1
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
Transforming passion for turtles into effective conservation action
through a global network of living collections and recovery programs
AUGUST 2009
WWW.TURTLESURVIVAL.ORG
Peter Praschag, Behler Chelonian CenterThe Northern Spider Tortoise,
(Pyxis arachnoides brygooi)
See Cover Story on p.5
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AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
From the Pres ident 's Desk
Abi l i ty to respond rapidly i s what sets TSA apar t
As I write this letter, we have just received news that the female Rafetus has laid her first clutch of 56 eggs at Suzhou Zoo for the 2009
season. After suffering last year's disappointing news, the TSA regrouped and is giving it 100%, addressing some of the problems seen in
2008. We hope to be able to report soon that the world's population of Rafetus has grown by fourteen-fold and to show the first photographs
of a live hatchling R. swinhoei. When Dr. Gerald Kuchling's email message arrived with this much-anticipated news, he requested that we try
and find funding for a camcorder to mount over the Rafetus nesting beach that would make finding eggs easier. I forwarded the email to the
new TSA Board and almost immediately David Shapiro responded from Hong Kong, offering up the $1,400 requested. It struck me later
what an amazing example this was of the TSA network's strength, and our ability to respond to turtle conservation issues around the globe.
No other turtle conservation organization is positioned to respond as rapidly or effectively as the TSA.
Another notable strength of the TSA is our global network of
veterinarians that can mobilize quickly when situations demand.
When a disease problem was identified in the only range country
assurance colony for the endangered Philippine forest turtle
(Siebenrockiella leytensis), the TSA sent Dr. Nimal Fernando
from Ocean Park Hong Kong to Palawan to investigate. Later in
September, a TSA team will follow up with a site visit to help design
a new filtration system to improve water quality for this important
group of turtles. In August, a TSA team will visit Myanmar to begin
designing new turtle rescue and assurance colony facilities, and
then move on to Malaysia where plans for new turtle centers are
taking shape. Expertise in captive management and facility design
are well represented within the TSA partnership, and these skills are
becoming more in demand as captive populations become integrated
into species recovery plans.
Looking back on the past year, we have witnessed some significant events and made serious progress towards protecting endangered species
and populations in Asia as well as Madagascar. In January 2009, we organized Team Burma that conducted workshops in Myanmar, drafting
a Plan for saving the Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata) and developing an improved strategy for handling confiscated turtles and
tortoises. Just prior to our arrival, staff at Mandalay's Yadanabon Zoo found a 2008 hatched B. trivittata in the adult breeding pond, the first
worldwide captive breeding of this rare turtle. From Myanmar, a subset of Team Burma proceeded on to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and
Singapore a five country "tour of duty" in just over a month. Watch for future news as we initiate new programs and partnerships in these
countries, particularly Malaysia where the Royal Turtle Institute is being planned near Terengganu, under the direction and watchful eye of
longtime TSA collaborator Dr. Engheng Chan.
TSA's new Madagascar Program is raising funds that will be directed toward protecting the last wild populations of the Ploughshare tortoise
(Astrochelys yniphora). Collaboration with the Behler Chelonian Center and San Diego Zoo will direct much needed support to building a
network of monitoring stations that can help guard against poachers. The TSA is also supporting captive enclosure improvements for spider
tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides) at the Village des Tortues in Ifaty. This facility maintains sizeable groups of both radiated and spider tortoises
(all three subspecies), and holds the largest group of the northern race - brygooi - the most imperiled of Madagascar's dwarf tortoises. We
are developing a close working relationship with Mr. Bernard Devaux - the visionary behind the tortoise village concept and founder of
this important facility and we look forward to a productive partnership as we join forces to address the needs of Madagascar's increasingly
imperiled tortoises.
Finally, the TSA underwent a major restructuring in 2009 and has emerged as a full-fledged non-profit conservation NGO that now operates
outside of the IUCN structure. With a new Board of Directors and expanded committees that better reflect the global composition of TSA,
our new structure is at once more corporate, more accountable to donors and supporters, and more responsive to the needs of our members
and the challenges of turtle conservation. The Board's first major action was identifying funds to hire Heather Lowe full-time as TSA's
Program Coordinator and she "hit the ground running" essentially doubling our membership numbers in the first two months.
To those of you receiving this at home, or if you recently joined the TSA, we thank you for your continued support in these difficult economic
times. If you are joining us in St. Louis, here's wishing you a productive and enjoyable conference. As you interact with your colleagues, and
sit through presentations and workshops, take notice of how diverse the TSA network has become. This unique partnership the alliance
continues to be our core strength that sets us apart from other organizations. We must maintain our shared vision and commitment to zero
turtle extinctions and remember to always let our passion for turtles drive our work for their survival.
Rick Hudson, President
3
In This Issue
F E A T U R E S
4
Introduction
5
Cover Story
13
Board of Directors
16
Staff
17
Membership
19
Animal Management
20
Significant Breedings
22
Golden Coin Box Turtle Genetics
24
TSA Partner News - Behler Chelonian Center
28
TSA Europe
38
TSA Africa
40
TSA Partner News TCF
42
North America
R A N G E C O U N T R Y P R O G R A M S
56
Myanmar
66
India
76
Madagascar
78
China
82
Vietnam
90
Malaysia
94
Cambodia
96
Philippines
E X C L U S I V E S , N E W S , & A N N O U N C E M E N T S
98
Medical
100
Behler Turtle Conservation Award
101
Donor Recognition
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
TURTLE SURVIVAL
ALLIANCE BOARD
Rick Hudson, President
Dwight Lawson, PhD, Vice President
Chuck Landrey, Secretary
Walter Sedgwick, Treasurer
Scott Davis, PhD, Executive Director
Bill Holmstrom
John Iverson, PhD
Patricia Koval
John Mitchell
Colin Poole
Hugh Quinn, PhD
Anders Rhodin, MD
David Shapiro
Frank Slavens
F. William Zeigler
Advisory Committee
Gary Ades
Bernard Devaux
Tomas Diagne
Doug Hendrie
Brian Horne
Gerald Kuchling
Sue Lieberman
Bill Ninesling
Jackie Litzgus
Peter Praschag
Maurice Rodrigues
Peter Paul van Dijk
Dick Vogt
Henk Zwartepoorte
Program Coordinator
Heather Lowe
DESIGN & LAYOUT: JOHN BINNS WWW.IRCF.ORG
INTERNATIONAL REPTILE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 T S A N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 0 9 T S A
For membership information, or to contact the TSA please visit: www.
TurtleSurvival.org Or send your correspondence to: Turtle Survival Alliance 1989
Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth TX 76110
WWW. TURTLESURVIVAL.ORG
The
northern
spider
tortoise
(Pyxis
arachnoides brygooi) was selected as
the cover photo and story because it is
emblematic of the TSA's multi-faceted
conservation strategy for species ranked
critically
endangered,
emphasizing
both field research (in situ) and captive
management (ex situ). The TSA helped
fund Ryan Walker's 2009 Pyxis field surveys
that revealed the precarious situation that
this little tortoise faces in nature. In late
2008 the TSA funded new Pyxis (including
brygooi) breeding enclosures at the Village
des Tortues in Ifaty, home of a substantial
range country assurance colony for this
increasingly threatened tortoise. Finally
the TSA purchased a long-term captive
breeding group of 21 brygooi, thereby
doubling the size of the U.S. assurance
colony. See story p.5
4
Introduct ion
Reflections on the TSA Magazine
Rick Hudson
Call it what you will, but our once-little newsletter has grown into a full-fledged magazine. It also serves as the nearest thing the TSA has
to an annual report and is a useful "calling card" for potential donors. But we see this publication as much more than that. The projects
described herein are not simply the work of the TSA but reflect the work of the TSA network and our many partner organizations. Yes, it is
heavy on articles written about TSA programs and projects for which TSA has provided financial support. However we also like to feature
news and articles from our partner organizations such as TSA Europe, the Turtle Conservation Fund and the Behler Chelonian Center. We
work closely and strategically with these organizations and consider them an integral part of the "TSA Family." All of us share a common
commitment to prevent turtle extinctions. We see the TSA magazine in a much broader sense than simply a TSA PR effort - that being one
that serves the larger turtle conservation community and helps publicize the good work that people are accomplishing around the globe. This
year we have added by-lines at the end of each article that describes the relationship between he TSA and a particular project or organization.
We hope you will continue to view this publication in this light seen through a wide lens as one that is truly reflective of the remarkable
and selfless work that so many dedicated people are doing to help save turtles. Because in the end, who gets credit for doing the work is far
less important than getting the job done.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
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TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Cover Story
Southwestern Madagascar
The tortoises of southwestern Madagascar
are in serious trouble, but fortunately
a remarkable duo of devoted tortoise
conservationists are working on their
behalf through the Village des Tortues
at Ifaty. Bernard Devaux and Olivier
Razandrimamilafiniarivo (Mami, for short)
are running the largest tortoise facility in the
south specifically created for these critically
endangered tortoises. The facility holds
several hundred radiated tortoises (Astrochelys
radiata) as well as approximately 1000
specimens of the Madagascar spider tortoise
(Pyxis arachnoides). Having nearly 600
Northern spider tortoises (Pyxis a. brygooi),
they maintain the largest collection of this,
the rarest subspecies, anywhere in the world.
In January 2008, we had the opportunity
to tour this excellent facility and meet with
Mami. This brief visit catalyzed a developing
partnership between TSA and the Village,
one that promises to grow stronger with time
and bring much needed resources towards
the protection of these species.
The illegal trade in all Madagascan tortoises
has grown dramatically in the last two
decades, and countless populations have
been decimated by over-collection for the
food and pet trades. While only a small
portion of the animals are confiscated by
Malagasy authorities, it is clear that they
need to be properly housed in a facility that
met the needs of the species. Obviously,
one within their natural range would be
optimal. Bernard Devaux, the visionary who
created the SOPTOM, or tortoise village,
facilities in France and Senegal, brought his
expertise and resources to Ifaty. The facility
was opened in April 2005 and has needed to
expand ever since. In a perfect congruence of
circumstances, TSA inquired how we might
help, and shortly thereafter we were planning
new breeding enclosures for spider tortoises.
Program SOKAPILA was born. Construction
got underway in October 2008 and the
facilities were completed in November.
Building Partnerships to Save Madagascar's Imperiled Tortoises
Rick Hudson and Michael Ogle
ANTOINE CADIBernard Devaux, founder of the Village des Tortues at Ifaty, with the new Pyxis facility funded by the TSA.
Measuring 126 square meters (14 x 9 m), the
facility is divided into three units for each
of the three Pyxis subspecies, each with a 9
x 4 m space. Fifteen tortoises per subspecies
were transferred to the new enclosures in
mid-November, the beginning of the rainy
season and the tortoise peak activity period.
The new exhibit allows smaller groups to
be maintained in each section, which more
closely resembles the densities found in the
wild. Another potential outcome is improved
captive management for breeding and future
release.
ANTOINE CADIInside looking out from one of the new Pyxis breeding enclosures at Ifaty.
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AUGUST 2008 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
The TSA, with support from Roy Young and
Nature's Own, Los Angeles Zoo, Knoxville
Zoo and the sale of a lot of onyx tortoise
sculptures, has been able to raise thousands
of dollars to expand tortoise enclosures
and security at the park. The Village des
Tortues plays a critical role in protecting the
All three subspecies of spider tortoises, Pyxis arachnoides, are managed at the Ifaty compound. From left to right, P. a. oblonga, P. a. arachnoides and P. a.
brygooi.
tortoises of the Southwest, and large numbers
have been brought here over the years from
confiscations. At the time of our visit, the
Village had recently taken in over 100 spider
tortoises and 20 radiated tortoises. To better
handle this responsibility, a new quarantine/
hospital facility is now under construction
that will allow tortoises to be thoroughly
checked for parasites and disease symptoms
before being added to the colony.

The TSA looks forward to building a strong
working relationship with the management
and staff of the Village that will benefit
tortoises not only in captivity but also in
the wild. To make this a reality Mr. Devaux
recently announced Program SOKAKE that
is being launched under the able leadership of
Antoine Cadi with the goal of re-establishing
wild populations of radiated tortoise in areas
of former abundance. The first field project
will be near the Lac Tsimanampetsotsa
Reserve, 150 km to the south of Tulear, and
will involve the relevant government agencies
as well as French and Malagasy students.
The TSA is committed to this ideal and will
support the program as it develops. We have
a difficult road ahead of us but we believe that
strong collaborations and partnerships are the
way forward and with perseverance, we can
secure a future for the remarkable tortoises of
the spiny deserts of southwest Madagascar.
Entrance to the Village des Tortues at Ifaty.
RICK HUDSONANTOINE CADI
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TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Ploughshare tortoises
In recent years, poaching and smuggling
for the international pet trade have posed
an increasingly grave threat to the remaining
wild populations of ploughshare tortoises,
or angonoka (Astrochelys yniphora), and
a disturbing number of illegal tortoises
now appear on Chinese web sites, or are
confiscated in Bangkok, Singapore or Hong
Kong. A workshop - Turtles on the Brink - was
held January 2008 in Antananarivo to devise
a plan of action for Malagasy chelonians,
with A. yniphora as the priority species.
Among the priority recommendations from
the workshop was to stop the poaching and
illegal traffic of this species by improving
local infrastructure and law enforcement.
Specifically,
to do so by establishing
permanently manned bases close to wild
populations, with more guards and better
equipment. Presently there is insufficient
infrastructure at the Baly Bay National Park
to adequately protect against poaching, and
smugglers are becoming increasing bold in
their attempts.
Since 1986, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust (DWCT) has led efforts to prevent the
extinction of the angonoka, recognized as
the one of world's rarest and most critically
endangered tortoises with fewer than 400
adults in the wild. The captive breeding
center at Amphijora has produced more than
200 captive born tortoises, 45 of which have
been successfully released into natural habitat
at Baly Bay. However, much of the progress
made by DWCT and others over the past 20
years could be negated within the next five
unless drastic and substantive measures are
taken soon.
The idea of developing monitoring camps,
better surveillance capacity and an improved
communications network near core tortoise
areas in the National Park was first advanced
in 2006 by the DWCT. In response to this,
the TSA began fundraising to assist this
process, and earmarked $15,000 in the 2007
Batchelor Foundation grant for this purpose.
