Experts say it is impossible to commercialize large-headed turtles

Captured wildlife species include snakes and many species of turtles, including 26 individuals (with a total weight of 14.5kg) identified as large-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) - particularly endangered turtles , rare listed in Appendix I Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES. It is worth mentioning that the driver has provided documents proving the legal origin of 11kg of big-headed turtle at Mr. Tran Chi Dai's farm (residing in An Hoa commune, Tam Nong district, Dong Thap province). Specifically, the subject provided a transport permit (dated October 30, 2018) for 6kg of large-headed turtles at the time of arrest and continued to provide transport permits (dated November 2, 2018). ) give 5kg of big head turtle after 24 hours from the time of arrest. All of the above transport permits were issued by the Forest Protection Department of Tam Nong District - Tan Hong, Dong Thap Province.

According to Hoang Van Ha, Coordinator of Asian Turtle Program (ATP): “Big-headed turtles are particularly sensitive species, which is difficult to maintain and reproduce successfully in captivity. Besides, the low number of eggs, slow growth process, up to 9 years to reach adult size also shows that raising this species for commercial purposes is not possible. ATP has not recorded any successful rearing of large-headed turtle in Vietnam. ”
Pursuant to Article 10 of the Government's Decree No. 82/2006 / ND-CP of August 10, 2006, on management of export, import, re-export and import activities from the sea, transit, and breeding , rearing, artificially growing endangered, precious and rare wild animals and plants (amended and supplemented by Decree 98/2011 / ND-CP), one of the first conditions decisions to register the establishment of endangered, precious and rare breeding and rearing farms of CITES Appendix (such as big-headed turtles) are:

• For breeding farms: wildlife species must be "certified in writing by CITES Vietnam to be able to reproduce consecutively for many generations in a controlled environment."
• For rearing farms: wildlife species must be "certified in writing by CITES Vietnam authorities that the growth does not affect the conservation of that species in the wild."

In consultation with four CITES scientific bodies of Vietnam (Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Forestry Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Researching seafood under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Center for Natural Resources and Environment Research at Hanoi National University, ENV knows these agencies have NEVER confirmed in writing the possibility rearing, rearing big head turtles. Thus, in this case, the Dong Thap Forest Protection Department issued a permit to Mr. Tran Chi Dai's facility to raise and breed large-headed turtles and then permit the transport of this species is illegal. current regulations as well as signs of disregard from authorities in the management process.

Ms. Bui Thi Ha, Deputy Director of ENV pressing: “Similar to pangolin, the commercial farming of big-headed turtles is not possible. But for some reason, shipments of big-headed turtles "legally sourced from farms" still blatantly moved to Mong Cai (Quang Ninh). ENV asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as the State management agencies to immediately start an operation to end the commercial breeding, rearing license for big-headed turtles and other endangered, precious and rare wildlife species in localities as well as handling agencies and subjects showing signs of reprimand strictly according to the provisions of law ”.

ENV proposed specific measures to thoroughly solve the problem as follows:

1. To request the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to immediately issue a document directing the provincial Agriculture and Rural Development Services and the Forest Protection Sub-Departments of localities not to grant permits for breeding and rearing for similar purposes. trade for big-headed turtles as well as other endangered, precious and rare wildlife species listed in Appendix I CITES and other species on the list of endangered precious and rare species prioritized protection (promulgated together with Decree 160 / 2013 / ND-CP) of the Government. Take measures to verify, verify and revoke licenses of licensed facilities for commercial rearing of these species.

2. Proposing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to direct provincial-level Agriculture and Rural Development Departments and Forest Protection Sub-Departments in strengthening the management of wildlife rearing establishments in their localities, resolutely withdrawing paper. allow facilities that are not qualified to raise wildlife as well as tighten the licensing process for wildlife transport.

3. Proposing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to direct the establishment of an interdisciplinary inspection team in the presence of the People's Committee of Dong Thap province on the management and rearing of wildlife in Dong Thap province and handling thoroughly treat the signs of violations and reprimand if any.