Are Aldabra Tortoises CITES

[MarkJD]

Do you require CITES papers for captive bred Aldabra Giant Tortoise?

[purplepixie]

Yes...........

[fatfecker]

no...

[MarkJD]

Haha you see the confusion! I dont beleive they are from further insepction.

[purplepixie]

The DEFRA site will say what they need. If they are not on their lists then no they dont need paperwork.

[ukphd]

I may be wrong but as I understand it....

CITES relates to the international trade of animals between countries so if an animal is listed on CITES in its country of origin but has been captive bred within the UK then it could be moved within the UK with no need for CITES paperwork i.e. a tortoise bred in the UK regardless of species could be moved within the UK with no need for paperwork.

Aldabras are appendix II (CITES-listed species database) which would mean there are quota restrictions on their international trade and as such they would require a CITES permit to be moved (sold) to someone in another country.

In addition other rules apply to movements of CITES listed species within the EU

Defra say that
"CITES specimens may be moved freely within the EU, although you may have to provide evidence to confirm that they were imported or obtained legally. Evidence could be:

• the holder’s copy of the import permit; or
• an invoice or receipt which has the number of the import permit or sale certificate on it; or
• a letter from the person who originally bred the specimen, or a certificate from another EU management Authority if the specimen was acquired for commercial purposes. The letter should be signed and dated by the breeder or importer. You must also give the person’s address, where the specimens were bred, their birth or hatch dates, and details of the parents."

Hope that is helpful

[fatfecker]

I have 2 of them, wonderful creatures and I thoroughly recommend them. I have a copy of the import paperwork for them but it is not required by law to sell them within the EU as ukphd has stated.