Those funds remain unspent. However,
with the Ploughshare Tortoise Action Plan
nearing completion (and hopefully, swift
approval by government) the monitoring
camp concept should be closer to becoming
reality. Anticipating this, the TSA has
again undertaken a fundraising campaign
and enlisted the assistance of two partner
organizations Behler Chelonian Center
(BCC) and the San Diego Zoo (SDZ). The
AZA Chelonian Advisory Group (ChAG)
will also contribute funds ($10,000). With a
$25,000 combined annual commitment over
three years ($75,000 total) by BCC and SDZ,
and with $15,000 in Year One from TSA
and at least $10,000 per year after that, the
overall minimal funding commitment equals
roughly $50,000 in 2010 and $35,000 in
2011 and 2012. This is promising, but when
one considers that a $50,000 powerboat to
patrol the coast line will have to be purchased
in Year One, it shows that we still have more
funds to raise.
The TSA and the BCC are also committed to
other priority actions from the Action Plan
including improving the captive breeding
center, building separate quarantine facilities,
and expanding the reintroduction program.
The establishment of ex situ
(outside
Madagascar) captive breeding populations
has also been recommended and is jointly
supported by the TSA, BCC and AZA
ChAG. These captive groups can be founded
with confiscated tortoises that have been
seized illegally outside of Madagascar, with
no impact to either the wild populations or
in situ captive program. Aside from serving
as a genetic reservoir, captive yniphora can be
utilized to raise funds and generate publicity.
Recently, the TSA coordinated the filing
of two CITES import permits for yniphora
being held in Hong Kong and Singapore in
order to be prepared if and when specimens
become available for placement. BCC and
SDZ would be the first U.S. recipients of
these illegally seized tortoises.
The TSA began funding construction of
new Pyxis enclosures at Bernard Devaux's
Village des Tortues facility at Ifaty in
2008, and looks forward to a long future
of successful collaboration with this im-
portant operation.
Ploughshare tortoise or angonoka, Astrochelys
yniphora
JOHN BAILEYMAURICE RODRIGUES
In January 2009, TSA members Robert Krause (left) and John Bailey (far right) visited Madagascar and
toured major tortoise sites. They also collected valuable GPS data on Pyxis distribution and installed data
loggers in nests at Ifaty. Here, they are shown at Amphijora, presenting a set of calipers to the Durrell
caretakers.
8
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Cover Story
The Madagascar spider tortoise (Pyxis
arachnoides spp.), or Kapila as the
species is referred to locally, has a carapace
size of around 15cm, making it one of the
world's smaller tortoise species. With its
intricate spider web type patterning on the
carapace, it is arguably one of the world's
most beautiful and charismatic chelonia.
During 2008, the species' IUCN Red List
status was changed to Critically Endangered
following the Red Listing and Action
Planning Turtle Workshop organized in
Madagascar by the IUCN/SSC Tortoise
and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group
(TFTSG), the TSA and a number of other
international conservation NGOs and local
Malagasy agencies. Delegates at the meeting
also agreed, as part of the Conservation
Action Plan for Madagascar's four threatened,
endemic tortoise species, that reliable data be
collected on the exact population densities
and extent of the remaining ranges of these
rare animals. To date, most population
predictions of Madagascar's chelonian, with
a few exceptions, have been made on dated
information, or as in the case of P. arachnoides
spp., nothing more than an educated guess!
With the sustained threats of poaching for
food and the illegal export trade, in addition
to pressure
from habitat destruction,
the remaining wild populations of these
four species are thought to have declined
greatly during recent times. So for effective
conservation to be implemented, we really
need to know how many individuals we are
dealing with and where these populations
now still exist.
Historically, P. arachnoides spp. was through
to inhabit a continuous strip of coastal dry
forest; covering approximately 560 km
of south western Madagascar's coast line.
P. arachnoides spp. is divided into three
subspecies with P.a. brygooi
inhabiting
the northern extent of the range between
Morombe and the Manombo River. P. a.
arachnoides can be found further south as
Comprehensive survey of Spider tortoise distribution in Madagascar gets underway in the north
Ryan CJ Walker
Riana Rakotondrainy taking morphometic data on a spider tortoise.
A young Northern Spider Tortoise, (Pyxis a. byrgooi).
RYAN WALKERRYAN WALKER
9
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
far as the Menarandra River,
then the extreme southern
reaches of the range
is
inhabited by P. a. oblonga.
The question this project
hopes to answer is just how
many spider tortoises does
Madagascar have
left
in
the wild and where are the
last remaining strong holds
across this species historical
range?
With
financial
support from the TSA, Turtle
Conservation Fund, the UK's
Royal Geographic Society
and the British Chelonia
Group, a small team was
assembled,
comprised of
both British and Malagasy
field biologists, with the aim
of traversing the coastal dry
forest range of P. arachnoides
spp. After three field seasons
we hope to have sufficient
data to answer this question.
In addition to this we hope
to revisit an old survey site
close to the coastal fishing
community of Anakoa and
monitor the population that
was first studied in 2002.
P.
arachnoides
spp.
is
probably one of the more
difficult tortoise species to
study in the wild. The cryptic
coloration and behavior of
the animal make it quite
difficult to find, in addition
to this the species is only
really active for a limited period of the year
during the region's short wet season, which
makes driving in the region impossible for
all but the most skilled local drivers. The
extreme heat of the southern Madagascan
summer means the species has adopted
crepuscular behavior and is only active in the
early morning and late afternoon, plus the
thick spiny vegetation can be a punishing
environment to work in, in particular the
thick Mikea forests of the north. Despite
this, the team has just completed a successful
first field season (January-March 2009),
surveying the range of the northern spider
tortoise (P. a. brygooi). We traversed the
range of the subspecies on foot and by 4x4
concentrating our survey effort across areas
of good forest habitat between Toliara and
Morombe. Sadly, the subspecies seem to be
confined to just three isolated areas now, and
is far from inhabiting all of what was through
to be its historical range.
The first population was discovered around
the forests of Ifaty and Mangily, with sparse
numbers stretching north to the Manombo
River area. This population supported some
individuals which displayed
interesting
morphological characteristics, not consistent
with either P. a. brygooi or P. a. arachnoides,
whereby some animals had the less domed
shell of P. a. arachnoides but the ridged
plastron hinge of P. a. brygooi. This small
sub-group was also noticed by Rick Hudson
and Michael Ogle of TSA during their visit
to the region in January 2008. In addition
to
this
population,
a
concentrated population was
detected north of the Baie de
Fanamotra, in an interesting
marginal habitat that was a
mixture of typical coastal
dry scrub interspersed with
mangroves. Finally a small
population was
recorded
around the forests east of
Morombe at the northern
extremity of P. a. brygooi's
range.
The
further north we
traveled,
the
more
communities we passed
where people collect the
tortoise
for
food. Until
several hundred years ago
the larger radiated tortoise
(Astrocheys radiata), a species
sympatric in its range with
some of the more southern
populations of P. arachnoides
spp., was through to have
been present in these more
northern forests. However,
the species' demise in these
areas was probably brought
about by the Mikea tribe
who has hunted the species
to extinction within this
area. Nowadays it appears
that the local communities
within this area have directed
their collection efforts to the
smaller spider tortoises.
Our return to the 2002 P.
a. arachnoides study site
in Anakao revealed a worrying decline in
numbers, with a recorded decline of about
25% in the local population. However, the
numbers and population size and structure
was still in a healthier state than many of
the populations of P. a. brygooi that we were
encountering in the north. The tortoises in
this area appeared not to be under pressure
by local communities exploiting them for
food, but instead the habitat had become
more fragmented since my field trip to the
area six years previously, as a result of charcoal
production and livestock grazing.
The results of this work have already brought
about some positive outcomes for the
conservation of the species. This work has
come at a time when Madagascar has been
GIS map showing suspected area of occurrence of Pyxis arachnoides brygooi within
the coastal Mikea Forests of southwest Madagascar as described in the current
literature (green), compared to areas where tortoises were actually found during this
study (purple). Note there is an approximately 50% reduction in what was thought
to be the range of P. a. brygooi and tortoises were found up to 38km south of their
suspected area of occurrence.
10
attempting to increase its protected area
coverage to three times its current total area, as
the government has realized that Madagascar
must protect its unique natural resources
if it is to develop its fledgling tourism
industry. Currently P. a. brygooi's historical
range failed to fall inside any formally
recognized protected areas. However, there
are two new protected areas proposed for
the region; Ranobe PK32 and Northern
Mikea Protected Areas. However, due to the
now fragmented nature of the subspecies'
range none of the remaining populations
fall within the boundaries of these newly
proposed protected areas. But, the results of
this work have stimulated discussion with
World Wildlife Fund (WWF); the agency
charged with gazetting and implementing
the protected area expansion program.
Currently, WWF are considering altering
the boundaries slightly of at least one of the
areas or introducing some kind of adaptive
management to accommodate the nearby
population of northern spider tortoises that
we discovered.
These data will also be incorporated into
the TSA's GIS database. This database is
creating a 'real time' map of the current
distribution of the remaining spider tortoise
populations. Our recent field work is to
date, the only comprehensive survey of the
distribution and population size for the
northern spider tortoise that has ever been
undertaken. But we still have a long way to
go in understanding the current range and
distribution of the whole species. This project
aims to undertake a further two field seasons
repeating this detailed survey for both P. a.
arachnoides and P. a. oblonga. The project
has made a positive start but we still have
a lot of work to do. The TSA will continue
fundraising efforts to support this range wide
survey. Spider tortoises are considered a
keystone of the TSA's Madagascar program,
both in and ex situ.
Ryan CJ Walker
Nautilus Ecology

Department of Life Sciences
Open University
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA, United Kingdom
ryan@nautilusecology.org
Professional affiliation: RW is a freelance
ecologist, conservation biologist and the
founder of Nautilus Ecology. He is also
a part time herpetology PhD candidate
registered at Open University in the
United Kingdom.
The TSA helped sponsor Ryan's fieldwork in 2009
and is committed to helping complete the three
year survey. GPS data collected during this project
is being compiled into a GIS mapping program
by TSA and Fort Worth Zoo affiliate Brian Jones.

Typical coastal spiny forest of southwestern Madagascar inhabited by Pyxis.
A Northern Spider Tortoise, (Pyxis a. byrgooi).
RYAN WALKERRYAN WALKER AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
11
Northern Spider Tortoise, (Pyxis a. byrgooi)
RYAN WALKERTURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
12
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Recent TSA acquisition of
Northern Spider tortoises
(Pyxis a. brygooi)
Rick Hudson and Michael Ogle
On the captive management side of
things, the TSA is pleased to announce
the recent acquisition of 9.12 Northern
spider tortoises (Pyxis a. brygooi) from a
private breeder. This nearly doubled the
Population Management Plan
(PMP)
managed population of brygooi in the U.S.
and the specimens were placed with three
institutions (Cleveland Metroparks, San
Diego and Knoxville Zoos) and one private
facility (Matt Frankel), each of which helped
to cover the cost of acquisition. Recent
field surveys by Ryan Walker (see related
article) have documented dramatic declines
of brygooi across their range, primarily due
to agricultural conversion and hunting for
food, so significant that this subspecies is
now considered the most endangered of
One of 21 Northern spider tortoises, Pyxis a. brygooi, acquired by the TSA from a private breeder, nearly
doubling the PMP managed population of this critically endangered tortoise.
PHIL COLCLOUGHTSA members are beginning to come up
with innovative ways to generate funds
for TSA's Madagascar program.
Lisa Weiss
is offering some of her
2009-hatched Furrowed wood
turtles
(Rhinoclemmys areolata) for sale to TSA
members, with the majority of proceeds
going to support TSA's Madagascar tortoise
program. The turtles are priced at $250.00
each, $150.00 of which will be donated to
the TSA.
Knoxville Zoo is offering captive hatched
Spider tortoises (Pyxis a. arachnoids) to TSA
members in exchange for a $200 donation
to the TSA. The tortoises are on long-
term loan from the TSA and are considered
surplus to the Population Management Plan
(PMP) for this species. To date, this program
has generated $4,000 for Spider tortoise
conservation in Madagascar. (see p.5)
Roy Young of Nature's Own continues
to support our efforts in Madagascar by
providing free shipments of carved onyx
tortoises of various sizes. TSA member
Sheena Koeth (see member profile) has been
exceptionally generous with her time and
has sold thousands of dollars worth of these
tortoises at special events and fundraisers. The
Madagascar's dwarf tortoises. These new
specimens will go to further strengthen our
managed population and will contribute to
the fine work already being done at our other
facilities working on breeding this subspecies,
namely Dan Pearson, Behler Chelonian
Center, James Badman, and the St. Louis
Zoo.

sculptures sold well at the TSA conference in
2008 so look for them again in St. Louis.
These are also available to zoo gift shops,
with free shipping, providing they track the
sales and return a designated portion to the
TSA. Special thanks to the Fort Worth Zoo
for being the first institution to partner with
the TSA in this capacity.
TSA members raise funds
for Madagascar program
Rick Hudson
100% of sales of these carved onyx tortoise sculptures support the TSA Madagascar Program.
13
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Meet the Board
TSA Foundation Board Holds Inaugural Meeting
Scott Davis
The first meeting of the expanded TSA Foundation Board of Directors was hosted by Eric Goode and Maurice Rodrigues at the Maritime
Hotel in New York on March 6, 2009. This meeting marked the official transition of the TSA from a task force of the IUCN Tortoise and
Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group into an independent conservation NGO. The new Board will oversee major aspects of fund-raising and
administration and will be responsible for strategic planning and decision making that will insure the long-term viability and future of the
TSA. The new Board shares the vision of the TSA as the "Go To" organization for turtle and tortoise conservation. We expect exciting
developments, including major new fundraising, a new look for the TSA website, field blogs from some of our leading range country
programs, and a major marketing initiative and membership drive. Look for our Board members at the Annual Meeting in St. Louis.
Rick Hudson, President
Rick Hudson was a Curator in the Fort Worth Zoo's renown Department of Herpetology for twenty years, before
moving to the zoo's Conservation & Science Department in 2000 as Conservation Biologist. Rick has organized
numerous conservation workshops, including the IUCN Asian Turtle Workshop - Developing Conservation Strategies
Through Captive Management - that led to the formation of the TSA. Rick served as the co-chair of the TSA from 2001
to 2009 and under his leadership the TSA grew into an independent NGO that supports or manages turtle research and
conservation programs in Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico and throughout Asia.
