BRAZIL: REQUEST FOR USG HELP IN REPATRIATING TURTLES

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000297 SIPDIS STATE FOR OES/ENRC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV KSCA TBIO BR SUBJECT: BRAZIL: REQUEST FOR USG HELP IN REPATRIATING TURTLES BROUGHT ILLEGALLY INTO BRAZIL FROM THE UNITED STATES ¶1. On March 6, 2009, Mr. Anderson Luis do Valle from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources (IBAMA) contacted Post's Environment, Science and Technology, and Health (ESTH) office. Mr. Valle is the Coordinator of IBAMA's Center for Triage of Wild Animals. He explained that IBAMA had seized approximately 50 turtles, which he identified as "Trachemys scripta." That species is known as the "Pond Slider" and is a common pet in the United States. It is a medium sized aquatic turtle. ¶2. Mr. Valle states that these turtles were illegally brought into Brazil from the United States and commercialized in Brazil. This species of turtles is an invasive species, and it competes with and threatens native species. Mr. Valle would like to have these turtles sent to the United States. He proposes that IBAMA and the USG enter into an agreement or arrangement to return invasive species of U.S. origin to the United States. He noted that the Brazilian airline TAM has been willing in the past to repatriate trafficked animals at no cost. ¶3. Post would appreciate Washington's advice on how to respond to the request from IBAMA with respect to repatriating, in general, species originating in the United States and brought illegally into Brazil, and in specific, these turtles. KUBISKE