January 31, 2008

MADAGASCAR – The BBC reported today that 320 tortoises native to Madagascar were nearly smuggled off the island, presumably for sale on the black market.

The man responsible is said to be Nigerian, and was caught with the 320 animals on an island neighboring Madagascar.

Conservationists say this is a small victory against the exotic animal trade – in fact it's the second bust in recent weeks. Pet Pulse recently reported about 1,200 African Grey Parrots that were rescued from a smuggler in Cameroon.

Madagascar's unique wildlife are highly valued in the illegal trade market. Eight of the tortoises found, called Ploughshare Tortoises, are among the rarest in the world and are valued at as much as $10,000 each. Conservations estimate that only 1,000 living Ploughshare tortoises exist in the world and that if their illegal trade continues, the species will be extinct in 10 years.

In total, the 320 tortoises are valued at $200,000 in the exotic pet market.

Of the 320, 20 have been returned to their natural habitats. The Durrall Wildlife Trust is caring for the remaining tortoises before they are returned to the wild.

Had they not been rescued, it's likely the animals would have ended up in Bangkok or Thailand – cities where tortoise is a delicacy.

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