Turtling (hunting)

[1] While consumption and hunting of turtles is less common than it was in the past, this practice is still a part of communities throughout the globe, whether done legally or illegally.

In Melanesian societies, it was common during funeral ceremonies, for locals to partake in a feast of turtle meat and other delicacies.

[2] Ecological research shows that turtle numbers decline with proximity to human settlements.

This can be explained directly due to the hunting of turtles, or also indirectly with the ecology of fear principle, predation.

[8] With a coast line of approximately 30,000 km, it is evident that Africa relies greatly on the fishing industry to feed the people and also as a trade product between other countries.

The tortoise is protected under Malagasy law and is part of CITES, however enforcement is low and hunting persists.

[18] One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome with the hunting and poaching of sea turtles is the cultural aspect.

When scientists and conservationists try to explain to native poachers the detrimental impact their actions have on sea turtle populations, or when walking nightly patrols on the beach, they are met with hostility and sometimes violence.

[19] Continuous education and outreach is important to mitigating the issue, in addition to beach patrols to prevent poachers from taking eggs or nesting female turtles.

Implementing laws that protect animals, such as the radiated tortoise in Madagascar, can help population levels if proper enforcement is in place.