Business unusual

China is well-known for the trade of exotic animals, and parts of the animals. Think of rhinoceros horn or bear bile. Now sea turtle guitar picks are being offered too. Last week Qing Song was convicted by a Californian Court to violate US laws, because she had imported turtle shells of the hawksbill turtle as well as guitar picks from China. Judge Breyer has ruled she has to spend 10 months in prison, pay a $2000 fine for her remarkable business activities and has been forbidden to ever sell the animal - or parts of it - again.

The Hawksbill turtle is very rare and hardly seen. It is considered to be one of the most endangered turtle species in the world and is listed under the Endangered Species Act in the United States. They are considered to be 'extremely endangered' - one step above being extinct in the world.

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