Three endangered turtle species in Hong Kong are going down in numbers, a study has found. Scientists say they could go extinct in five years if wildlife trading is not stopped.

Scientists from Lingnan University say our city is the last stronghold in the world for three species of freshwater turtles.

The golden coin turtle and big-headed turtle are critically endangered, with their world population having dropped by four-fifths. The number of Beale’s eyed turtles has fallen by about half.

“Wild freshwater turtles have disappeared across most of China,” says professor Jonathan Fong. “The small populations that remain in Hong Kong are a unique opportunity for conservation.”