

The box turtle is a species of box turtle with five existing subspecies. It is found throughout the eastern United States and Mexico. The Box Turtle has a distinctive hinged lower shell that allows it to completely enclose itself like a box. Its upper jaw is hooked. The turtle is primarily terrestrial and eats a wide variety of plants and animals.

Box turtles are declining due to habitat loss, roadkill and capture for the pet trade. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Three states have designated a subspecies of the box turtle as their official state reptile: T. c. carolina in North Carolina and Tennessee and T. c. triunguis in Missouri.

In China, the box turtle is a typical alien species, and in the event of escape or abandonment to nature, it is highly likely that it will pose a threat to native species due to the lack of natural predators, which will in turn disrupt the ecological balance.

Global economic losses due to invasive alien species amount to hundreds of billions of dollars annually, with particularly serious harm to agriculture, forestry and fisheries. China has become one of the countries most seriously affected by biological invasions, with more than 660 invasive alien species recorded, of which about 20 are classified as priority invasive alien species for management. The annual cost of alien species to China's economy and environment has reached 200 billion yuan.

According to the Biosecurity Law of the People's Republic of China and the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine and its implementing regulations, the introduction of alien species is not permitted without approval, and it is prohibited to bring in or send live animals and plants. In case of violation of the regulations, Customs will pursue legal responsibility according to the law.

 

Not raising ‘exotic pets’ is the best protection of wildlife. Harmonious coexistence of man and nature to achieve a better vision, we need to work together.

Original Chinese Link:
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/M-a0NSiwD_8sxfaJb2_vSg
Translated by: YJ
Reviewed By: Maggie
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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