Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Welfare

Freshwater turtles are among the most threatened vertebrate groups globally, facing collection for food and medicine trade, habitat loss, and pollution that cause welfare harm at vast scale.

Key Facts

Freshwater turtles are the most threatened major vertebrate group — over half of species are threatened
Asian freshwater turtles are collected by the millions for food and traditional medicine markets
Turtles collected for trade experience severe crowding, dehydration, and injury during transport
Freshwater turtle habitat has declined dramatically from wetland drainage and pollution
Head-starting programs raise hatchlings to improve survival before release to reduce collection pressure

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of wild-caught freshwater turtles in trade is profoundly compromised. Animals collected from the wild face acute stress during capture, severe crowding during transport and holding, and high mortality before reaching consumers. The trade undermines already-stressed wild populations. Conservation actions that protect habitats and reduce collection simultaneously improve welfare for wild individuals and prevent the suffering of those who would otherwise enter trade.

What You Can Do

Never purchase freshwater turtles for food or traditional medicine purposes
Support international campaigns for stronger enforcement of turtle trade protections
Donate to freshwater turtle conservation programs in Asia and North America
Protect local wetland habitats that support turtle nesting and foraging
Report suspected illegal turtle trade to wildlife enforcement authorities