Serrated hinge-back tortoise  (Kinixys erosa)

Hinge-back tortoises are actively hunted by humans in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly for domestic consumption (9) (10). The flesh is highly prized as food by some forest peoples, and hunting is often carried out by dogs which locate the tortoise by its distinctive smell (2). The species is also vulnerable to habitat fragmentation in parts of its range (for example, in south-eastern Nigeria) (9), but appears to still be relatively widespread in the central African forests. Thus, it is possibly not particularly vulnerable to the impacts of habitat destruction at a large scale (2) (11).

Whilst in some areas the serrated hinge-back tortoise is hunted, in others this tortoise is worshipped by local communities. They believe it brings happiness, is a symbol of peace and a sign of abundant children (10). This ‘holy’ status may afford some populations a degree of protection. The serrated hinge-back tortoise is listed on Appendix II of he Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that international trade in this tortoise should be carefully monitored to ensure it is compatible with its survival (3). However, as there is insufficient information to determine the status of the hinge-back tortoise in the wild (1), it can not be determined if the tortoise is being taken from the wild at sustainable levels. Therefore, further research and surveys are required to ensure that this trade is not putting the serrated hinge-back tortoise at risk of extinction.