Most people think of Africa as a continent of lions, elephants, and other large mammals. However, Africa is also home to a variety of turtles. In some African countries, turtles are considered a delicacy and are hunted for their meat. In other countries, turtles are protected by law. So, are turtles legal in South Africa?
The answer is yes and no. It depends on the type of turtle. All turtles are not protected under South African law. However, certain species of turtles are listed as protected animals. These include the Leatherback turtle, the loggerhead turtle, and the olive ridley turtle. It is illegal to hunt, capture, or trade these turtles.
The International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The text of the Convention was finally agreed upon at a meeting of representatives of 80 countries in Washington D.C., United States, on 3 March 1973, and came into force on 1 July 1975.
Today, CITES is one of the world’s most powerful tools for biodiversity conservation. It is an agreement
How CITES works
CITES is an international agreement between governments that regulates the trade of endangered plants and animals. This includes live turtles and their parts. Under CITES, trade in turtles and their parts is only allowed if it is not detrimental to the survival of the species. This means that turtles can only be traded legally if they are not taken from the wild and if the trade does not contribute to the decline of the species. In South Africa, turtles are not currently listed on CITES, but this may change in the future. For now, turtles can be legally traded as long as they are not taken from the wild and the trade does not contribute to the decline of the species.
