Testudinidae and trionychidae (Animalia: reptilia) in the pet trade with special emphasis on Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

The legal and illegal pet trade in Peninsular Malaysia is a big business. Members of the family Testudinidae and Trionychidae have a significant market in the pet trade. Four major cities namely, Penang Island, Ipoh, Johor Baharu and Kuala Lumpur were selected and informal surveys were conducted in these four cities.