On 1st August, 2012, 39 Philippine Pond Turtles (Siebenrockiella leytensis), 46 Southeast Asian Box Turtles (Cuora amboinensis amboinensis), 19 Mindanao Water Monitors (Varanus cumingi) and one Reticulated Python (Broghammerus reticulatus) were returned to their native homeland, the Philippines after spending nearly 2 months at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) Wild Animal Rescue Centre. The reptiles had been confiscated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on 14th June, 2012 after being illegally imported into Hong Kong. All the animals were discovered in a passenger’s luggage bag. Subsequently, this person was prosecuted and sentenced to imprisonment for six weeks.

All species are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which controls all commercial and non-commercial trade of wildlife. The Philippine Pond Turtles and the Mindanao Water Monitors are endemic to the Philippines but have been heavily harvested for the illegal international pet trade. Southeast Asian Box Turtles have been over-exploited for pets, food and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Reticulated Pythons are struggling in the wild due to habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet and leather trade.

Upon return to the Philippines, most of the animals entered the Rescue Centre of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, before being considered for release back into the wild. Returning endemic species back to the wild will be an important boost to the dwindling wild populations.

Over-exploitation for pets, food and the medicinal trade is threatening many wild animal species. KFBG advises the public not to buy illegal pet species and to report any suspicious illegal pet trade activities. If you participate in TCM treatments, please choose from the sustainable alternatives instead of exotic or endangered species.

You can help by reporting suspected illegal wildlife trade activities to AFCD at (852) 2150 6978 or KFBG at (852) 2483 7136.