Combating Illegal Turtle Trade: Utilizing Blood Parasite Prevalence as an Indicator for Distinguishing Wild and Captive Freshwater Turtles in Hong Kong

Poaching and illegal trading are some of the biggest threats faced by freshwater turtles worldwide, including the native species found in Hong Kong. All five species of native freshwater turtles are at a high risk of extinction in the wild. They are listed as Vulnerable (VU), Critically Endangered (CR) and Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. However, law enforcement and prosecution in illegal procession and trading of turtles is challenging due to the difficulties in differentiating wild and captive-bred individuals. In this study, we aimed to evaluate utilizing of blood parasite prevalence as an indicator to distinguish wild and captive turtle. Blood parasite in turtles adopt an indirect lifecycle and are less likely to complete in captive environment due lack of definite host. For the first time in Hong Kong, we obtained baseline blood parasite prevalence of both wild and captive freshwater turtle population. Blood samples were collected from turtles and a combination of molecular and microscopy methods was employed to detect blood parasite. The result reveals a significant difference in blood parasite detection rates between captive and wild turtle. Decrease in blood parasite prevalence for turtles with longer duration in captivity was also observed. These findings consistent with the indirect lifecycle of haemogregarines that rely on intermediate hosts typically found only in natural habitats. Our findings highlight the potential utility of blood parasite screening as an additional factor in distinguishing between in distinguishing wild-caught and captive-bred individuals in illegal trading. We hope this finding can enhance law enforcement efforts in illegal trading and contribute to the conservation of endangered freshwater turtle in Hong Kong.