Groundbreaking research led by a University of Suffolk academic has helped prosecute illegal turtle traders in Hong Kong, marking a major step forward in the fight against wildlife crime.
Dr Hei Sung, who specialises in Ecology and Conservation Science, developed a method that can determine whether a turtle was bred in captivity or taken from the wild. The technique, known as stable isotope analysis, examines tiny samples from a turtle’s claw to reveal the environmental conditions the animal has lived in over time.
By analysing the keratin in the claw, researchers can identify a chemical “fingerprint” that distinguishes wild turtles from captive-bred animals – exposing a common tactic used by illegal wildlife traders.
Stable Isotope Analysis Helps Catch Illegal Turtle Traders
The research examined 183 turtles in Hong Kong, including 126 wild turtles and 57 captive animals. The sample group included four critically endangered species: the Big-headed turtle, Golden Coin turtle, Beale’s Eyed turtle and Chinese Pond turtle.
Wildlife laundering – falsely labelling wild-caught animals as captive bred – remains a widespread issue in the illegal wildlife trade. Turtles are among the world’s most trafficked and threatened species, with populations continuing to decline globally.
Dr Sung’s team worked directly with the Hong Kong Government on three real wildlife seizure cases. In each case, at least one turtle carried a microchip from the researchers’ long-term population study, proving it had been taken from the wild.
Scientists then analysed both microchipped and non-microchipped turtles. The chemical profiles closely matched wild populations, providing critical forensic evidence that supported prosecution.
A Powerful Tool in the Fight Against Wildlife Crime
Researchers say the method offers a practical and non-invasive enforcement tool. Claw samples are easy to collect and preserve, and testing does not harm the animal.
Dr Sung said illegal wildlife trafficking continues to threaten endangered species worldwide.
“Illegal wildlife trafficking is a serious problem for endangered species, and we know turtles caught from the wild are frequently traded as captive bred,” she said.
“We hope our research encourages further isotopic profiling in future seizures. Expanding its use across species and regions could help prevent further illegal exploitation globally.”
The study’s authors are now calling for stronger collaboration between laboratories and enforcement agencies. They believe scientific techniques such as stable isotope analysis could play a crucial role in tackling illegal turtle traders and protecting vulnerable species for the future.
