Legal Protection

Posting warning signs where illegal turtle traps are found

All wild turtles in Hong Kong including freshwater turtles are "Protected Wild Animals" under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). Hunting, willful disturbance, possession, sale or export of wild turtles including their nests and eggs are subject to a maximum fine of HKD100,000 and to imprisonment for 1 year.

Chinese Three-lined Box Turtles (Cuora trifasciata) and Big-headed Terrapins (Platysternon megacephalum) are also listed under the Appendix II and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) respectively. They are scheduled species under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, Cap. 586. According to the Ordinance, import, export and possession of Chinese Three-lined Box Turtles and Big-headed Terrapins in Hong Kong require a licence issued in advance from AFCD. The maximum penalty for contravention of the Ordinance is a fine of HK$10,000,000 and to imprisonment for 10 year.

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