Dwight Lawson, Vice President
Dwight Lawson is the Senior Vice President of Collections, Education and Conservation at Zoo Atlanta, overseeing the
animal and plant collections as well as the zoo's education, research and conservation programs. He is also an Adjunct
Professor of Biology at Georgia State University where he regularly teaches. Dwight helped found the Turtle Survival
Alliance (TSA) and has served as co-chair of the TSA, President of the TSA Foundation and chair of the TSA's Animal
Management Committee.
Chuck Landrey, Secretary and Marketing Committee Chair
Chuck Landrey is founder of the Turtle Conservation Project and the New England Turtle Atlas. He runs the Thai
Turtle Trust, a conservation initiative of the food brand "A Taste of Thai." Chuck is past Chair of NE-PARC's Box Turtle
Working Group and organized the 2008 Diamondback Terrapin Conference on Cape Cod. He is currently filming a
documentary about New England's turtles.
Walter Sedgwick, Treasurer and Development Committee Chair
Walter Sedgwick has served on the Boards of a diverse range of conservation NGO's, including the National Audubon
Society, The Nature Conservancy - Florida, Bat Conservation International, Island Conservation, the Pacific Forest
Trust and the Wildlife Conservation Society. He helped to found the Turtle Conservation Fund in 2002 and has been a
driving force behind the TSA's strategic fundraising efforts for many years.
14
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Scott Davis, Executive Director
Scott Davis was a Genetics professor at Texas A&M University for fourteen years and served two years as Chairman. As
a professor, he studied the forces impacting genetic variation in wild and captive animal populations. In 2000, Scott left
the University environment to found Biotech companies. At home, he focuses on the captive breeding of giant Asian
softshell turtles in the genera Chitra and Pelochelys. In the fall of 2008, Scott assumed the position of Executive Director
of the Turtle Survival Alliance.
Bill Holmstrom
Bill Holmstrom served as the Department of Herpetology Collection manager at the Wildlife Conservation Society's
(WCS) Bronx Zoo until his retirement in 2009. He was Species Coordinator and Studbook Keeper for the AZA's
Radiated Tortoise Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Studbook Keeper and Co-coordinator for the Burmese Star Tortoise
SSP. Bill has served as an instructor in a number of WCS and TSA sponsored workshops in SE Asia, and he maintains
and breeds a group of pancake tortoises for TSA at his home.
John Iverson
John B. Iverson is Professor of Biology and Director of the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History at Earlham College
in Richmond, Indiana. He is Deputy Chair of the IUCN/SSC Iguana Specialist Group, and on the Steering Committee
of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. He has been on the Scientific Advisory Committee
of the Turtle Survival Alliance since its inception in 2001.
Pat Koval, Governance Committee Chair
Pat Koval is a partner of Torys LLP, a business law firm based in Toronto, Ontario and New York, New York. She
practices in the area of corporate and commercial law, with primary emphasis on corporate finance, securities regulation
and mergers and acquisitions. Pat has had a long history of involvement with, and support for, Canadian charitable
organizations focused on conservation. She has served as a Director of World Wildlife Fund (Canada) for nine years and
is currently the Chairman of the Board of WWF.
Colin Poole
Colin Poole is currently the Director of the Asia Program for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) based out of
the Bronx Zoo and works closely with the TSA on turtle conservation programs in Cambodia, Myanmar, China and
Indonesia. He has worked in Southeast and East Asia since 1988 and founded WCS's Cambodia Program where he
spent seven years. He has published widely on conservation issues in Cambodia and also serves on the board of the Turtle
Conservation Fund.
Hugh Quinn
Hugh Quinn holds a PhD in Biology and has spent his career at the Fort Worth Zoo, the Oklahoma City Zoo, the
Houston Zoo, Director at the Topeka Zoo, and finally as General Curator at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (retired).
He is Co-Chair of the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) and serves on the Steering Committee of the IUCN/SSC
Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG).
15
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Anders Rhodin
Dr. Anders G.J. Rhodin, M.D., is Founder and Director of Chelonian Research Foundation. He is Chair of the IUCN/
SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and a member of the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group. He
is also Co-Chair of the Turtle Conservation Fund and Editor of Chelonian Conservation and Biology and Chelonian
Research Monographs. He is an orthopedic surgeon and maintains an active private medical practice.
David Shapiro
David Shapiro lives in Hong Kong and acts as director for It's Academic international operations in Asia. The company
manufactures school supplies which are sold throughout North America and Europe. David cares for a Leopard Tortoise
named Finn. He is passionate about turtle conservation and the TSA, and has been a generous supporter over the years.
Frank Slavens
Frank Slavens retired in 2001 as Curator of Reptiles from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. The editions of his book,
Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity, were definitive inventories of the world's reptiles and amphibians in captive
collections. In 1990, he started the Western Pond Turtle Headstart and Recovery program in cooperation with the
Washington Deptment of Fish and Wildlife. After retirement, Frank and his wife Kate moved to their field site to
continue their work with pond turtles.
Bill Zeigler
F. William (Bill) Zeigler is President of Zeigler & Zeigler, Inc. a consulting firm for zoos, aquariums, and wildlife
organizations. He served as General Curator for the Miami Metrozoo and as Vice President of Animal Science for
Ogden Entertainment. Bill still lecturers for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on exhibit design and
husbandry. He is a member of IUCN/SSC Crocodilian Specialist Group, Development Coordinator for the Gharial
Conservation Alliance and a member of the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.
16
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Heather Lowe joined the TSA this April
in a full-time capacity as Program
Coordinator. Heather began her career at
the Fort Worth Zoo in 1995 and worked
in both Operations and Animal Nutrition
before moving to the Conservation Science
department in 1999. During that time, she
earned her B.S. in Biology (2000) and was
able to work on a wide variety of projects at
the Zoo that ranged from research, writing
and messaging for the eight-acre Texas Wild!
exhibit to a grant-funded urban forestry
project. At the same time, she also began to
support the Turtle Survival Alliance with a
variety of administrative tasks. This support
grew into the management of the TSA's
membership program and a position on the
group's Steering Committee.
While working at the Zoo, Heather and other
members of her department volunteered for
Meals on Wheels. That experience inspired
her to return to school and she obtained her
Master's degree in Social Work in August of
2007. The following October, she was offered
a job with Meals on Wheels and left the Zoo,
but continued to work for the TSA on a
volunteer basis. During her time at Meals on
Wheels, Heather spearheaded a grant-funded
project in several areas of Tarrant County,
working with local officials and community
stakeholders to develop long-term plans to
reduce senior isolation in the community.
In February 2009, the TSA's new Board of
Directors met and approved the creation of
the organization's first funded position. The
general feeling was that the organization
had reached the capacity of what could be
done relying on only volunteer support and
that it was critical to hire someone to help
the organization continue to grow. Heather
was offered the position, based on her
previous work for the group, and accepted
immediately. She is extremely excited to
see what she can do for the TSA, given the
opportunity to dedicate herself to the cause
full-time. Her time in social work gave her
valuable experience in grants administration
and non-profit management that will bolster
her abilities as she embarks in this new role.
Meet the Program Coordinator
Heather Lowe
Rick Hudson
Program Coordinator: Heather Lowe
17
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Membership
Heather Lowe
Our members are the driving force behind
the success of the TSA and we'd like to
take this opportunity to say "thanks." Funds
generated by membership dues help to offset
the operating costs of the TSA and also allow
access to non-restricted funds that can be
used in the event of unexpected costs related
to conservation projects around the world.
In essence, your support is essential to our
success. This year, the membership has grown
considerably both in numbers and diversity.
We currently have members representing 25
countries from around the globe (up from 12
last year!). However, we'd like for that growth
to continue. Please consider forwarding your
next e-newsletter to your family and friends
along with a personal note encouraging
them to join and help the TSA move into
2010 bigger and better than ever. The TSA is
truly a grassroots organization and our most
powerful recruitment tool is word of mouth
from members just like you.
As an organization, we believe that anyone can
contribute to turtle conservation, regardless
of background or experience. Each and
every member has the ability to become an
advocate for turtle conservation in their local
community, increasing the TSA's presence
around the world. In this issue, we are
highlighting two truly exceptional members
Lonnie McCaskill and Sheena Koeth.
Lonnie has been involved with the TSA since
its inception in 2001 and is instrumental in
the success of the annual conference each
year shake his hand and say "thank you" if
you see him in St. Louis! Sheena shows her
support for the TSA by working tirelessly
to raise funds for conservation programs in
a variety of ways. Her fundraising efforts
include making and selling her own t-shirts,
holding raffles at events and selling TSA
merchandise. We hope that you enjoy getting
to know them and encourage you to respond
to future appeals to introduce yourself
through our Member Spotlight feature in the
e-newsletter. We want to meet you!
Member Spotlight: Lonnie McCaskill
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Occupation: Zoological Manager,
Disney's Animal Kingdom
What are some of your hobbies? I
would say "passions" would be the
word to best describe my hobbies. My wife,
Kathi, would probably call them obsessions!
I have a passion for collecting exotic plants,
reptiles, fishing, folk art, cooking and
traveling around the world to see animals,
foreign cultures and environments. I really
love to learn about different cultures and ways
of life. I feel it gives you a good perspective of
where we all fit in this world together. I also
love to collect fossils and artifacts.
Tell us about your family. My mom, dad and
brothers all live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
of north Texas. My wife and I left for Florida
in 1994 and I was part of the opening team
for Disney's Animal Kingdom. The support
that my parents and grandparents gave me
growing up with all of my collecting habits
(passions) pointed me toward the career that
I have today. Beyond that, a wife that has
supported me through both the tough times
and the good times has made life great!
Do you have any pets? We have two Jack
Russell terrorists, I mean terriers. I think!
Do you keep turtles at your home? I have
groups of leopard, star, red foot, pancake
and elongated tortoises and one rescued
Manouria emys emys that is more of a pet and
friend than anything else.
What first sparked your interest in turtles
and tortoises? I used to do a lot of night
exploring in the creeks where I grew up and
thought it was fascinating to watch turtles at
night. If the water was clear and you didn't
create much disturbance they totally either
ignored or did not notice the light on them. I
would watch common snapping and softshell
turtles exhibit all kinds of behavior that I
never saw during the day when they are so
shy. At night I could be standing in the water
right next to them and they did not seem to
notice.
Lonnie McCaskill works year-round to make the TSA's annual conference a success and also regularly
offers his expertise to TSA range country programs.
Members Make A Difference
18
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
What do you enjoy about being a member
of the TSA? I enjoy the opportunity to
interact with people that really care about
turtles and tortoises - not just how to care
for them, but their conservation in the wild
as well.
How did you first learn about the TSA? I
was at the founding meeting in Fort Worth
in 2001.
How would you describe your personal
conservation philosophy? Every living thing
has the right to survive and we as humans
have the responsibility to ensure that right.
Member Spotlight: Sheena Koeth
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Occupation: Registered Veterinary
Technician
What are some of your hobbies? I love
to travel, read, drink wine, care for and
train a variety of animals, and raise money for
reptile conservation.
Tell us about your family. I'm married to
TSA member Brad Poynter; we live in a small
house with four dogs, five cats, and an ever-
changing number of displaced reptiles in
need of care.
What is your most memorable encounter
with a turtle in the wild? Definitely getting
up close to a wild Galapagos tortoise on my
honeymoon.
What do you enjoy about being a member
of the TSA? TSA is doing great work globally.
Representing the group and raising funds
for worldwide turtle conservation is its own
reward. In the future, I also plan to house
and breed endangered turtles for TSA.
How would you describe your personal
conservation philosophy? We should all
take responsibility for conservation, and take
initiative as individuals to do as much as we
can. Since everyone can't do everything, I'm a
big believer in picking a few causes to which
you can dedicate yourself. Mine are turtles
and crocodiles.
Tell us about your job. I'm a veterinary
technician at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,
where I've been for nine years. While reptiles
are my favorite, I provide medical care for all
of the zoo's animals. The zoo supports my
travel for conservation initiatives, as well as
continuing education, which is great. I was
recently able to help with some of TSA's
headstart animals from the Chambal River
in India while there for gharial conservation.
Heather Lowe
Program Coordinator
Turtle Survival Alliance
817/759-7262
HLowe@turtlesurvival.org
Membership FAQs
What is my username and password?
Your username can be found on your
membership
card. However,
your
password is not included on your card,
in the interest of protecting your privacy.
You can visit the website and click on
the "Forgot Password" link, and enter
your Member ID (also printed on your
membership card) to have your password
sent to you via e-mail at any time. Or,
just contact Heather Lowe at 817/759-
7262 or HLowe@turtlesurvival.org and
she can send you that information.
How do I update my contact info?
While exploring the TSA website, you
are encouraged to log in and visit your
account page. On this page, you can
update your contact information to
ensure that you continue to receive both
electronic and mailed correspondence. A
current mailing address is very important,
since it helps reduce postage costs and
resources when publications like this one
are sent out as a membership benefit.
How do I know when my membership
expires? Your membership expiration
date can be found on your membership
card or by logging into your member
page on the TSA website.
Can I renew for more than one year at a
time? Memberships can be renewed for
up to three years at a time. Individual
membership dues are $50 per year.
Organizational
and
Institutional
membership dues are $150 per year.
How can I keep current on TSA
conservation news and activities? Our
e-newsletter is sent out bi-weekly and is
the best way for you to stay up-to-date
on all TSA news and announcements.
Members
receive
these
e-mails
automatically, as a membership benefit.
If you are not currently receiving the
e-newsletter, contact Heather Lowe to
make sure that we have your current
e-mail address in our database. To
make sure that messages from the TSA
do not get diverted to your junk mail
or spam folder, please add HLowe@
turtlesurvival.org to your address book
or safe list.
Sheena Koeth (shown here holding a Batagur from TSA India's headstart program) promotes the TSA in a
variety of venues throughout the year, raising funds for conservation programs.
19
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Animal Management
TSA Animal Management: New Vision and New Process
Dwight Lawson
Did you know that the TSA currently
owns and manages more than 2000
turtles and tortoises representing more than
50 species? In 2009, the Animal Management
Committee has been working behind the
scenes to refine processes and develop a new
approach to managing this living collection.
A major challenge in this effort is that these
animals are spread throughout the US in a
variety of situations. Currently, these 2000+
animals reside with 93 private individuals,
33 zoos and aquariums, and 5 educational
institutions (i.e., universities and veterinary
schools). Our ability to effectively manage
a large, diverse and dispersed collection can
only be as good as the quality of information
about that collection. And, in 2009, we
have spent most of our time working to
update the TSA's database of turtle and
tortoise holdings. We need to know who has
what, how it's doing and any developments
(i.e., breeding, determination of sex, etc.).
