This photo shows a live turtle suspected to be an endangered species. Hong Kong Customs seized 18 live turtles and 3 live lizards suspected to be endangered species at the Hong Kong International Airport on May 14, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

A number of species of freshwater turtles, most sharks’ fins, and Rhodiola rosea powder are included in a revised version of Hong Kong’s control list, aimed at protecting endangered species, which will take effect from Friday. 

During the first 11 months of this year, the city recorded 379 cases of smuggling in endangered species, brought to light jointly by Hong Kong Customs and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), marking a 30 percent increase compared with last year's number, officials from the two departments told at a joint press conference on Thursday.

Jenny Lau Yuen-yung, endangered species protection officer for the AFCD reminded residents who plan to purchase pet turtles to always check the store’s license and proof of the turtles’ origins, to ensure their legality

Jenny Lau Yuen-yung, endangered species protection officer for the AFCD, said that the freshwater turtle species will be included on the control list following amendments to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), which come into effect on Friday. 

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She reminded residents who plan to purchase pet turtles to always check the store’s license and proof of the turtles’ origins, to ensure their legality.

Divisional Commander (Air Passenger) of the Airport Command of Customs and Excise Department’s Boundary and Ports Branch Lau Leung-chi said that over the past 11 months, 263 people had been arrested for smuggling endangered species, in cases amounting to a financial sum of about HK$80 million ($10.25 million). 

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The increase in smuggling cases is likely to be attributable to the resumption of cross-boundary travel earlier this year, Lau said. 

This photo shows a live lizard suspected to be an endangered species. Hong Kong Customs seized 18 live turtles and 3 live lizards suspected to be endangered species at the Hong Kong International Airport on May 14, 2023. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

The commander said that some travelers had violated smuggling regulations without being aware they were doing so. In the past 11 months, travelers had attempted to bring controlled endangered species into Hong Kong including American ginseng, orchids, dendrobium, dried sea cucumbers, and controlled seahorses.

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Lau also mentioned that some travelers had attempted to bring souvenir items such as ivory from Nigeria into Hong Kong, which is against the city’s laws. 

He cautioned residents to check whether the souvenirs they buy while on holiday are controlled items under the laws of Hong Kong, especially now that peak travel season is approaching. 

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com