TSA Magazine Archives
Download back issues of Turtle Survival, the TSA's annual publication, below. Members receive the full-color magazine each year, as a benefit of their membership in the TSA. To purchase print copies of back issues, visit our STORE!
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About Turtle Survival Alliance
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) was formed in 2001 as an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) partnership for sustainable captive management of freshwater turtles and tortoises, and initially designated a Task Force of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. The TSA arose in response to the rampant and unsustainable harvest of Asian turtle populations to supply Chinese markets, a situation known as the Asian Turtle Crisis.
Since forming, the TSA has become recognized as a global force for turtle conservation, capable of taking swift and decisive action on behalf of critically endangered turtles and tortoises. Although the TSA was organized in response to the Asian Turtle Crisis, the group has been expanded as our understanding of the scope of turtle and tortoise declines has become better understood. The TSA has been particularly involved in recovery efforts where a managed breeding component is part of an overall survival strategy. The TSA employs a comprehensive strategy for evaluating the most critically endangered chelonians that identifies whether a species is prioritized for a captive program or through range country efforts, or a combination of both.
In the past 13 years, TSA secured nonprofit 501(c)(3) status (2005) and has centralized its base operations in South Carolina by opening the Turtle Survival Center (2013). The Turtle Survival Center, which now has AZA certification (2018), is home to a collection of more than 700 turtles and tortoises, representing 30 of the world’s critically endangered species. The TSA has also grown internationally, with significant field projects or programs in Madagascar, Myanmar and India, and additional projects in Belize, Colombia, and throughout Asia.
Today, the TSA is an action-oriented global partnership, focusing on species that are at high risk of extinction, and working in turtle diversity hotspots around the world. Widely recognized as a global catalyst for turtle conservation based on its reputation for swift and decisive action, the TSA has made a bold commitment to zero turtle extinctions in the 21st Century. The TSA is a recognized force for turtle conservation globally. TSA’s conservation actions utilize a three-pronged approach:
1. Restoring populations in the wild where possible;
2. Securing species in captivity through assurance colonies; and
3. Building the capacity to restore, secure and conserve species within their range country.
Eastern Box Turtle
Tampa Bay
Turtle & Tortoise
Society, Inc.
Spider Tortoise
Pink-belly Sideneck
Monthly Newsletter
June 2019 Issue
Date: June 8thth, 2019, starts at 7:00pm.
Guest speaker: Kim Titterington aka Swamp Girl Adventures on rehab and other conversation
projects she has done.
Kim has been providing education and rescue for 25 years. At a young age she was inspired to
educate others and started teaching kids when she was 14. Kim spent several years working at a
couple different zoos and as a vet assistant before she founded Swamp Girl Adventures in 2009 to
help further her mission to reach more people all over the world with a YouTube channel. Ever
since then Swamp Girl Adventures has been providing education rescue and Rehabilitation of
Florida Wildlife.
Misc Notes
Please update your email information with Ralph Till at rascal1843@aol.com. We only use
this information for club business and it helps for club members to stay up to date on any
last minutes changes that may occur. It will also help ensure that you receive your
electronic copy of our monthly newsletter.
If you would like to submit an article or pictures to be published in the next upcoming
newsletter, please email it to Kim at sparty@tampabay.rr.com. Please submit by the end of
the month to be published in the next month's newsletter.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the officers listed below:
Elected & Appointed Officers
President - Ralph Till
727-515-7443 Rascal1843@aol.com
Vice President Mark Randall
20smoke@mindspring.com
Treasurer - Ralph Till
727-515-7443 Rascal1843@aol.com
Secretary/Memberships/Public Relations - Kim Illum
sparty@tampabay.rr.com
Newsletter Editor Mark & Kim Illum
sparty@tampabay.rr.com
Facebook Coordinator Ralph, Mark R & Kim
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TBTTS
New Website under construction:
http://www.tbtts.org/
RALPH'S RAMBLINGS
Now Note from Editor
Hello Everyone,
Well it didn't take long for summer to arrive, one day it was 83 degrees and the next it was 93 degrees.
I'm sure that a lot of our members keep their animals outside, just remember that they need a cool hide to
escape the heat just as we do.
Last month's meeting was a show-n-tell with a dozen different species being represented. There were
some interesting stories being told, and I'm sure everyone learned something that was beneficial.
Over this past weekend, John Owen completed his Eagle Scout project by building a waterfall/filter for the
turtle pond. He was responsible for all phases of the project, which included fund raising, securing of all
materials and coordinating the actual construction. He and his team did a FANTASTIC job and I'm certain
that everyone will be impressed. It looks Awesome! Next we're going to install a UV filter to assist with
management of the algae that is always present.
