From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Madagascar Big Headed Turtle inhabits the waters of permanent slow moving rivers and lakes in Western Madagascar. These turtles, although they are endangered (the 13th most endangered turtle, according to the top 25 most endangered turtles list, issued May of 2003), they are commonly eaten for food by the people of Madagascar. The Madagascar Big Headed Turtle faces many threats, mostly from humans. They have all but disappeard due to over fishing, because they are easily caught in nets, fish traps, and by fishing poles. Madagascar's land development is a serious threat because it destroys their natural habitat. In the name of conservation, the international trade in these creatures has been banned, although they are still commonly shipped from Madagascar to Asia to help meet the demand of Asia's traditional medicine market. A captive breeding programme has also been begun to prevent the species from becoming extinct. The Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) intends to raise $5.6 million to cover a 5 year 'Global Action Plan' which includs captive breeding and reintroduction projects, trade monitoring, new rescue centers, local conservation plans, and educational programs.
