A mosaic of yellow, stunning amber and rich mahogany, a turtle shell is a natural masterpiece and long sought after for furniture and fashion. We’re all familiar with the narrative of ivory and the need to protect elephants from human threats, but many would be surprised to know that many species of turtle including the Hawksbill turtle are now listed as critically endangered due to the tortoiseshell trade. A study this year found humans harvested 9 million Hawksbill turtles over the past 150 years, more than six times previous estimates.
Feature Image:
Date:
Document: