In a landmark case, the intermediate people's court in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, took center stage Wednesday to address the illegal smuggling of 1,760 red-eared slider turtles into the Chinese mainland. This case marks the first public prosecution in China targeting the unauthorized introduction of an invasive alien species.
The defendant, identified only by the surname Yi, stands accused of illegally transporting these turtles without the necessary quarantine certificates in October 2022. The estimated value of the illicit cargo is reported at 88,000 yuan, equivalent to approximately $12,149.
Red-eared sliders are recognized globally for their invasive potential, being listed among the 100 most invasive species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In China, they are also featured on the national List of Invasive Alien Species, underscoring the environmental risks they pose.
Given the significant number of turtles and their high value, the procuratorate has called for criminal charges against Yi for the illegal introduction of invasive alien species. The case remains under trial, highlighting China's growing commitment to protecting its ecosystems from harmful non-native species.
Reference(s):
Chinese court tries first case of smuggling over 1,700 turtles
cgtn.com
