Galapagos giant tortoise trafficking case demonstrates the utility and applications of long-term comprehensive genetic monitoring

Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is a cause for global concern as pressure
stemming from IWT threatens wild species and can even lead to
extinction. Galapagos giant tortoises are a group of threatened
species protected under CITES, which forbids their import-export for
international trade; however, IWT of this group persists. In this
study, we describe the use of two extensive genetic repositories
of mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite markers for Galapagos
giant tortoises to identify an unsuspected source of trafficked
juvenile tortoises. Our genetic analyses, together with
morphological and captive-born registry data, provide evidence that the
smuggled juveniles were from two breeding centers dedicated to
conservation located on the Galapagos islands of San Cristobal and
Isabela. This is the first documentation of smuggled tortoises
being taken from breeding centers rather than the wild. The findings from
our genetic analysis provided key evidence that enabled legal
investigation. This case demonstrates the importance of the
comprehensive genetic characterization of Galapagos giant tortoises and
the suitability of standard genetic markers for identifying the
species and islands of origin of trafficked animals. We also
discuss the efficacy, adequacy, and reach of existing
measures against IWT. Overall, this case illustrates an important
application of long-term and comprehensive genetic repositories
of endangered species and the crucial role of
collaborations among academic laboratories maintaining those
repositories, local practitioners responsible for the specie's
protection, and the bodies that implement and enforce anti-trafficking
regulations.