Native and exotic freshwater turtle and tortoise trade in Texas

Abstract

Because the commercial trade in turtles has been considered one of the most dangerous and rapid causes of turtle population declines, it needs to be closely monitored and managed. To quantitatively describe the turtle trade in Texas, I surveyed governmental organizations, the pet and meat industries, reptile expositions, zoos, aquariums, and Texas herpetological societies by mail, phone calls, or visits. In 1999, 4 turtle species accounted for 98% of collections from the wild. Between 1995 and 2000 a total of 87 native and exotic species were sold for eventual use as pets or for food. Some non-native species were exported from Texas, which must have been previously imported from other states or captive-bred. Patterns of collection and trade regarding location, price, and season are discussed. Because the life history of turtle species may influence their ability to withstand harvest, I calculated adult and juvenile survival elasticities for those species native to Texas that were most targeted by the trade in Texas. Two hypothetical recovery plans are presented as examples to illustrate the use of survival elasticities for evaluating turtle conservation.