SCCF staffer joins national group to combat turtle trafficking
By SCCF - | Mar 10, 2021
SCCF
Chris Lechowicz
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz recently joined the Collaborative to Combat the Illegal Trade in Turtles, which is made up of biologists and law enforcement personnel from state, federal and non-government agencies across the country. The group discusses current issues and trends involving turtle trafficking in the United States, devises solutions to combat trafficking, and protocols for the relocation of confiscated turtles.
It is a critical time for the important work of the collaborative, Lechowicz said. Turtles and tortoises were recently declared the most at-risk vertebrate group for extinction, surpassing primates. The designation is primarily from habitat loss, human consumption, traditional medicine use and an ever-increasing pet trade demand. A global demand for turtles has placed heavy strain on tur