Project‐based learning: a student investigation of the turtle trade in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China

Abstract

This article describes a survey conducted by 20 university students in Guangzhou, China since January 2008 on the live turtle trade in markets. Lectures on the Asian turtle conservation problem, turtle identification skills and survey techniques were given to the students before on‐site surveys. After guided observation with teachers, students implemented a regular monthly survey on their own. Publications in popular magazines, posters at professional conferences, and seminars in local schools were some follow‐up activities. This experience fostered the concept of sustainable use of natural resources through contact with traders who sell endangered animals to make a living. Market surveys provide an economical and practical project‐based learning experience. With minor adjustment, market surveys are a feasible learning experience for students in both developing and well‐developed countries.

Keywords:

• Asian turtle crisis
• Hong Kong
• student project
• conservation education

Acknowledgements

This study is a part of the project generously funded by the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation of Hong Kong to Dr Alex Chow to study distribution and exploitation of freshwater turtles in South China. We would like to thank Mr Timothy Lam of TRAFFIC East Asia in assisting the guidance of the students during the market visit in January 2008 and Professor Jim Irish in College of Environmental Science and Engineering at South China University of Technology for reviewing the manuscript. Technical Contribution No. 5828 of the Clemson University of Experiment Station.