With growing digital access, the #illegal pet trade finds new ground online in Nepal. While there have been promising efforts to control wildlife trade in physical markets, attention towards the burgeoning digital trade requires immediate attention. 1/2

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The critically endangered elongated tortoise is a master of camouflage! It often stays hidden under Shorea robusta leaves during the day, making it tough to spot.
Can you spot the juvenile elongated tortoise hiding among the leaves? Let us know in the comments!

We sincerely thank the Division Forest Office Kathmandu for supporting in rescuing a Critically Endangered tortoise (Indotestudo elongata). The tortoise has been safely handed over to the Central Zoo. We are glad to coordinate with DFO Kathmandu in efforts to rescue and protect threatened species.

We organized a workshop for sharing preliminary results from our research on illegal exotic pet trade in Nepal.

Heartfelt thanks to all the participants for their engagement & insights during the event. This has encouraged us to refine our findings & provide recommendations for curbing the trade.

Red-eared sliders in the Central Zoo, Kathmandu, Nepal.

These turtles are among the most popular species in the pet trade in Nepal, even though they are not native to the region. The turtles shown in the picture are seized ones, as keeping any turtles as pets is illegal in Nepal.