In a major animal trafficking bust, 80 turtles were saved from an illegal smuggling ring in India.

What happened?

According to Pragativadi, Maidalpur Forest personnel successfully recovered over 80 turtles after intercepting a smuggling attempt along the road to Dabugaon, India.

Two suspects were arrested and charged. Thankfully, the turtles were alive and were sent to a local rehabilitation center to be treated and released back into the wild.

"This incident underscores the persistent threat to Odisha's biodiversity from illegal wildlife trade, with turtles often targeted for their meat, shells, and use in traditional medicine," the publication noted.

Why is animal trafficking concerning?

While Maidalpur officials were successful in stopping this smuggling attempt, their work is far from over.

Unfortunately, the illegal wildlife trade is one of the largest global illegal trades, with "an estimated annual value of up to $20 billion," according to the United Nations.

Millions of animals are trafficked each year. Not only are these animals exploited individually — sold as meat, medicine, or luxury pets — but the repeated trafficking of a certain species can put them at risk of extinction.

The most trafficked animal species, like rhinos, pangolins, elephants, and grey parrots, are all considered endangered or critically endangered.

The extinction of a species is a tragic loss that can have a ripple effect on the local ecosystem, threatening other plant and animal species.

What's being done to prevent wildlife trafficking?

To reduce wildlife trafficking, governments should focus on both prevention and enforcement.

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To actively prevent trafficking, anti-poaching patrols protect animals in the wild and deter poachers. New, high-tech drones are making these patrols even more efficient.

For some animals, like rhinos and elephants, conservationists may safely remove or chemically taint the commonly poached part of the animal to remove the incentive.

As for enforcement, increased inspections along borders, ports, and airports can catch criminals before they can smuggle animals. Stronger laws and harsher penalties for poaching can also help disincentivize the trade.

If you're interested in helping fund anti-trafficking efforts, consider donating money to relevant causes.

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