Veterinary Observations and Biological Specimen Use after a Massive Confiscation of Palawan Forest Turtles (Siebenrockiella leytensis)

In 2015, nearly 4000 critically endangered Palawan forest turtles (Siebenrockiella leytensis) were confiscated on their native island of in the Philippines after being illegally harvested for international wildlife trade. Local conservation biologists and an team veterinary husbandry personnel evaluated, treated, repatriated majority (88%) over a 3-mo period. Common pathologic findings included ophthalmic, dermatologic, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal lesions, including keratitis, osteomyelitis shell digits, pododermatitis, colonic nematodiasis. Hemogram results indicated severe leukocytosis many individuals. Specimens genetic analysis molecular diagnostics archived, several intact carcasses established as museum specimens. International collaboration may be required to ensure confiscation survival traded wildlife, with ongoing efforts toward enhancing law enforcement, husbandry, capacity range country personnel.