The size and number of Ocadia sinensis was also unusual in that the nine individuals were large adults with carapaces of 25 cm or more. Prior to this date, we have not observed this size class of Ocadia in either the pet trade or cross-border wildlife trade networks. The trade circuit also tends to differentiate from the pet market by size class. Larger turtles usually find their way to China while smaller species and size classes end up in places like Dong Xuan market in Hanoi. This is presumably a result of the relatively low value of these smaller turtles to Chinese traders who probably pay based on weight, not numbers of individuals.
Smaller turtles are likely to be more valuable sold as pets in the market.
The project lacks facilities to deal with the number of Manouria and Cuora galbinifrons confiscated in the July 23 seizure. Subsequently, these turtles will be released back into the hands of dealers and sent on to China. However, a long-term solution is desperately needed for Vietnam s turtles that will provide greater protection to their habitat in the wild, help reduce hunting, and raise public awareness about the need to protect Vietnam s turtle fauna. Download a PDF version of this report. Download a MS Word 6.0 version of this report.