Threatened species of Geochelone platynota

Threatened species of Burmese starred tortoise
Endangered populations of Burmese star tortoise

Background

In the original description of the Burmese star tortoise in the 1860s, it was stated that the indigenous peoples were so fond of eating them that it was very difficult to obtain a living specimen.

Claim

The rare Burmese star tortoise Geochelone platynota, endemic to Myanmar (Burma), has been found in the Guangzhou and Shenzhen markets in China. Because Myanmar has apparently not issued CITES II export permits, none can be legally imported into any country, whether for food or ex situ captive reproduction, despite their occasional availability in the Chinese food markets. In Asia you can eat them, boil them, butcher them, sell them, destroy their habitat but you cannot legally export, hence import any for captive reproduction, which may be their only hope for survival as a species.