TSA's new records manager, Debbie Forde,
has been sending out requests for updates
to everyone holding TSA animals. If you
haven't heard from her yet, you will, and, if
you haven't responded, please do! We need
this basic information to be able to focus on
the important tasks ahead as we work toward
the long-term goal of developing assurance
colonies of as many tortoises and freshwater
turtles as possible.
TSA holdings include a few hundred
specimens of endangered and critically
endangered species, but also a substantial
number of species of lesser concern. The
opportunity for TSA's animal collection
in 2010 and beyond is to maximize both
the conservation potential of the overall
collection and use the collection when
ethically appropriate to generate revenue
to support field and captive conservation
efforts. We have already seen TSA members
be creative in turning their turtle offspring
into support for TSA field programs, and we
believe the TSA collection can operate in the
same way.
As we update the database, we will begin
to focus management activities on priority
taxa by outlining basic plans and moving
animals to form logical breeding groups. We
have already found with the initial update
responses that there are many single animals
and groups that are heavily biased to one sex
or the other. We will need every individual's
and institution's help in reenergizing TSA's
animal management efforts.
By reviewing TSA holdings, we have also
found a number of gaps in the collection
that need to be filled. Certain groups, such
as the species of Cuora, are widely recognized
as needing captive breeding efforts to
ensure their survival. However, this group
in particular is poorly represented in the
TSA's holdings. We will be looking to obtain
specimens of important but missing taxa
and placing these animals with dedicated
TSA members who have the experience and
history with the organization to contribute
to these programs. As an example, the TSA
obtained a group of six McCord's Box Turtles
(C. mccordi) that are placed with various
members. These animals turned out to all
be female, so we are working with European
members to swap specimens to form breeding
groups here and there.
To help us focus on priority taxa, we may
also divest some TSA holdings that have little
conservation potential. Maintaining records
and requesting updates takes considerable
time and effort - rare resources in this
volunteer organization that could be better
spent on species of greatest concern.
We have also been working to implement a
revised and simplified animal acquisition and
placement process. Unless there is a point
person and plan in place for a particular
species, all confiscations or surplus offspring
are advertised to the entire TSA membership
via the e-newsletter. Animals are either
placed on a first-come, first-served basis with
members, or, in the case where long-term
This Cuora mccordi is one of several destined to
be traded with TSA Europe, which is an excellent
example of the international cooperation needed
to save this critically endangered species
management is needed, potential volunteer
holders are screened and vetted by the
Animal Management Committee. Watch the
e-newsletter carefully for specimens that are
available, and please don't hesitate to contact
Debbie or myself with updates or questions.
We need everyone's help in making TSA's
living collection an integral part of our
overall conservation efforts.

Dwight Lawson, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President
Collections, Education and
Conservation
Zoo Atlanta
404.624.5619
dlawson@zooatlanta.org
20
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Signi f icant Breedings The Next Generat ion
TThe Behler Chelonian Center announces the first captive breeding
of the Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis). Courtship and
mating were observed September-October 2008 and six eggs were
dropped into the water on 16-17 March 2009. The eggs were split
into three boxes and bedded in chunky vermiculite. In the wild, P.
sylhetensis nests on sand banks in the cooler season with nighttime
temperatures close to 0C that heat up greatly during the day. In
previous years, eggs were placed directly into an incubator and did not
develop. In 2009, the eggs were exposed to different ranges of day/
night temperature fluctuation. One box (hit by sun in the greenhouse)
reached temperatures above 40C, which caused shrinking of the eggs.
However, two of the three eggs recovered in the incubator. The first
hatchling from these eggs emerged on 28 May (73 days), the second
on 2 June (78 days). Another egg (not exposed to high temperatures
early on) began developing after late exposure to temperatures close to
40 C, but died during incubation. .
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo produced one Northern Spider
Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi) on 22 March 2009, the third in
two years. All were hatched in March from eggs laid in October. The
first two eggs were incubated at 28C for 35 days, followed by 35 days
of diapause at 20C, followed by four months of incubation at 28C.
They were set up in wax worm containers with 1:1 vermiculite to
water by weight, and misted once a week. An egg monitor ("Buddy"
by Avitronics) was used to monitor development. Less than a week
before hatching, the egg monitor registers movement and the hatchling
will emerge within a few days. The last egg that hatched was set up
as the others but incubated at 30C for 35 days, followed by a 70
day diapause at 20C, then back to incubation at 3C. Interestingly,
the egg hatched after three months (a shorter incubation period most
likely to higher temperatures) but having a two month diapause
caused the egg to hatch in roughly the same time frame.
PETER PRASCHAG BRAD POYNTERMARK HALVORSENThe Palm Beach Zoo produced four Yellow-Spotted River Turtles
(Podocnemis unifilis) hatchlings in 2009. On 15 November 2008,
a single clutch of 23 eggs was laid. The eggs were incubated at a
temperature of 29C and hatchlings emerged after 74 days. Hatchling
are being raised on a diet of Mazuri aquatic turtle pellets, crickets,
mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, as well as fruit, kale, dandelion
and collard.
21
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Kurt Edwards reports one Black Spiny-necked Swamp Turtle
(Acanthochelys spixii) hatched at his facility on 10 June 2008. The
total incubation/diapause process took just over eleven months. The
egg reached 3 - 4C during diapause and was held at roughly 28C
during incubation.
A TSA Arakan Forest Turtle (Heosemys depressa) maintained by
Dwight Lawson produced her first viable clutch of five eggs in 2009.
The eggs began hatching just as this newsletter went to press and four
of five eggs had hatched by deadline. The eggs were incubated at 29C
and began pipping at 141 days.
2009 saw additional successes with the once enigmatic Impressed
Tortoise (Manouria impressa). New founder animals began producing
offspring at the Behler Chelonian Center and proven pairs continued
to produce eggs in Atlanta where forty eggs from two clutches were
laid in June. A pair maintained by Dwight Lawson has produced
hatchlings for the last three years. Note the onset of adult coloration
between one and two years of age. A TSD pattern is beginning to
emerge from incubation studies over the past two years; females are
produced at 29C, whereas 27C results in mostly males.
KURT EDWARDSDWIGHT LAWSONDWIGHT LAWSON
22
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Animal Management
Golden Coin box turtle genetics and implications for captive management in the U.S.
Peter Praschag
The Asian box turtles (genus Cuora),
including not less than nine critically
endangered taxa, are the illustrative model
of a species complex of high conservation
concern. The ongoing over-exploitation for
the Asian turtle trade is continuing to cause
a crushing decline of wild populations.
Several species have been decimated to such
an extent that it is almost impossible to get
enough specimens with known locality data
for population genetic and phylogeographic
analyses. Nevertheless, a stable and sound
taxonomy, especially for such rare turtles,
is absolutely essential, as
species-level
taxonomy is key to understanding and
protecting biodiversity (Turtle Taxonomy
Working Group, 2007). The systematics
of the Asian box turtles of the genus Cuora
and most of all the Golden Coin Box Turtle
(Cuora trifasciata sensu lato) has been
extensively studied in recent years. However,
the taxonomy of these turtles is very complex
and still under debate. Blanck et al. (2006)
found the somehow lost type specimen
of C. trifasciata (Bell, 1825) and based on
morphology and mitochondrial (mt-) DNA
split the species into three different taxa,
describing a new species C. cyclornata with
the two subspecies C. c. cyclornata and C. c.
meieri. Genetic variation within C. trifasciata
is confirmed by Spinks & Shaffer (2007)
and Spinks et al. (2009), but in contrast to
Blanck et al. (2006) the authors explain this
variation by mt- introgression coupled with
hybridization and/or clinal variation and not
by the presence of a previously unrecognized
species. Haplotypes are shared between C.
trifasciata, C. aurocapitata, C. pani, C. mccordi
and C. zhoui as well. Thus, by looking only
into the mt-DNA, a C. trifasciata identified
only by morphology can appear as one of
the other species in the cladogram. Since
the studies based on morphology and mt-
DNA apparently cannot explain the complex
situation, the ongoing studies focus on
microsatellites and different nuclear genes.
It is important that the genetics of the captive
Female C. trifasciata sharing the ND1 mt-gene with C. zhoui (clade 2A).
PETER PRASCHAG / BCC
23
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
populations of Golden Coin box turtles
are sorted out now while the wild-caught
founders are still alive and reproducing.
Wild populations have been decimated and
fragmented over the years, and most are
considered functionally extinct. We must try
to construct a meaningful cladogram for this
species group so that genetically compatible
pairs are formed, and captive hatched progeny
bear as much semblance to ancestral wild
populations as possible. The Europeans took
the first serious step in this direction recently.
Following the studies on specimens in EAZA
institutions, the TSA coordinated with
Dr. Phil Spinks at University of California
at Davis to conduct a genetic screening
of 118 specimens to identify the various
genetic lineages present in the primary
U.S. breeding collections. These included
50 turtles originating from the Tennessee
Aquarium, Buffalo Zoo, Melbourne Zoo,
Behler Chelonian Center and Dennis Uhrig,
perhaps the most successful breeder of
Golden Coin box turtles in the U.S. Looking
into the ND1 mt-gene four different clades
were detected. One clade represents what
Blanck et al. described as C. cyclornata. As
with the European specimens, most of the
analyzed specimens belong to the clade with
C. aurocapitata and C. pani introgression
(clade 3A, in the European version clade A)
and clade 1A, which is in Europe clade B. A
few specimens with just one founder male
share mt-genes with C. zhoui, but not a single
living specimen of the 4A clade (according
to Blanck et al. 2006 C. cyclornata) could be
detected in AZA institutions. Unfortunately
like in European collections different
genetic clades were kept and bred together
producing a number of crossbreeds. Because
of the unsatisfying informative value of
mt-DNA studies, it is advisable to wait for
recommendations to relocate or exchange
specimens to round up breeding groups until
the ongoing studies draw a clearer picture of
the complex situation. A revised studbook
and breeding program should be accordingly
initiated. Close international collaboration
with European partners has already gotten
underway by exchanging specimens beyond
borders.
Literature
Blanck, T., McCord, W. P., and Le, M. (2006):
On the variability of Cuora trifasciata (Bell, 1825).
Frankfurt am Main: Edition Chimaira.
Spinks, Phillip Q., Robert C. Thomson, and
H. Bradley Shaffer (2009): A reassessment
of Cuora cyclornata Blanck, McCord and Le,
2006 (Testudines, Geoemydidae) and a plea for
taxonomic stability. Zootaxa 2018: 5868.
Spinks, P.Q. and H. B. Shaffer (2007):
Conservation phylogenetics of the Asian box
turtles (Geoemydidae, Cuora): mitochondrial
introgression, numts, and inferences from multiple
nuclear loci. Conservation Genetics 8:641-657.
Turtle Taxonomy Working Group (2007): Turtle
Taxonomy: Methodology, Recommendations,
and Guidlines. In: J. W. Bickham, J. F. Parham,
H. Philippen, A. G. J. Rhodin, H. B. Shaffer, P.
Q. Spinks & P. P. van Dijk (Eds), Defining Turtle
Diversity: Proceedings of a Workshop on Genetics,
Ethics, and Taxonomy of Freshwater Turtles and
Tortoises. Chelonian Research Monographs, pp.
7384.
Peter Praschag, PhD
Curator and Field Research Biologist
Behler Chelonian Center
peter@turtleconservancy.org
Peter is the Curator for the Behler Chelonian
Center (BCC), one of TSA's partner organizations
that we work closely with on a number of fronts.
See the related article to learn more about the
BCC.
Some the different mt- clades of C. trifasciata cannot be distinguished morphologically. The specimen on
the left is from clade 2A and the one on the right is from clade 3A (with C. aurocapitata/pani introgression ).
PETER PRASCHAG / BCC
24
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
In the 20082009 year, The Behler Chelonian
Center (BCC) reached the culmination of
its growth phase with the addition of over a
dozen new taxa. These new species originated
from Peter Praschag's extensive chelonian
collection in Austria, and were relocated to the
BCC (primarily for the area's ideal climate).
The additions are mostly comprised of turtles,
with an emphasis on south Asian species and
softshell turtles including all four species of
Pangshura, Morenia petersi, Chitra indica,
Lissemys punctata andersonsi, Nilssonia formosa,
and Erymnochelys madagascariensis. The center
now manages a total of 37 taxa.
The BCC hit its stride in 20082009
producing 152 hatchlings. We were especially
successful with three of our flagship species:
37 Astrochelys radiata, 46 Geochelone platynota,
and 29 Manouria impressa. Ten other taxa
produced 40 offspring. A highlight was the
first captive breeding of the Assamese Roofed
Turtle, Pangshura sylhetensis. As of June 1 we
had over 40 clutches incubating, including
more than 100 eggs of Manouria emys phayrei,
so we expect the next year to be even more
productive.
The transition to managing such large
numbers of adults and hatchlings presents
challenges to the most mundane part of our
efforts: recordkeeping and identification.
We have developed a web-based database
system that manages all of our data including
photographs of each animal. This system
allows easy interaction from any computer
connected to the internet. For institutional
compatibility we also keep our data in
the AZA ARKS4 system. We are looking
forward to the AZA ZIMS system that
should combine the advantages of both
of the systems. The large numbers of small
hatchlings created the requirement for an
effective individual marking system. After
much investigation, we settled on the use of a
system of small numbered and colored plastic
dots originally developed for marking queen
bees. We attach these using tissue cement to
the areola of the last vertebral. To date our
experience with this system has been very
positive.
We are now facing the fortunate problem of
determining what to do with these hatchlings.
This problem has become our greatest
challenge: how do we build conservation
success on the foundation of captive breeding
success? There is no single answer because
each species and range country presents
Par tner News
20082009 Behler Chelonian Center and Turtle Conservancy Report
Ross Kiester and Peter Praschag
Male Burmese peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia formosa), a species endemic to Myanmar.
All 18 Manouria impressa hatchlings of one clutch emerged on the same day.
PETER PRASCHAG / BCC PETER PRASCHAG / BCC
25
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
unique difficulties and opportunities. We are
considering at least three broad approaches:
1.) Release animals into their original range to
supplement native populations. This approach
is problematic for most of the species we
manage because the causes of the species decline
have not been eliminated. 2.) Release into
ecological niches left vacant by the extinction
of native, analog species. This newer approach
("putting the wrong turtle in the right place")
holds promise and we are investigating the
possibility of putting animals onto islands in the
Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 3.) Sale
of animals to directly fund in situ conservation
efforts. Following all CITES and AZA policies,
we have begun this option for some species. All
of the funds that we raise through such sales
will be used directly for field conservation work
(see our website chelonianconservation.org for
details). Also, the availability of captive hatched
animals may well reduce collecting pressure on
wild populations.
