The development of the present guide works to fulfill the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Decision 18.288 on Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles, which directs the CITES Secretariat to develop “a guide on categories of turtle parts and derivatives in trade, for national agencies responsible for wildlife law enforcement, to raise their awareness of the trade in these types of specimens, to enable initial recognition of such specimens, and to provide guidance on further identification resources and expertise that can be consulted.”