Jill's Pick from Around the World: Freshwater turtles face 'bleak future'
The Central American river turtle is a prize feast during religious festivals.
Photo credit: BBC News
Freshwater turtles are in catastrophic decline, according to a new analysis by Conservation International (CI). The group says more than a third of the estimated 280 species around the world are now threatened with extinction. The unsustainable collection of turtles for food and to supply a lucrative pet trade are the key drivers behind the fall in numbers. Habitat loss as a result of river-damming for hydro-electricity is another major concern. Dr Peter Paul van Dijk, the director of Conservation International's Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Conservation Programme, said the outlook was bleak.
To view previous Jill's Pick from Around the World stories follow these links:
- 9/2/10: Dwellers In The Abyss: Ugly, Monstrous Fish
- 8/27/10: Eat the Beetles (With Special Bug Recipes!)
- 7/30/10: Prozac Pollution Making Shrimp Reckless
- 7/22/10: Fisherman makes world record catfish catch
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 9/10/2010 1:00 PM 
Categories: Jill's Pick from Around the World
Tags: conservation international freshwater turtles tortoise turtles threatened central american river turtle extinction
Categories: Jill's Pick from Around the World
Tags: conservation international freshwater turtles tortoise turtles threatened central american river turtle extinction
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