The BCC continued to host international
visitors including scientists and conservationists
from Australia, Myanmar, Madagascar, Africa,
South America, Asia and Europe. We have
begun a collaborative effort with the Taipei Zoo
on Geochelone platynota and plan to reciprocate
their visit this year.
Onsite research at the Center this year
focused on climatology and aggressive
behavior, both relevant to husbandry issues.
We installed an automatic climate data center
that will record complete climatic data for our
Center which has a microclimate that is not
always reflected by data stations even a short
distance away. These data are parallel to data
we are collecting in Madagascar, Argentina
and Mexico and will help us understand the
details of the climatic needs of our species.
We have retrieved the first data loggers
from Madagascar from both Ampijoroa and
Baly Bay. These data will be use to design
husbandry regimes for the management of
ex situ populations of Ploughshare Tortoises.
We have also begun a research project on
vocalizations and aggressive behavior in
tortoises including Manouria emys phayrei
and M. impressa. We are using small video
cameras mounted on the shell to give us a
"tortoise-eye view" of interactions with other
tortoises. As many tortoise keepers know,
relentless, aggressive interactions between
males of some species of tortoise can present
severe husbandry problems. We hope to learn
By changing the diet of South African tortoises to mainly succulents all three maintained species produced
double clutches. Here, a Chersina angulata is hatching.
A captive reared Homopus areolatus female laid her first two eggs (two clutches).
PETER PRASCHAG / BCC PETER PRASCHAG / BCC
26
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Par tner News
Continued: 20082009 Behler Chelonian Center and Turtle Conservancy Report
more about such interactions to better help
us manage the contact between tortoises
using more complex arrays of pens.
Along with managing assurance colonies, the
center has taken steps to protect chelonians
in their natural habitats around the world.
In 2008, the Turtle Conservancy (TC) was
founded for this purpose. The TC will act
as the umbrella organization for the BCC.
The mission of the TC (alongside the BCC's
commitment to manage ex situ assurance
colonies) will be to place more emphasis on
in situ conservation initiatives. BCC/TC
continued our in situ work on Astrochelys
yniphora and Gopherus flavomarginatus. Efforts
to help A. yniphora centered on participating
in the international effort, headed up by
the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,
to produce and implement an Action Plan
for this species. Political uncertainty in
Madagascar has made the plight of this
most rare species even worse and poaching
appears to be on the increase. Working with
Durrell, the TSA and other organizations, we
are taking a global view of its conservation
and are working to implement both in situ
and ex situ solutions. None of them will be
easy. We are planning a trip to Madagascar
in September and October of this year, to
begin implementing the critical initiatives
laid out in the action plan. In Mexico, the
BCC/TC, in collaboration with the Andrew
Sabin Family Foundation and Josiah and
Valery Austin, are continuing our ongoing
efforts to protect G. flavomarginatus in its
native range by helping to protect its habitat.
Myles Traphagen and Eric Goode visited
with scientists at the Instituto de Ecologia in
Jalapa, Veracruz to further our understanding
of the biological and human environment to
which this species is restricted.
The Center began two new in situ efforts.
We are funding a project to provide a nesting
beach for a population of Nilssonia nigricans
in India that currently is unable to breed.
We are also supporting surveys for Batagur
baska and continue our commitment to the
conservation of the turtles of northeast India,
one of the richest faunas in the world.
Every year, the BCC/TC produces an
educational video, documenting our recent
work on turtle and tortoise conservation
and research around the world. Last year's
video was dedicated to the endemic Malagasy
turtle and tortoises, with an emphasis on
Manouria emys phayrei female raking leaves to build her nest. The eggs are already laid at the base of the nest.
PETER PRASCHAG / BCC
27
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
the plight of the Ploughshare tortoise. This
year's video focuses on the Argentine tortoise,
(Chelonoidis chilensis). In December of 2008,
the BCC/TC organized a trip to Argentina
to better understand the distribution, status,
ecology, and biology of this little studied
tortoise. The BCC/TC will be screening this
40-minute film at this year's TSA conference
in St Louis.
Ross Kiester, Chief Scientist
rkiester@gmail.com
Peter Praschag, Curator and Field
Research Biologist
peter@praschag.at
John L. Behler Chelonian Center
The Behler Chelonian Center is a valued strategic
partner of the TSA, collaborating for turtle
conservation in both India and Madagascar.
Lukasz Pogorzelski, Collection Manager, marking M.
impressa hatchlings with the bee marks.
Hwa-Ching Lin, Chun-Fu Chen, Shih Chih-Chin and Yuling Lu from Taipei Zoo
visiting the BCC for a collaboration in captive management of Geochelone
platynota.
Miye McCullough, Peter Praschag, Eric Goode and Maurice Rodriguez in the
Chaco of north Argentina, the habitat of the Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis
chilensis).
Anders Rhodin, Russell Mittermeier, Peter Paul van Dijk and Richard Lewis (from
left to right) in Baly Bay region with a A. yniphora.
MAURICE RODRIGUESPETER PRASCHAG / BCC PETER PRASCHAG / BCC ALAN FARIAS
28
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
TSA Europe
European Turtle Breeding Reports 2008/2009
Martina Raffel and Henk Zwartepoorte
In recent years, the interest among European
zoos and privates regarding breeding Asian
turtles, with an emphasis on species of the
genus Cuora, has been increasing (see also
the TSA Newsletter 2008). This is due to the
conservation status of a number of species
(classified into the highest IUCN threat
categories) and thus also the difficulty or
impossibility of obtaining specimens.
Cuora trifasciata 2008/2009 results
The DNA research started in 2007 and 2008
on several captive European Association of
Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Cuora trifasciata
specimens resulted in a revitalization of
the European Studbook Foundation (ESF)
studbook, managed by Torsten Blanck
and Elmar Meier. The number of EAZA
participants in this studbook increased and
in the meantime DNA sampling has been
carried out on 40 studbook specimens. This
progress has resulted in more extensive DNA
research on the genus Cuora, carried out by
the Universities of Potsdam and Hamburg
in Germany. A proposal was sent to several
grant-making
organizations,
amongst
them the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF)
who approved funding in the amount of
$6,500 for this project. Sample collection
is already ongoing and laboratory work to
detect microsatellites has started. Based on
this genetics research, the first European
specimen is planned to be sent to the C.
trifasciata studbook program in the USA (see
related article by Praschag, this edition).

Some other results within this framework
include the loan of a C. trifasciata male from
Rotterdam Zoo to Mnster Zoo that resulted
in six offspring at both Mnster (4) and
Rotterdam (2). Three hatchlings have also
been reported by Cologne Zoo. In addition,
a private ESF studbook participant paired
his female at Rotterdam Zoo resulting in
three fertile eggs laid in May 2009. Several
recommendations were made by the ESF
studbook keeper resulting in the establishment
of genetically compatible breeding groups in
several EAZA institutions as well as private
breeders. In general, cooperation between
EAZA and ESF is improving.
Cuora mccordi progress
For many years, four captive born females
had been held at Rotterdam Zoo. Through
mediation by Elmar Meier, an exchange
with a private German breeder was arranged
resulting in Rotterdam now finally having a
male. Additionally, the proposed exchange
of captive born specimens between the USA
and Europe is looking very positive and
the permit process is underway. Hopefully
these transfers will be carried out this year,
providing an excellent example of the type of
The Cuora trifasciata group complex has been the
subject of intensive genetic analyses in Europe and
subsequent repairing of breeding stock to create
compatible pairs. Munster Zoo.
The first Sulawesi forest turtle to hatch and survive in Europe was from the IZS Muenster Zoo.
HENK ZWARTEPOORTEHENK ZWARTEPOORTE
29
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
international cooperation that is sometimes
necessary to effectively manage critically
endangered species.
International
Centre
for
Turtle
Conservation (IZS/ICCT) at Mnster Zoo
report
As announced in the last TSA Annual
Newsletter, several fertile eggs of the various
endangered Cuora species had been laid
through autumn 2008. Last year turned
out to be indeed the most successful in the
short history of the IZS/ICCT breeding
station. Currently, there are 22 species being
maintained here and all but two regularly
produce eggs. In 2008, offspring were
produced by 12 species (see table).
Remarkable is the first breeding success
in Meier's three-striped box turtle (Cuora
cyclornata meieri) and the first hatchlings of
Number
offspring
Scientific Name
Remarks
-
Chinemys nigricans
Eggs not incubated*
8
Cuora aurocapitata
1
Cuora galbinifrons bourreti
first-ever hatchling at IZS
8
Cuora mccordi
4
Cuora trifasciata
southern Chinese form
6
Cuora cyclornata ssp.
Subpopulation of southern North Vietnam
1
Cuora cyclornata meieri
North Vietnamese form of C. cyclornata
1
Cuora flavomarginata evelynae
1
Cuora zhoui
1
Heosemys depressa
died immediately after hatching
1
Leucocephalon yuwonoi
13
Mauremys annamensis
Only part of eggs incubated*
3
"Mauremys pritchardi"
Hybrid form (removed from project 2008)
1
"Mauremy iversoni"
Hybrid form (removed from project 2008)
the subpopulation from the southern part
of North Vietnam (Cuora cyclornata ssp.).
Especially significant is the first surviving
hatchling of a Sulawesi forest turtle
(Leucocephalon yuwonoi), the first-ever
successful rearing in Europe. Hatchlings
from the past two years died after three
months and one week, respectively, due
to feeding problems. The 2008 hatchling,
however, proved to be less delicate and
feeds well upon a broad dietary spectrum,
gaining weight continuously.
Altogether, 49 turtles hatched at the IZS in
2008, 30 of those belonging to the genus
Cuora. Eggs of Chinemys nigricans had not
been incubated due to lack of interest in
this species by other institutions, so that
the placement of the eventual hatchlings
was not guaranteed. Also, only a portion
of the eggs of the Vietnam pond turtles
(Mauremys annamensis) were incubated.
The Arakan
forest
turtle
(Heosemys
depressa) still proves to be difficult. Despite
the hatching of one single offspring, the
immediate death of the young shows that
nutrition of the females still needs to be
optimized to result in ultimate breeding
success.
Dr. Martina Raffel
Kuratorin fr in situ Artenschutz
raffel@allwetterzoo.de
Allwetterzoo Mnster, Westflischer
Zoologischer Garten Mnster GmbH
Sentruper Str. 315, D-48161 Mnster
Henk Zwartepoorte,
Chair TSA
Europe, Chair European Studbook
Foundation, Assistant Curator Reptiles
and Amphibians, Rotterdam Zoo,
Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Captive management of the genus Cuora and
the IZS/ICCT at Muenster Zoo are two of the
premier programs of TSA Europe and provide
excellent examples of the strength of cooperation
and collaboration for species' survival.
Kwangtung River turtles breed readily in captivity
but institutions such as the IZS Muenster Zoo have
shut down reproduction due to problems placing
offspring.
Breeding success at the IZS Mnster in 2008
* due to lack of interest
HENK ZWARTEPOORTE
30
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
TSA Europe
Breeding Research project EHAP: Exchanging Experiences on Keeping and Breeding the
Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda)
Viktor Mislin and Gabriela Eberling
The goal of Project EHAP is to conduct
research on optimal breeding and
husbandry conditions as a contribution to
the conservation of the critically endangered
Madagascar
flat-tailed
tortoise
(Pyxis
planicauda). Husbandry of this species is
not well documented or understood, as until
recently, this species has rarely been kept
outside of Madagascar. This project seeks
to develop and document techniques which
can be used to successfully keep and breed
this species.
It was the discovery of a hatchling in the
adult enclosure in 2003 that provided the
inspiration for more intensive work with this
species. The hatchling had been produced
from an egg laid in September 2002 and
hatched during the summer of 2003. It
turned out that the biggest problem
with successfully hatching P. planicauda
previously here, and at other institutions,
had to do with the temperatures used during
incubation. Between 2000 and 2003,
all of the eggs produced died at various
stages during the incubation process. It
was discovered that by using a one-month
cool down period (13-15C), after the first
month of incubation, the hatch rate could be
significantly increased. Temperatures were
increased again at the beginning of month
three.
In 2006, after producing six hatchlings,
it was decided to start intensifying the
breeding project with P. planicauda. After
being delayed for almost a year by permitting
challenges, the researchers partnered with
the Zoological Institute of Basel University
(Professor Dr. Dieter Ebert), an official
project was initiated and a cooperation
contract was developed.
In March 2008, six juveniles were exported
from Basel to Germany; a process which
was complicated by CITES and border
regulations. That same year, 17 of the 22
hatchlings were transferred to six different
locations in Europe where they would be kept
to rear to adulthood. The keepers at each
location are asked to keep and report records
on growth and photograph the animals on a
regular basis. Although there has not been
any mortality with the offspring sent out,
in some cases the hatchlings have required
an adjustment period of up to a year before
completely settling in and growing at the
same rate as before the move. Weight increase
either stopped completely within this period
or was just marginal. The hatchlings are kept
in protected outdoor enclosures in order to
supply them with sufficient UV light during
the warmer seasons. These animals are to be
held and maintained at their current facilities
until 2013. The following year tortoises will
be moved around for breeding purposes.
Terrarium selection for P. planicauda is based
on the "Minimum requirements for keeping
reptiles", dated January 10, 1997. Terrarium
sizes are chosen as follows: length equals four
times carapace length and width equals half
of terrarium length. Carapace length is based
on the largest tortoise kept in the cage. The
average enclosure size is for two tortoises. To
add either a third or fourth tortoise in the
Indoor set up showing metal halide lights and ultrasound misting system at work.
VIKTOR MISLINVIKTOR MISLIN
31
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
same terrarium, 10 % ground surface must be
added to these measurements. 20% ground
surface must be added for a fifth tortoise.
Beginning in March 2009, metal halide spots
and Reptistar FL UV A+B Sylvania tubes
were used as the main lighting source while
the animals are indoors. In April, these spot
lights were swapped for metal halide Bright
Sun UV Desert spots, which were sponsored
by the Lucky Reptile Company. In order
to increase the humidity, the researchers
developed a special ultrasound misting
system directly connected to the central
distilled water supply system.
The hatchlings are kept in protected outdoor enclosures in order to supply them with sufficient UV light during the warmer seasons.
