109 shells of critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles were seized from smugglers last week. Cotton was crudely stuffed inside the shells, where the animals’ heads once were. “All species of sea turtles, including hawksbills, are under constant assault for their shells which are turned into souvenirs, jewelry, and other items often sold to unwitting tourists,” said Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, pointing out that turtle meat is also a culinary delicacy in many countries.
Link: The Dodo