Japan has proposed restricting international trade of a species of turtle endemic to the islands in its southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.

The Environment Ministry submitted its proposal to the secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It asked the agency to include the Ryukyu leaf turtle in its list of protected wildlife.

The turtle lives in the northern part of Okinawa's main island as well as Tokashiki and Kume Islands. It has a shell about 10 centimeters long.

The turtle is categorized as an endangered species by the Environment Ministry. It is also designated as a national natural treasure, which prohibits the hunting of the animal.

But illegally caught turtles are fetching 1,200 to 6,300 dollars at online auctions abroad.

The ministry says with the convention, it wants to prevent smuggling of the turtle. This is the first time Japan has made a proposal on its indigenous species to the convention.

The convention accords protection to more than 34,000 species, including Japan's crested ibises. The entries from Japan were proposed by other countries.

Japan's submission is to be discussed at a meeting of the convention in March in Thailand.