Juvenile Pyxis planicauda, 2003
VIKTOR MISLINVIKTOR MISLIN
32
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
TSA Europe
Continued: Breeding Research project EHAP: Exchanging Experiences on Keeping and Breeding
the Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda)
The adult breeding groups are composed as
follows: Group 1: 1.2 specimens, Group 2:
1.2 specimens, Group 3: 1.1 specimens, and
Group 4: 1.1 specimens. The first animal
that was hatched at our facility turned
out to be a male and is now paired with a
subadult female that was legally imported
into Switzerland. The tortoises are kept
at the same temperature and humidity
levels as what they would experience in the
wild, thanks to data available from western
Madagascar. Both juvenile and adult
tortoises have periods of inactivity, just as
they would in nature. This dormancy period
often lasts six months. During this period,
the air humidity and day length are reduced.
When the animals become active again, the
day length is adjusted and the humidity
is increased by adding the ultrasound
humidifier. The humidifier is switched on
seven times per day at 15-minute intervals
during their active period. By doing so, an
ideal micro-climate can be reached in which
the tortoises thrive.
Several small incubators were constructed
for the incubation of the eggs produced,
each equipped with a thermostat capable of
allowing a nighttime drop in temperature.
Vermiculite is used as the incubation
substrate. Regarding incubation, a number
of questions still remain to be answered
completely. One of the most frustrating
challenges
in
the beginning of
this
experiment was the length of time required
to see which incubation protocol was the
most successful with this species. On
Several small incubators were constructed for egg incubation, each equipped with a thermostat capable of allowing a nighttime drop in temperature.
VIKTOR MISLIN
33
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
average, only ten eggs are produced each year
and the incubation period ranges from 200
to 300 days. However, out of eleven tested
incubation methods, a suitable method has
been selected which is now used for the
majority of the eggs
Project EHAP is supported by the scientific
counsel of Henk Zwartepoorte
(The
Netherlands), Dipl.-Biol. Matthias Goetz
(British Channel Islands) and Dr. Gerald
Kuchling (Australia). Each was selected
based on their herpetological experience,
specifically with Pyxis reproduction or
research. The members of the EHAP Project
communicate on a regular basis in order to
discuss problems and find solutions. It would
be an advantage for the project if additional
Pyxis planicauda keepers contacted the
researchers in order to exchange experiences
and skills.
Viktor Mislin
Viktor.mislin@unibas.ch
Viktor.mislin@bluewin.ch
Zoologisches Institut
Vesalgasse 1
Evolutionsbiologie CH-4051 Basel
Universitat Basel, Switzerland
Tel.
+41 (0)61 267 34 66
Gabriela Eberling
Projekt EHAP
schildi1806@gmx.de
Ahornstr. 23
D-16766 Kremmen
Germany
Tel. +49 (0)33055 73681
Note: EHAP is a German acronym for a phrase
that translates to Exchanging Experiences on
Keeping and Breeding the Madagascar flat-tailed
tortoise (Pyxis planicauda)
This is one of the many captive breeding
programs being carried out under the TSA Europe
banner.
Copulation between Pyxis planicauda
Metal halide spotlights and the humidifier in the outdoor enclosure.
VIKTOR MISLINVIKTOR MISLIN
34
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
TSA Europe
Seized Turtles in the EU as a Source for Conservation
Alessandro Fornetti and Henk Zwarteporte
TRAFFIC CROATIAThe European Union has traditionally been
a very important market for the reptile trade.
As the EU and National regulations became
tighter (an on-going process), the illegal
trade in turtles has grown, calling higher
attention from several Law Enforcement
Agencies throughout Europe. This has
resulted in a number of seizures: although a
complete picture is difficult to put together,
information gathered by the writer point to
an average of 2000-3000 specimens per year
from 2005 to 2008. However, this is surely a
broadly underestimated figure.
We can split the European illegal turtle trade
in two main typologies: 1) high-volume
smuggling of low-valued species (mainly
Testudo ssp.), and 2) smaller batches of
highly-prized tortoises and turtles.
A typical 1) case involves the shipping of
300-1200 tortoises (T. graeca sensu latu,
T. hermanni, T. kleinmanni at times) from
circum-Mediterranean countries
through
Italy, France or Spain, destined for fairs
and little markets with a final selling price
ranging from 30 to 150. A typical 2) case
involves very small batches (single animals at
times) of high-profile species clearly destined
for the discerning collector. Offers known
to the writer in recent times have included
A. yniphora, S. leytensis and several Cuora
ssp. (including an alleged yunnanensis).
These animals travel mainly from southeast
Asia and enter the EU through Balkan
countries, being then moved by road to the
final destination. In between, we have all
possible variations, such as 50-100 Astrochelys
radiata, Stigmochelys pardalis, Kinyxis ssp.,
Malacochersus tornieri etc.
European Law Enforcement Agencies are
now succeeding in stopping a significant part
of this trade, but what happens to the seized
turtles? There's no rule here, and the situation
is more complicated than it would seem at
first. The main problem is that Government
Officials apply laws which seldom if ever
determine what to do following the seizure. So
the batches are treated singly, and their survival
and future often becomes a matter of chance
and luck. Apart from any moral or ethical
consideration, turtles which might prove
useful for reintroduction or ex-situ projects
are simply lost to "The Cause" for sheer lack
of communication and coordination between
authorities and the conservation world.
So here we are, with a few hundred valuable
tortoises potentially ready to be involved
in some project: but who can we put at the
receiving end? The first answer is quick and
logical: those zoos and aquaria which have a
growing attitude towards conservation. The
problem is that the total housing capability
of these facilities will never come close to
matching the number of animals offered.
Answer number two points to rescue centers:
there are a few throughout Europe, but none
at present - seems to have the resources to
successfully deal with the yearly volume of
seizures.
Other problems include the traditional
and not always fully justified diffidence
of officials towards private breeders; breeders
which have shown a remarkable success
rate in any aspect of turtle keeping, often
exceeding the results achieved by institutions.
Another key factor is the apparent complete
lack of understanding that the time frame
between the seizure and disposal is critical
to the survival of the turtles: putting
together a mix of T. graeca, T. hermanni
and T. kleinmanni for months (or years!)
in some enclosure - while waiting for the
CITES papers allowing reallocation to be
issued - invariably means all kinds of trouble,
and most likely death for a high percentage
of the turtles involved. There's a serious
question we have to pose to the government
authorities: what did the legislator have in
mind when they wrote the rules? Was the
aim to create excessive paper work, overload
police and custom officials with additional
work, or did he think of animal welfare and
wildlife conservation? There seems to be a
disconnect between the regulations and the
actual needs of confiscated animals. Simply
classifying them as "seized," and leaving them
A package containing juvenile pancake tortoises
being mailed from Tanzania to an address in
Belgium.
A wildlife inspector in Croatia examines a
shipment of European tortoises seized in Croatia.
35
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
packed away as cargo is not practical, as the
people who have to apply these laws on a
daily basis know.
So much for the problems; but what solutions
can we provide, or hope for? The first need is
to get a clearer picture of the seizures. Several
EU countries maintain a seizure database,
and/or take part in the EU-TWIX project:
these sources should be coordinated as much
as possible to allow info to become available
to conservationists in real time. Second,
national authorities should recognize the need
to establish standardized procedures allowing
seized turtles to be quickly transferred to the
receiving subjects. Papers can wait, turtles
can't. Third, conservation NGOs such as the
TSA and the European Studbook Foundation
should act as an interface between the
authorities and the receiving subjects; this is
especially needed whenever private breeders
are involved. The NGO not only creates the
contact and coordinates the operation but,
thanks to a very strict "code of conduct"
imposed on members, prevents animals from
going into improper hands once assigned
to privates. The benefits of an organized
studbook are well-known, and will not be
discussed further here.Fourth, appeals should
be sent to, and contacts made with all those
European Institutions (EAZA or not), rescue
centers etc. that have a potential interest
in housing and caring for seized turtles. A
database of potential receivers would greatly
ease and quicken our job. Fifth, and perhaps
the most difficult and important: every effort
should be made to organize and create a high-
profile European Turtle Rescue Centre. The
Centre would be located in the southern part
of the continent, be within the distribution
area of several Testudo ssp., be near the
illegal trade hotspots, be recognized by the
Authorities and especially fully capable
of dealing with a few thousand turtles a year,
thus minimizing the risks of transit times and
diseases due to neglect and poor husbandry.
The practical implementation of these few
guidelines will remove many unneeded
paper folders from officials' desks, will offer
conservationists much precious material and,
finally, will give many smuggled turtles a
better future than what they face today.
Alessandro Fornetti
IUCN/TFTSG TSA Europe
Via Flaminia 2016 00188 Roma, Italy
alenf@libero.it
Henk Zwartepoorte
Chair TSA Europe
Chair European Studbook Foundation
Assistant Curator Reptiles & Amphibians
Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam,
The Netherlands
Alessandro is a TSA member that wrote last year
on Egyptian tortoises confiscated in Italy and
efforts to manage them under the EAZA program.
He is a generous supporter of the TSA's Rafetus
program in China. Henk chairs TSA Europe.
A package containing juvenile pancake tortoises being mailed from Tanzania to an address in Belgium.
TRAFFIC CROATIA
36
TSA Europe
The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) - latest news on the 2005 confiscated shipment in Italy
Henk Zwartepoorte and Alessandro Fornetti
Alessandro Fornetti reported extensively
on the confiscated shipments of tortoises
that originated in Libya in the 2008 TSA
Newsletter. At that time, the legal situation
regarding the shipments was uncertain and
even after almost three years, almost no
progress could be reported. However, the
condition of the first 2005 confiscation is
stable. The animals were housed at the Rome
Zoo Bioparco, were properly cared for and
from this group about 35 offspring can be
reported. Eventually, during the second half of
2008 and the first half of 2009, a constructive
communication arose between TSA Europe
and the Italian CITES authorities.
During a WWF/TRAFFIC/EU-Twix
workshop in Tarvisio/Italy in February 2009,
Alessandro and Henk positively discussed this
issue with CITES Italy representatives. After
this meeting, the settlement of the CITES
procedures was sped up. In the background, a
vital role was also played by Bioparco curator
reptiles Stefano Micarelli.
In June 2009, CITES certificates were
suddenly issued for transfer of 150 tortoises
to eight European Association of Zoos
and Aquaria (EAZA) institutions and two
privately-managed turtle centers. By the
end of June/early July these 150 tortoises
will be transferred to the EAZA zoos of
London, Whipsnade, Chester, Bristol in
the UK, Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic,
Terrariet Vissenbjerg in Denmark, Antwerp
Zoo in Belgium and Parken Zoo in Sweden.
The private institutions are ARCO Spain in
Tabernas/Almeria in Spain and the Centre
pour Recuperation des Tortues in Switzerland.
Thanks to this transfer, the breeding programs
in Europe will get a big boost. The Libyan
specimens will be separately managed within
the EAZA European Endangered species
Programme (EEP).
Obviously, the long period of three and a
half years after confiscation is not an ideal
situation. Zoos are often not well equipped to
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
house large numbers of confiscated animals.
Nevertheless, the Bioparco Zoo managed
to keep the majority of the originally
confiscated 280 tortoises in good condition
and with limited mortality. At the same
time, approximately 35 births were reported.
Thanks to this situation, the communication
and cooperation between the parties involved
(CITES Italy, Corpo Forestale, Bioparco and
TSA Europe) finally improved and hopefully
this will be a basis for future confiscations.
Henk Zwartepoorte
Chair TSA Europe
Chair European Studbook Foundation
Assistant Curator Reptiles and
Amphibians, Rotterdam Zoo,
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Alessandro Fornetti
IUCN/TFTSG TSA Europe
Via Flaminia 2016 00188 Roma, Italy
alenf@libero.it
Part of a large group of confiscated Egyptian tortoises placed at the Rome Bioparco in 2005.
The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni).
37
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
38
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
TSA Afr ica
Building a network to better understand the conservation status of the tortoises and freshwater
turtles of a vast continent - TSA Africa is born
Tomas Diagne
The African division of the Turtle Survival
Alliance has been created and is based
in Senegal, a small country in West Africa.
The chairman of the group is Tomas Diagne,
an agronomist who is also member of IUCN
Turtle and Freshwater Tortoise Specialist
Group
(TFTSG). TSA Africa's main
objective is the study and conservation of
land tortoises and freshwater turtles and their
natural habitats in Africa.
The office of TSA Africa is composed of two
vice-presidents and 11 members, who are
regional advisers or nationals of almost all
the areas of this vast continent, which has a
surface area of 30 million square kilometers.
Africa is the second largest continent in
the world and accounts for 50 species of
land tortoises and freshwater turtles in four
families.
To achieve its goals, TSA Africa hopes initially
to rely on the support of its members, partners
and other participants. The production
and dissemination of identification and
evaluation handbooks (in three languages:
French, English and Portuguese) for the
known African species has already begun.
In October and November 2008, the author
conducted an assessment of the presence
of the tortoises and freshwater turtles
throughout Ghana, Togo, and Benin, three
Western African countries. The results of
this work made it possible to confirm the
presence of four species of land tortoises
(Kinixys erosa, Kinixys belliana, Kinixys
homeana and Geochelone sulcata) and seven
species of freshwater turtles (Pelomedusa
subrufa, Pelusios castaneus, Pelusios adansonii,
Pelusios niger, Cyclanorbis elegans, Cyclanorbis
senegalensis and Trionyx tringuis). Rarest of
all the species identified in this zone of West
Africa is undoubtedly the Giant Nubian
softshell turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans), which
requires urgent measures of conservation and
restoration of its natural habitat.
Tomas Diagne (TSA Africa chair) with male (Geochelone sulcata) at the Senegalese Chelonian Breeding and Education Center.
TOMAS DIAGNE
39
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
It is also priority to carry out a comprehensive
assessment which will allow a correct
classification of the African species of
tortoises and freshwater turtles on the IUCN
Red List.
The next meeting of TSA Africa members
will be organized soon, to be held in Nigeria
with the collaboration of the IUCN/TFTSG
group. At this meeting it is envisaged to
develop an action plan to be carried out the
over next several years and to identify the
priority species and habitats to preserve.
Tomas Diagne
fondsdev@yahoo.fr
TSA Africa
C/O Nature Tropicale Senegal
Po Box: 657
Rufisque, Senegal, West Africa
Female mud terrapin (Pelusios adansonii adanson)
in captivity with young villagers near Guiers Lake,
Senegal.
Geochelone sulcata laying eggs in the Thioump
Reserve of northeast Senegal.
