Kyiv customs officials blocked an attempt to illegally export two rare marine tortoise specimens from Ukraine, which surprised experts. The animals were discovered in two international postal shipments that residents of Kryvyi Rih were trying to send to the USA.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Protected Rare Tortoises and Their Scientific Status
According to information obtained from specialists at the National Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the shipments contained specimens of two species — green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). These animals hold significant value for science, particularly for museum collections and educational purposes.
Threat of Extinction and International Legislation
«The green turtle is a giant marine traveler that can weigh over 200 kg and cover thousands of kilometers between feeding and breeding grounds. The hawksbill turtle, or true caretta, is distinguished by its intricate shell pattern and has a hooked upper jaw, which gives it its name. It belongs to the small marine turtles, — experts explained.
Both species are threatened with extinction and are protected by international conventions. The export of such animals, whether alive or dead, without the appropriate permits is a violation of the law and is punishable by law.