Saturday, June 22nd, from 2:00-5:00 is Reptile Day at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. We will be joined by
the Suncoast Herp Society and the Birds of Prey. Most everyone will be setup in the classroom as before,
but we'll have additional displays in the interpretive center as well. The park will be open for business as
usual and Saturdays have been very busy since the remodeling project. This is an excellent venue to
show everyone what we do and to educate people on turtles and tortoises. I'm counting on a strong
support from you.
Our next meeting is Saturday, June 8th, 2019. Our quest speaker is Kim Titterington from Swamp Girl
Adventures. Kim does amazing work with both turtle and tortoise rescues/rehabs. You won't want to miss
her presentation.
Enough for now, hoping for a great turnout at our next meeting.
Ralph Till
Rascal1843@aol.com
Sorry I am a little behind in posting this. In April was International Tortoise week by
ZooMed & TTPG.
For those who did not receive the daily newsletter from them features turtles & tortoises,
here are the links to view these articles.
Day 1: Turtles of the Earth, the True World Wonders:
https://mailchi.mp/zoomed/2019-ittw-day1?e=b17b13bb07
Day 2: Gentle Giants
https://mailchi.mp/zoomed/2019-ittw-day2?e=b17b13bb07
Day 3: Tiny Treasures
https://mailchi.mp/zoomed/2019-ittw-day3?e=b17b13bb07
Day 4: World Recors Turtles & Tortosies
https://mailchi.mp/zoomed/2019-ittw-day4?e=b17b13bb07
Day 5: Make a Difference:
https://mailchi.mp/zoomed/2019-ittw-day5?e=b17b13bb07
Hope you enjoyed these articles.
Thanks,
Kim
Important Upcoming Club Events
***VOLUNTEERS NEEDED***** The Repticon Tampa is approaching us quickly, next month. We
need some volunteers would like to sit at our table and pass out info for the club. Ideally it would be
great to have 2 people each day. The shift would be split this way you'll have time to walk around
the show before/after. Saturday hours are 9am-5pm, but would need to start at 8:30 to set up
table; Sunday hours are 10am-4pm but would need to stay past to break table down.
If you are interested in volunteering for a certain time/area, pls contact Ralph Till at
Rascal1843@aol.com or let him know at the next upcoming meeting.
Upcoming reptile shows
Repticon Tampa June 8th & 9th 2019 volunteers needed
Repticon Kissimmee June 22nd & 23rd 2019
Daytona National Reptile Breeders Expo August 16th 18th 2019
Repticon FIRE show September 7th & 8th 2019
Repticon New Port Richey September 21st & 22nd 2019
Repticon Kissimmee October 12th & 13th 2019
Repticon Tampa November 9th & 10th 2019 volunteers needed
Repticon Orlando December 7th & 8th 2019
Upcoming Club Speakers
July 13, 2019 TBA
August 10, 2019 TBA
September 14, 2019 No guest speaker, this is our annual Auction
October 12, 2019 TBA
November 9, 2019 No guest speaker, this is our annual election night (current members only).
December 14, 2019 - No guest speaker, our annual Christmas party (current members only).
NOTE: If you would be interested in doing a talk, pls contact Ralph Till at Rascal1843@aol.com for
additional information.
Please stay tune for other events/field trips that we are working on.
NOTE: If you would be interested in doing a talk, pls contact Ralph Till at Rascal1843@aol.com for
additional information.
Turtle/Tortoise Videos
Snapping turtle get a mani pedi:
https://www.facebook.com/AnimalPlanet/videos/2157129017740284/?v=2157129017740284
Calling all turtles, calling all turtle. I repeat calling all turtles:
https://www.facebook.com/646915990/videos/10156905710240991/
Baby sea turtles making their way to the vast ocean:
https://www.facebook.com/FOX35News/videos/10156624799988525/?v=10156624799988525
Turtles/Tortoises in the News
Couple buys land next door for gopher tortoises:
https://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/couple-buys-land-next-door-for-gopher-
tortoises?fbclid=IwAR1WHsq4Lzvf3F69-WWnNf82y9CUPngKR6w2R5d-MPLVuN_sjOI_WNVa2hU
Tortoise poachers get stiff sentence in Madagasar:
https://www.france24.com/en/20190522-tortoise-poachers-get-stiff-sentence-
madagascar?fbclid=IwAR1p1ejGdJU9N6zuVVBqrLpDokZOXI0Q-pGLVYjczAX7y1WhKj1YC1qXQ1A
Rare 62 lb alligator snapping turtle caught in Missippi:
https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Rare-62-pound-alligator-snapping-turtle-caught-in-
Mississippi-510392911.html?fbclid=IwAR1WHsq4Lzvf3F69-WWnNf82y9CUPngKR6w2R5d-
MPLVuN_sjOI_WNVa2hU
https://www.facebook.com/BirdAndMoon/photos/a.369411403135971/18217941012310
20/?type=3&theater
Kidz Korner
Turtle/Tortoise Tender Tales (rescue stories)
This rescue story is brought to you from Swamp Girl Adventures:
Sadly this softshell turtle passed away after she was hit by a car while on her way to lay eggs. She was
brought into our rescue. You can see by the x ray some of the eggs were actually damaged from the
impact. The good news is we were able to save 16 eggs! We are now up to 100 eggs recovered so far
this season! Rescue and Rehabilitation plays a role in the conservation of Florida's native species. Now
we wait, cross fingers / toes, and see how many of these eggs hatch out babies.
