Giant Asian Pond Turtle (Heosemys grandis)

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable(VU); CITES: Appendix II

(HONG KONG, 2^nd July 2014) Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden(KFBG) presents ‘Wisdom in a Shell’ Turtle Conservation Exhibition and Art Workshop from 16^th to 27^th July 2014 at Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre(JCCAC), which aims to raise concern for turtles and urge the public to help conserve these amazing creatures.

Turtles were seen as legendary characters in different cultures throughout history. Evolving before mammals and birds, the turtle is one of the oldest groups of animals you can find on Earth. However, due to urban development, illegal collection for pet trade and human consumption, turtle populations have been facing a rapid decline. Almost half of all turtle species around the world are now considered to be endangered or threatened, and some species have even gone extinct in recent years.

Dr. Gary Ades, Head of Fauna Conservation Department of KFBG said, “Almost all wild populations of the Golden Coin Turtle (Cuora trifasciata) have been over-exploited. The Golden Coin Turtle is now critically endangered and has largely disappeared from the wild throughout its range due to unsustainable collection practices. Nonetheless, a tiny but widespread population continues to survive in Hong Kong; and this local population is believed to be the only significant population still in existence in the wild. But even these turtles are under serious threat from illegal trapping.”

“The Big-headed Turtle, a local endangered turtle species, is also under threat. We have to step up our vigilance and concern in order to protect the remaining wild turtles urgently. ” Ades added. “Wider community concern is critical if we are to protect turtle habitats and report illegal activities which are threatening our rare species.”

Joshua Chan, Head of Education Department of KFBG stated, “ ‘Wisdom in a Shell’ Turtle Conservation Exhibition and Art Workshop consists of an experiential tour in which 3H(Head, Hand and Heart) elements are integrated to provide a holistic experience for the visitors and a better understanding of the educational message behind the exhibition. HEAD - visitors can explore the interesting facts about the turtles of different continents, and their connection with various cultures and learn about turtle conservation. HAND – there will be animal encounter sessions and interesting turtle art and music workshops for them to participate. HEART – visitors can express empathy for turtles and broaden their care and concern for turtles through the activities.”

Details of ‘Wisdom in a Shell’ Turtle Conservation Exhibition and Art Workshop

Furthermore, a public seminar will be held on 19^th July 2:30pm-4:00pm at JCCAC Black Box Theatre, highlighting the relationship between Turtles and different perspectives, namely Chinese Culture, Ecology, Chinese Medicine and Nutrition. The guest speakers include Dr Xu Xiao-dong, Associate Director of the Art Museum, CUHK; Dr Xu Da-ji, Senior Lecturer, Clinical Division, School of Chinese Medicine, HKBU; Ms April Wong, Nutritionist; and, Mr Yorkie Wong, Conservation Officer (Projects), Fauna Conservation Department, KFBG. The seminar is free of charge and will be conducted in Cantonese. Seat reservations are required. Enquiry and reservation: 6705 4001 / edu_programme@kfbg.org.

All turtles and tortoises are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). People are not allowed to catch or handle wild animals protected locally by law. Members of public can also help the turtles by reporting suspected illegal trapping to police, not buying or consuming any protected wildlife and care about our natural environment, and let the turtles live naturally.