Hunting and trade of big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum Gray 1831) in two protected areas in northern Vietnam

The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is an evolutionary distinct and globally Endangered freshwater turtle species. The primary threat to the species is illegal hunting and trade. However, very little is known about hunting, trade and the conservation status of the species in Vietnam. Interviews with 31 professional P. megacephalum hunters, traders, and agriculturalists around Pu Hu Nature Reserve and Pu Mat National Park, northern Vietnam, revealed that the illegal hunting and trade of this species began in the area over 20 years ago, overlapping with the peak of the Asian Turtle Crisis. Respondents reported that the main hunting season occurs from March to September, and that the traditional bamboo basket trap is considered as the most efficient hunting method. The volume of P. megacephalum being hunted and traded has experienced a dramatic decline since the early 2000s, this has been associated with an increased economic value of the species in these illegal markets in which a single kilogram of the species is worth more than the average local monthly income. Despite all respondents acknowledging they were aware of the protected status of freshwater turtles, a lack of sufficient enforcement of protective legislation was evident. The high economic value and ease of hunting this species in its linear stream habitats means urgent improvements to enforcement will be critical to save the remaining populations in both surveyed protected areas.