Staff members take measurements of a large adult
male (Geochelona sulcata) at the Senegalese
breeding facility.
Patrick Baker (TSA Africa vice-chair) with a Nubian
softshell turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans) from Ghana.
Kinixys homeana
TSA AFRICA STAFF:
Chair, Tomas Diagne, Senegal fondsdev@yahoo.fr
Vice-Chair, Patrick Baker, Ghana patrick.baker17@gmail.com
Vice-Chair, Josea D. Bodjirnou, Benin josea_bj@yahoo.co.uk
ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
Dr. Tahar Slimani, Morocco slimani@ucam.ac.ma
Phil Allman, Ghana ghanaturtles@animail.net
Dr Edem Eniang, Nigeria eniangedem@yahoo.co.uk
Franck Makoundi, Republic of Congo franckwyclef@yahoo.fr
Fidle B. Egalenzibo, Democratic Republic of Congo kerenatya@yahoo.fr
Reginald Mwaya, Tanzania rmwaya@yahoo.com
Aurele Andre, Mauritius arpege@intnet.mu
Leon Rafindrazakoto, Madagascar
ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE BY TOMAS DIAGNE
40
TSA
PARTNER NEWS
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
The Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) is
a strategizing and funding consortium
of leading turtle conservation organizations
and individuals focused on ensuring the
long-term survival of tortoises and freshwater
turtles. Its impact is global, supporting those
front-line conservationists and organizations
whose efforts help implement TCF strategy.
Current partnering organizations include
Conservation International, International
Union for Conservation of Nature /
Species Survival Commission / Tortoise and
Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle
Survival Alliance, European Association of
Zoos and Aquaria Shellshock Campaign,
Chelonian Research Foundation, Chester
Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Asian Turtle Program,
Wildlife Conservation Society, Behler
Chelonian Center / Turtle Conservancy,
Chelonian Research Institute, World Wildlife
Fund, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,
SOPTOM, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic
Garden, Rotterdam Zoo, European Studbook
Foundation, and International Center for
Conservation of Turtles / Allwetter Zoo.
A Global Tour of Strategic Turtle Conservation Initiatives Supported by the Turtle Conservation Fund
Hugh R. Quinn and Anders G.J. Rhodin
Since its formation in 2002, TCF has awarded
$344,912 in grants to 77 conservation
initiatives representing 35 nations. TCF
has two funding cycles a year, with the most
recent round of grant proposals evaluated in
May 2009, awarding $52,458 to 12 worthy
projects. This latest round of grant recipients
is representative of this organization's global
perspective. Grants were given for work
with Endangered and Critically Endangered
tortoise and freshwater turtle species in the
Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam,
Mexico, Belize, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and
Madagascar.
nesting areas for this species and decimate
populations. Finding and appropriately
managing additional populations may be
the only hope of survival for this species in
nature. The other Myanmar initiative, led
by Khin Myo Myo, focuses on conducting
a survey for the Endangered Arakan Forest
turtle (Heosemys depressa) to update its current
population status and define any threats that
may impact its survival.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, TCF support was provided to
Heng Sovannara of the Royal Government
of Cambodia Fisheries Administration and
the WCS Cambodia Program for a project
involving Batagur baska,
the Critically
Endangered river terrapin, found here only in
the Sre Ambel and Kaong Rivers. Personnel
with this project have been monitoring and
protecting nesting beaches since 2002, but in
2008 were unable to locate any nests. This
sobering turn of events prompted a request to
TCF for funding to expand the search along
these rivers as well as neighboring systems for
nests.

Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala
TCF provided support for two projects
regarding the Critically Endangered Central
American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii).
One project, led by Gracia Syed of the
Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, seeks
to identify any evolutionary lineages of
this species in Mexico and Belize natural
populations in an effort to better design
captive breeding programs for animals
residing in existing captive facilities there.
The other, with Rony Garcia, Roan McNab,
and Gabriela Ponce of the WCS Guatemala
Program, and Jos Moreira of Asociacin
Balam, will define habitat use patterns of
this species in Guatemala to better define
the needs of wild populations in establishing
appropriate conservation management plans.
Philippines
TCF funds were awarded to Sabine Schoppe
of the Katala Foundation Inc. to assess the
conservation status and population size changes
of the Critically Endangered Philippine forest
turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis) on Palawan.
Information from this work will help assess
population stability and provide key information
in designing recovery plans.
Diverlie Acosta, turtle researcher for the Katala
Foundation, measures a juvenile Philippine forest
turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis).
KATALA FOUNDATIONMyanmar
Funding for two initiatives was awarded to
the Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS)
Myanmar Program turtle team of Win Ko
Ko, Khin Myo Myo, and Kaw Moe. One,
led by Win Ko Ko, focuses on surveying the
Sittoung River for the Endangered Burmese
roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata) which has
yet to be documented from this river. This
work is critical, as a hydro-electric dam has
already been completed in one of the two
rivers known to be currently inhabited by this
species, and another such dam is proposed
for the other. Such impoundments destroy
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
41
Vietnam
The Vietnamese pond turtle (Mauremys
annamensis) was for years thought extinct in
the wild, but was recently rediscovered. Tim
McCormack, Doug Hendrie, Van Ha Hoang,
and Chi Nhan Nguyen with the Asian Turtle
Program and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,
approached TCF for support to produce
posters that will improve local knowledge
about the significance of this species and its
protection status.
Colombia and Peru
TCF supported two projects in South
America. One, lead by Adriana Gonzlez-
Zrate, Olga Lucia Montenegro Diez,
and Olga Victoria Castao-Mora of the
Universidad Nacional de Colombia, involves
the impact of impoundments (dams) along
rivers on the Endangered Colombian endemic
river turtle (Podocnemis lewyana). The
outcome of this investigation will be critical,
both locally and globally, as impoundments
are common around the world, and knowing
the influence of dams on large river turtles
is essential to their conservation. The other
South American initiative, lead by Fernando
Arbelez and Mario Vargas-Ramrez of
Fundacin BioDiversa Colombia, involves
capacity building in four communities
TIM MCCORMACKThe Asian Turtle Program's Mauremys annamensis
Project (MAP) provides training to Q. Ngai Province
rangers about the plight of the Vietnamese pond
turtle. Six pond turtles were confiscated in this
province in January and now reside at the Asian
Turtle Program's Turtle Conservation Center.
in Colombian and Peruvian indigenous
communities of the Santa Sofia Indigenous
Reserve along the Amazon. This program
will provide training for selected individuals
in these communities to protect turtle
nesting beaches, to build artificial beaches,
and to translocate eggs from non-protected
to protected areas.
Madagascar
Two programs were supported in Madagascar.
One, lead by Riana Rakotondrainy of the
University of Antananarivo, Madagascar,
Christina Castellano and J. Sean Doody of
the University of Canberra, Australia, and
Herilala Randriamahazo of WCS Madagascar,
involves the demography, spatial attributes,
and nesting ecology of the Critically
Endangered Madagascar spider
tortoise
(Pyxis arachnoides). The information gained
from this study will be extremely valuable
in designing conservation strategies, both
in nature and in captivity. TCF support of
the other Madagascar project, led by Juliette
Velosoa of Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust, Madagascar, will enable the second
release of head-started, Critically Endangered
Madagascar side-necked turtles (Erymnochelys
madagascariensis) in Ankarafantsika National
Park.
Captive Management
of Asian Box Turtles
The European Studbook Foundation designs
captive breeding programs for key species.
Among these are Cuora trifasciata and
C. aurocapitata, which present confusing
taxonomic issues. To assure that captive
breeding programs produce "pure" lineages
of evolutionarily significant units, TCF
provided funds for molecular genetic analysis
of captive populations to Jens Poschadel
of the University of Hamburg, Germany,
Torsten Blanck of the European Studbook
Foundation, Martina Raffel and Elmar Meier
of the Allwetter Zoo, Mnster, Germany,
Martin Plath and Ralph Tiedemann of
the University of Potsdam, Germany, and
Henk Zwartepoorte of the Rotterdam Zoo,
Netherlands.
Summary
These projects exemplify TCF's holistic
approach to turtle conservation, which
involves both ex situ and in situ approaches.
Such efforts can only be possible through
partnerships with the various organizations,
institutions and individuals who create and
conduct the above supported programs.
These partnerships form a coordinated,
effective, global network with a mission to
conserve the world's tortoises and freshwater
turtles so that no species becomes extinct in
our lifetime.
Hugh R. Quinn (DoubleHQ@aol.com)
Anders G.J. Rhodin (RhodinCRF@aol.
com)
Turtle Conservation Fund Co-Chairs
www.turtleconservationfund.org
The TSA is one of the founding partners in the TCF
and is joined by a host of other turtle conservation
groups that comprise this organization.
Torichiga: A turtle conservation-oriented stage play
written and performed by the young people of the
Nuevo Jardin indigenous community, Colombia
and Peru.
To see a video of this highly acclaimed production,
go
to
http://video.google.es/videoplay?doc
id=6075199196786203964
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
42
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
North America
Will Selman
The
conservation of
quality
habitat
worldwide is regarded as one of the most
important aspects for species conservation.
To this end, the Pascagoula River system of
southeastern Mississippi is considered one
of the most pristine and the least impacted
major river system of the Lower 48 United
States. This river system is also the habitat
for an endemic river turtle, the yellow-
blotched sawback (Graptemys flavimaculata).
Observed population declines in the 1980's
led this species to be listed as Federally
Threatened in 1991 and Endangered in
Ecology and Conservation of the Yellow-blotched Sawback, an Endemic River Turtle of the
Pascagoula River System, Mississippi, USA
Mississippi. Following listing, populations
within the Lower Pascagoula River were
studied by Bob Jones (Mississippi Museum
of Natural Science, MMNS) and by
researchers out of Southeastern Louisiana,
including the master's thesis work of Brian
Horne (TSA Advisory Committee). Studies
found that turtles had complex seasonal
movements and restricted home ranges, as
well as extremely low reproductive output
and high rates of nest predation/mortality.
This species is threatened primarily by
destruction/modification to riverine habitat,
but other threats include humans shooting
turtles as 'target practice,' collisions with
boats, collection for the pet trade, by-catch
by fishermen, and the destruction of nests on
sandbars by recreational ATV riding.
Over the last 4 years, funding has been
awarded to conduct research on Graptemys
flavimaculata by the Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP);
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS);
and the Chelonian Research Foundation's
Linnaeus Fund. This funding has gone to
An adult yellow-blotched sawback from the Pascagoula River system
MARY PEREZ
43
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
research a variety of topics of this imperiled
turtle: assessing populations post-Hurricane
Katrina,
determining
the
impact
of
recreational boating on basking behavior and
physiology, understanding the distribution/
abundance
throughout
the Pascagoula
River system, and conducting research on
the conservation genetics of this species.
Lower Pascagoula River populations were
found to be negatively impacted following
Hurricane Katrina (declines of ~50%), but
no impact was observed with upstream
populations. Distribution surveys indicated
no range contraction and these surveys
also documented populations in new river/
creek systems. Results from other topics are
forthcoming.
Currently, the TSA and the Batchelor
Foundation have provided funding to
continue the conservation genetics work
and to establish a public outreach initiative
for this species. This year, sampling for the
conservation genetics project (i.e. tissue
collection) was completed at multiple sites
throughout the Pascagoula River system
of
southeastern Mississippi,
including
the Chickasawhay, Leaf, Pascagoula, and
Escatawpa rivers. The latter site contains
a geographically isolated population that
was first documented in the 1990's by Pete
Floyd and Tom Mann (MMNS). Along with
documenting the presence of this population,
they reported unique pleural scute patterning
with individuals exhibiting a high level
of rings which is unusual for this species.
Genetic analysis is ongoing and should be
completed by the end of 2009. Another goal
of this project is to design public outreach
materials outlining turtle conservation in
cooperation with MDWFP and USFWS.
These materials will
provide
general
information regarding turtle conservation, as
well as outline proper recreational policies on
protected nesting sandbars on Ward Bayou
Wildlife Management Area (Jackson County,
MS). The results from our work will add
to the knowledge of this species, as well as
provide informative material to educate the
public. Hopefully this will ensure sound
conservation decisions that will allow wild
populations to persist within the Pascagoula
River system.
Will Selman
The University of Southern Mississippi
Department of Biological Sciences
will.selman@usm.edu
The TSA provided partial support for this project
with funds from the 2007 Batchelor Foundation
grant.
A juvenile yellow-blotched sawback captured from
the Escatawpa River system (Jackson County, MS)
displays an abnormal pattern for this species. The
patterning resembles the ringed-sawback of the
Pearl River system (Mississippi and Louisiana, USA).
The Pascagoula River system is the least impacted major river system of the Lower 48 United States.
Pictured here is the Leaf River (Covington County, MS) which is a tributary of the Pascagoula River system
and habitat for the yellow-blotched sawback.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
WILL SELMANWILL SELMAN
44
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
North America
Bern Tryon
Egg-harvesting, Hatching, and Release: A Population Augmentation Tool for Bog Turtles (Glyptemys
muhlenbergii) in Tennessee
The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) was
first discovered in Tennessee in May, 1986
from two wetland sites within one large
valley in the northeastern tip of the state.
These captures documented the last known
state to be included in the 12-state range
of this species in the eastern United States,
and the fifth state within what has become
known as the "Southern Population." Work
in these five states has determined that the
species is restricted to spring-fed wetlands,
called Mountain Bogs, in the Blue Ridge and
upper Piedmont regions, and North Carolina
serves as the stronghold for this species in
the south. Bog turtles appear to be largely
peripheral in the other states, and searching
to date has not identified the occurrence of
additional populations in Tennessee. The
discovery of bog turtles in Tennessee began
what has become known as The Tennessee
Bog Turtle Program, an effort combining
11 primary components involving both in
situ and ex situ priorities and a partnership
between the Knoxville Zoological Gardens,
The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee,
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and
numerous private landowners.

Radio-telemetry within the study valley
documented the presence of two additional,
satellite wetlands with turtles adjacent (by
one-half mile each) to the historic sites in
2002 and 2003, and turtles are known to
have moved between these sites. Based
on mark-recapture studies, a total of 89
turtles are currently thought to comprise
the marked turtle population of this valley
meta-population. Population estimates from
1986 to1996 provided numbers of 46 and
39 respectively for the two historic sites, but
turtles are known to have changed sites, and
eight deaths of mostly telemetry turtles have
been documented since 2001.