Donations to help this tortoise and others that have been injured are much appreciated can be
made through the Swamp Girl Adventures facebook page or website.
Regards, Kim
Swamp Girl Adventures
To see more of the rehabs we currently have and some out the out reach programs we done, please
visit: http://www.swampgirladventures.org/
Also like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwampGirlAdventures/
Classified Section
You may place your animals, items, services that you have for sale in the club's newsletter. Ads will
run month to month and you must renew it for every month that you would like. Ads are free to up
to date/paid members, or $5.00 per month ($8.00 for 2 months) for non-members.
Adoptions
Looking to re-home out your reptile? Place a free ad for any reptile that you are looking to adopt
out (free ads are for reptiles which does NOT have a re-homing fee).
Advertising Rates
1/8th Page = $8 per issue or $75 per year (savings of $21).
1/4th Page = $11 per issue or $100 per year (savings of $32).
1/2 Page = $16 per issue or $150 per year (savings of $42).
Full Page = $25 per issue or $225 per year (savings of $75).
Pricing includes art/graphics/color, however you send the advertisement will be published in our
electronic newsletter.
Please email over the Classified/Adoptions/Advertisement info by the end of the month to: Kim at
sparty@tampabay.rr.com
All payments for advertisements should be sent directly to:
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
c/o Tampa Bay Turtle & Tortoise Society, Inc.
2750 Park Trail Ln.
Clearwater, FL 33759
Smelt Feed & Pet Supply has gracefully
offered to give us a $15.00 gift certificate
each month for our monthly raffle. Stop by
their store and see what they have:
4116 East 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605
www.smeltfeed.com
https://www.facebook.com/SmeltFeed
https://www.facebook.com/events/520424278466622/
Other Herp Societies
The Turtle & Tortoise Club of Florida Orlando Chapter
Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm
Location: Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland, FL 34787
Suncoast Herpetological Society Inc.
website: http://www.kingsnake.com/suncoastherpsociety/SHSHome.htm
meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at 6:00pm.
Location: Moccasin Lake Nature Park 2750 Park Trail Ln. Clearwater, FL 33759
Central Florida Herpetological Society
website: Centralfloridaherpsociety.org
meets on the 4th Sunday of every other month at 2:00 PM but you want to be there between 1:00 -
1:30 PM for parking
Location: Orlando Public Library, Downtown Branch, Anderson Room 3rd Floor, 101 East Central
Blvd Orlando, FL 32801
Calusa Herpetological Society
website: calusaherp.org
meets on the first Thursday at 7:00 PM
Location: In the Iona house at the Calusa Nature Center
Jacksonville Herpetological Society
website: jaxherp.tripod.com
meets first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 PM
Location: Museum of Science and History (MOSH), Museum circle, Jacksonville, FL
Membership and Newsletter subscription form
Annual membership fee: $20.00 per year, and the membership includes:
- Electronic Monthly newsletter sent to your email address
- Free Classified's in newsletter (members only) as well as low cost
advertisement rates.
- Annual Auction, Christmas Party, and Office Elections
- Monthly Meetings in an indoor classroom setting that consists of the
following:
- Different guest speaker each month
- Raffle Prizes
- Info about upcoming events/reptile shows/field trips/etc..
Date/Time: Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month at 7:00pm
Meeting Address: Moccasin Lake Nature Park 2750 Park Trail Ln.
Clearwater, FL 33759
Complete the form below and bring it with you to the next upcoming meeting
or mail it along with payment to:
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
c/o Tampa Bay Turtle & Tortoise Society, Inc.
2750 Park Trail Ln.
Clearwater, FL 33759
Check one:
_______ New Membership _______ Membership Renewal
Name: _________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zipcode: ___________________________________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________ Phone#: ________________________________
NOTE: We would never sell or trade your information. This information is strictly for club use only.
Answer Key