Good News for the Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf turtle!
“The turtle has been proposed by the Japanese Government for listing in Appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) following the discovery of its availability in international trade in mainland China, Hong Kong and online. It is the first time Japan has submitted such a proposal to CITES, which is currently meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.
At home, under Japanese law, the Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle is designated a “natural monument” and cannot be captured, transferred or traded without permission from the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs.
But the appearance of the species in the pet trade outside Japan strongly suggests illegal activity is taking place. If governments at CITES choose to accept the Japanese listing proposal, it would see the Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle gain better protection against potential illegal international trade."