Threats
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Threats Habitat destructions and competition with exotic species Reeves' Turtles (Chinemys reevesii) were once abundant and widespread in Hong Kong. However, the exotic turtle species Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) shares a similar ecological requirement and competes with the Reeve's Turtles. The competition leads to the decline of the Reeves' Turtles in Hong Kong.
Illegal trapping
Due to the alleged medicinal effects, feng shui uses and rarity, Chinese Three-lined Box Turtle (Cuora trifasciata) is threatened by harvesting and its populations decline in China and other Asian countries. The Big-headed Terrapin (Platysternon megacephalum) is occasionally harvested for similar reasons. In mid 1990's, AFCD started to observe gradual increase of illegal trapping activities for Chinese Three-lined Box Turtles in Hong Kong. Trappers would place as many as 20 to 30 baited traps in a short-stretch stream. Such activities could likely eradicate the local population of Chinese Three-lined Box Turtles if no enforcement action was taken.
In response to the trapping activities, AFCD not only stepped up the enforcement actions but also commissioned the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden to study the current status of the Chinese Three-lined Box Turtles in Hong Kong, to identify the trapping hotspots and the patterns of trapping. The results of the studies together with the observation of the wardens provide useful guideline reference to formulate our trap search strategy. |
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