The illegal trade of softshell turtles for consumption of their meat, eggs, and calipee poses a significant threat to numerous species, jeopardising the survival of those already endangered. An ever-expanding network supplies substantial quantities of turtles, including the Indian flapshell and the peacock softshell, to the Indo-Bangladesh border. Addressing this critical issue requires a comprehensive and strategic intervention.
This project endeavours to curb the illegal trade of softshell turtles through a multifaceted approach. Utilising a problem analysis framework, we have identified key nodes that can disrupt the trade network, which can be and targeted through collaborative responses. Our demand reduction approach focuses on conserving threatened species, using behavioural techniques to understand drivers of consumption.