Asian Three-striped Box Turtle (Cuora trifasciata) is one of the most Critically Endangered freshwater turtles in Asia. Known to be native to southern China and northern Viet Nam, and almost certainly in Lao PDR and perhaps Myanmar, it is also arguably one of the most beautiful. The population has declined drastically because C. trifasciata is believed to have cancer-curing properties in traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, it is a rare species that is highly sought by the pet trade. While the harvesting of many Asian turtle species for the food trade may slow once each species reaches a commercial extinction threshold, individual C. trifasciata will continue to be hunted even as individuals become harder to find because of the high perceived value of each turtle. The establishment of secure insurance colonies or heritage collections will probably be the only solution to prevent complete loss of C. trifasciata in the short-term.
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