According to Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018, the Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) has been designated as a protected species in Indonesia and is listed under Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Despite this protection, cases of illegal wildlife trade, consumption, and use in traditional medicine and cosmetics continue to be reported.
Intensive habitat exploitation still occurs in Papua, with 20 cases recorded between 2013 and 2020, along with one additional case in 2022. Below are examples of illegal trade evidence collected by authorities:
| No | Date | Type | Total | Perpetrator | Security | Found Location |
| 1 | 07-Mar-22 | Carretochelys Insculpta | 472 tails | MIH | Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) BKSDA | Payakumbuh City |
Criminal sanctions for perpetrators of illegal wildlife stated on Article 21, Paragraph 2, Letter d, in conjunction with Article 40, Paragraph 2 of Law Number 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems.
| No | Date | Type | Total | Perpetrator | Security | Found Location |
| 1 | 19- Jan-19
|
Carretochelys Insculpta | 1.190 tails | – | Merauke Distric Court | Mopah Airport in Merauke |
(Source: https://www.wwf.id/id/blog/kura-kura-moncong-babi-go-international)
Based on this case, the Merauke District Court sentenced the defendant to four months in prison and imposed a fine of Rp. 5.000.000. If the fine is not paid, the defendant will serve an additional two months’ of imprisonment.
The Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) is classified as Endagered by the IUCN with illegal trade posing the greatest threat due to harvesting that exceeds the maximum quota set by the Indonesian government. While Indonesian regulations classify this species as a “Hunted Animal”, harvesting must still comply with the legal quota, which allows a maximum of 10.000 eggs per year.
A 2022 study by Papuan conservation team revealed significant exploitation of the species. Local harvesters and hunters collected 69.000 eggs across 23 tribes, with an averaging of 3.000 eggs per tribe, to be sold outside Papua as a source of income. Additionally, investigators found that some community members stored approximately 4.000 eggs, with records indicating that in August alone, 2.000 eggs were harvested and kept in special containers. The severe overexploitation of the species poses a serious risk of extinction, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter enforcement and conservation efforts.
Several factors threaten the Pig-nosed Turtle, including:
- Human disturbances.
- Climate change which can trigger flooding, leading to egg destruction and nest submersion.
- Natural predators in the habitat, such as monitor lizards and other species.
To protect Papua’s ecosystem, Papua Conservation, in collaboration with TSE Group and IPB University, has been actively engaged in conservation efforts. The sustainability of the Pig-nosed Turtle population is closely related to Papuan cultural traditions, which have been passed down from previous generations. Enhancing community awareness about the relationship between wildlife populations and cultural heritage is essential. Therefore, in-depth research and public campaigns are needed to encourage compliance with government regulations on the harvesting, selling, and utilizing Pig-nosed Turtle eggs and shells.
In addition, a ranching program is necessary to facilitate the legal utilization of Pig-nosed Turtle eggs. According to Indonesia government regulation (Minister of Environment and Forestry Decree No. 65/MENLHK/KSDAE/KSA.2/3/2021, dated March 3, 2021), at least 50% of harvested eggs must be left in the wild, while the remaining 50% can be legally sold by the Papuan community. (https://balaikliringkehati.menlhk.go.id/v2/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kuota-penangkapan-pengambilan-TSL-2024.pdf).