At the two historic sites, sub-adult turtles were
found, albeit infrequently, but those found at
3-6 years of age were not only located with
some regularity, but they appeared to be the
only turtles in their respective age classes
residing in these sites. At one site, the last
two juveniles were found in 1995 and 1997,
and at the other site, a six year old male was
found in 1994. In addition, since 2001,
predators eliminated 12 known turtle nests
in these two sites. In some cases, shredded
eggshells indicated a mammalian predator,
but many times the entire clutches simply
disappeared from the nest cavity without
visual disturbance of the nesting area. The
predator in these cases is thought to be a
snake, mole, or perhaps even a bird, but no
traces of shell or egg-slime was apparent. The
eggs were just gone.
Based on this and the lack of apparent
reproductive recruitment in the two historic
turtle sites, the component of Egg-harvesting,
Hatching, and Release was initiated in 2006.
In addition to those turtles radio-tracked
season-long, all other females found in each
spring were tracked short-term to determine
reproductive status. Reproductive success
varied in each study season, for example at
one site, ten of eleven females produced eggs
in 2006, while in 2008, only three of eight
laid eggs. From both sites, of eleven females
tracked in all three seasons, four produced
clutches in each of the three years, two in two
years, one in one of the three seasons, and
only one turtle did not lay eggs. In the three-
year period for 21 turtles, 47 female tracking
periods were documented, and of these, 30
clutches of eggs (64%) were produced. Of
these, 18 clutches (51 eggs) were harvested
and incubated in a secured and remote
situation within the study valley.
Prior to the 2006 egg-laying period, a simple
outdoor facility was constructed which would
serve as a holding station for the incubation
of the eggs. It became readily apparent that
despite best efforts, egg-laying was missed,
nests could not be found, or if found the
identity of the female could not be accurately
determined. Currently, this 2.4 x 6.0 m area
contains two oval 220-liter Rubbermaid tubs
for female nesting, and once eggs are laid,
the clutches are transferred to one of two
176-liter incubation tubs which correspond
to respective sites. Two additional tubs are
Bog turtle nesting tub in secured area.
TESSA BICKHART
45
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
available for nesting as needed. The tubs are
mostly sunken into the ground and overflow
plumbing is installed. Substrate is comprised
of sphagnum peat in which a matrix of small
branches are placed which support plugs of
natural nesting vegetation such as sphagnum
moss and small sedges. Each tub has a
domed lid of 3.2 cm mesh or chicken wire
and each is hinged and latched. The tubs
are surrounded by portable electric livestock
fencing of six-inch metal mesh, and the entire
area, since it also contains a garden, is backed
up with additional electric fencing. During
the hottest periods, fresh water is flushed
through each tub daily, and the substrate is
lightly misted in mornings when rainfall is
sparse.
Based on
the prevailing weather
in
mountainous terrain, incubation periods
have been highly variable (67-105 days).
Some degree of infertility has routinely been
documented in the field throughout this
study, and of the harvested eggs, 16 (32%)
were infertile. Of the 35 fertile eggs, six had
died at some point during incubation, and
29 successfully hatched. For identification
purposes, hatchlings were marked with a
Queen Marker (bee dot) which was glued with
epoxy to one costal scute. Release took place
within one week after hatching at respective
sites. In July 2007, one 2006-hatched
juvenile with the bee dot still firmly attached,
was found and represented the first new sub-
adult found at either historic site in over 10
years.
Based on the degree of habitat destruction
documented over the past 30-plus years in the
south, plus the fact that minimally 85% of
all viable turtle habitat is found on privately-
owned
land, meaningful
conservation
programs for bog turtles remain difficult
and tenuous. Population augmentation
remains highly controversial but it seems that
some techniques such as the one described
herein may provide a safe, reliable, relatively
inexpensive,
and potentially
successful
conservation "tool" for the enhancement of
some declining turtle populations.

Bern W. Tryon
Director of Animal Collections and
Herpetology
Knoxville Zoological Gardens
P.O. Box 6040
Knoxville, TN 37914
btryon@knoxville-zoo.org
The TSA provided support to the habitat
enhancement component of the Tennessee Bog
Turtle Project in 2009. Both Bern Tryon and the
Knoxville Zoo are long time supporters of the
TSA.
Incubating bog turtle eggs in secured tub.
Hatchling bog turtle with Queen Bee Marker ID tag.
B.W. TRYONB.W. TRYONTURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
Committed to Zero Turtle Extinction
46
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
North America
Day Ligon and Daren Riedle
Alligator Snapper Translocation
Alligator
snapping
turtle
(Macrochelys
temminckii)
conservation has
received
substantial attention in Oklahoma for over
a decade, starting with a state-wide survey
of populations in the 1990s, the results of
which triggered the inception of a captive
propagation and reintroduction program
by Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery and
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. This
program is ongoing, and release of headstarted
turtles began
in 2006. Reestablishing
populations of turtles by releasing juveniles
is, by necessity, a long-term endeavor, in large
part because of the long time many species
take to reach sexual maturity. Thus, alligator
snapper conservation in Oklahoma got a
major boost in 2007 by the translocation of
more than 250 confiscated adult turtles to
the southern part of the state. It is expected
that supplementing reintroduction efforts
with translocation of these reproductively
mature animals will dramatically decrease
the time required to generate a stable, self-
sufficient population.
As is the case for any major conservation
effort, it was important that we measure the
long-term results of the release in order to
determine its impact. Therefore, monitoring
of the repatriated turtles was initiated soon
after
their release. Radio transmitters,
purchased with assistance from the Turtle
Survival Alliance and Delta Foundation,
were affixed to a subset of the turtles. Dan
Moore, a graduate student in Dr. Stanley
Fox's lab at Oklahoma State University, used
a combination of radio telemetry and trap-
release techniques to keep tabs on the turtles'
seasonal movement and habitat association
patterns as they acclimatized to the new
environment.
Additionally,
springtime
searches for evidence of nesting have been
conducted in each of the last three years,
and the results have been used as a proxy for
condition of females in the population.
Initially, many of the transmitter-equipped
turtles moved significant distances from the
Upper & Lower Images. Dan Moore conducted radio telemetry and trap-release research in 2008 and
2009 following the release of adult snapping turtles in southern Oklahoma.
DAY LIGONKATHRYN KERKSIECK
47
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
point of release. However, within months
nearly all of them had settled into home
ranges similar in size to those seen in naturally
occurring populations elsewhere in the state.
Evidence of nesting, in the form of predated
nests, was first observed in 2007 within two
months following the release. However, the
summer of 2007 saw some of the worst
flooding in the region in decades and, as a
result, we expect that high water claimed
any nests that predators failed to uncover.
Additional evidence of nesting was observed
in 2008 and 2009, including an intact nest
that was subsequently covered with a wire
cage to prevent predation. In coming years,
we plan to use a combination of intensive on-
the-ground searching and strategically placed
motion-sensitive cameras to identify turtle
nests and their potential predators to ensure
that some recruitment of hatchlings into the
population occurs. This, in combination with
continued release of headstarted juveniles
elsewhere in the state, will guarantee alligator
snappers a bright future in Oklahoma.
Day Ligon
Department of Biology, Missouri
State University; Springfield, MO
65897 417.836.5339
Day.Ligon@MissouriState.edu
Daren Riedle
Department of Life, Earth, and
Environmental Sciences, West Texas
A&M University; Canyon, TX
79016
806.676.6732
macrochelys@hotmail.com
The TSA provided partial support for the
reintroduction of alligator snappers in Oklahoma
with funds from the 2007 Batchelor Foundation
grant.
Researchers uncovered an intact alligator snapping
turtle nest in 2008. The hatchlings subsequently
emerged in September of that year.
This 42-kg male was one of more than 250 adult alligator snappers repatriated from an Arkansas turtle farm in 2007.
DAY LIGONDAN MOORE
48
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
North America
Heather Lowe
The Globalization of the Turtle Trade
The Asian turtle crisis, driven largely
by market demand from China, has
decimated tortoise and freshwater turtle
populations throughout Asia in recent
decades. When wild populations were
effectively exhausted
locally,
the trade
expanded globally and began to put pressure
on wild populations in the United States.
Given the availability of shipment options,
lax harvest regulations and other logistical
conveniences, the trade of U.S. turtles to
China quickly boomed, driven primarily by
a small contingent of harvesters who tapped
into a niche market. The insatiable demand
for turtles as food, medicine or pets in
China resulted in staggering export figures.
As an example, 250,000 wild-caught turtles
were shipped from a single airport in Texas
from 2002 to 2005. A study by the World
Chelonian Trust during that same period
estimates that 31.8 million turtles, 97%
farm-raised, were exported out of the U.S.
With an improved infrastructure, harvests
also supply a demand for turtles in state-
side Asian markets (see the related article on
Philadelphia's Chinatown). Given the long
life-span and low reproduction rates of turtles
(with some species not being reproductively
viable until 20 years or older), harvests
at these levels have the potential to cause
devastating crashes in a wild population.
When this trend caught the attention of
biologists and outdoor enthusiasts, groups
began to push for legislation to better regulate
the commercial harvest of chelonians at the
state level. However, in some cases, legislators
faced a very unique challenge in that they
were trying to evaluate a situation in which
turtles were disappearing faster than wild
populations could be studied. Classified as
non-game wildlife or fisheries resources in
many states, turtle surveys and research have
historically been given a low priority at the
state level and little data existed on which to
base legislative decisions. Some states tried to
stem the tide by putting temporary regulations
in place, while giving their biologists time
to develop long-term harvest rules based
on current population needs. However, in
some places, this led to unexpected results.
In 2006, Maryland's state wildlife agency
imposed a diamondback terrapin trapping
ban from November to July, but allowed
turtles to be trapped throughout the rest of
the year. In that same year, the number of
reported turtles harvested jumped to more
than 10,000, which represented a twenty-
fold increase from the previous year. The
increase was indicative of increasing market
demand, along with a response to the change
in size limits that was a part of the change
in regulation. In 2007, Maryland imposed a
complete ban on diamondback terrapins.
A variety of groups throughout the country
including the Center for Biological Diversity,
NGOs, IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle
Specialist Group, community organizations,
zoos and aquariums, have mobilized and
petitioned their state wildlife agencies
to regulate turtle harvest in recent years.
Many have been successful and states have
responded. Recent hard-fought battles in
South Carolina and Florida have resulted
in some of the strictest regulations in the
country. Undoubtedly, as changes are made
throughout the country, states that still
allow unregulated harvest of their non-
protected species can expect this debate
to continue. Legislation protecting turtles
from commercial harvest varies widely from
state to state. Obviously, most do not allow
the harvest of species listed as protected
(endangered, threatened, etc.) at either
the federal or state level. However, when
harvesting with nets and traps, even these
protected species are at risk of being trapped
and potentially misidentified or suffering
catch-related mortality. It is very difficult
for wildlife inspectors to catch these species
during export, when they are mixed in with
shipments of hundreds or thousands of other
turtles.
The biggest challenge facing states with
legislation already in place is enforcement.
Regulations vary widely and many states with
a ban on commercial harvest share a border
with states that do not, making the potential
for poaching and false reporting (i.e. claiming
that poached turtles were harvested legally in
a neighboring state) very high. In addition,
many state wildlife agencies do not have
the manpower or capacity to enforce broad
new regulations, especially for taxa that are
widespread and harvested across hundreds of
public and private ponds, streams, rivers and
lakes. Nevertheless, outstanding enforcement
A portion of a flyer distributed at a turtle harvest co-op recruitment meeting in Texas in 2007. The organizer
served as a middleman between his co-op members and the Asian markets, buying turtles by the pound
from collectors throughout the state and then exporting them in bulk.
49
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
efforts occur, including the recent indictment
of 17 people for reptile trade by the New York
Department of Environmental Conservation.
The summary that follows represents a
'snapshot' of current turtle legislation across
the eastern half of the United States, as it
relates to commercial harvest turtles that
are harvested and then sold. Details on
harvest for personal use (as food, pets, etc.)
are not included in this analysis. The full text
of the applicable regulations can be obtained
by contacting your state wildlife management
agency. Some trends appear, such as the
fact that many states (even those that have
banned the commercial harvest of all other
species) continue to allow limitless harvest
of common snapping turtles. Many TSA
members are actively working on this issue
in their home states via research (see related
article), advocacy or other means. You are
encouraged to educate yourself on this issue,
as it is one that hits home by reaching into
the ponds and streams where many of you
may have developed your interest in turtles
as a child.
Alabama
Commercial harvest of common snappers
and softshells permitted with free "turtle
catcher / dealer" permit. Permit holders
must comply with size limits and complete
monthly reports regarding their catch and
sales. No take or possession of more than 10
turtles per day from public waters for any
reason.
Arkansas
Commercial harvest of all non-protected
turtles, except alligator snapping, chicken
and box turtles, is permitted with no limits.
Licenses are required and harvests are to be
reported to the state. Traps are to be checked
regularly and equipment is to be tagged with
identification.
Connecticut
Unlimited, unregulated commercial harvest
of common snapping turtles allowed. No
permit required, unless using a hook and line.
Delaware
Seasonal commercial harvest of common
snapping turtle and diamondback terrapin
allowed with a license. Common snappers
are subject to size limits, and there are bag
limits on diamondback terrapins. Traps
should be checked every 48 hours; no tagging
requirement on traps.
Florida
Commercial
harvest
by
individuals
prohibited in July 2009. Limited commercial
take will be allowed (with special permit) by
registered aquaculture facilities to increase
their breeding stock. Regulations are still
being finalized and are designed to encourage
the state's turtle farms to become self-
contained (without a need for wild harvest)
in the near future.
Georgia
Unlimited commercial harvest of non-
protected species allowed, as turtles are
classified as "nuisance" animal along with rats,
mice, coyotes, armadillos, venomous snakes,
groundhogs, etc. No limit on the number of
nets or traps to be used. Commercial fishing
permit required only for harvest from public
waters. Legislation was proposed in 2009 to
regulate harvest, but it failed to pass.
I l l inois
No commercial harvest allowed.
Indiana
No commercial harvest allowed.
Iowa
Commercial harvest of common snapping,
softshell and painted turtles allowed with a
permit. Possession limits equal 100 lb. of live
turtles or 50 lb. of dressed turtles. Traps are
to be tagged with identification and checked
regularly.
Kentucky
Common snappers and softshells may be
commercially harvested year-round with no
limits. Some protected areas are outlined
where harvesting is not permitted. Traps are
to be checked regularly, but no tagging of
traps is required.
50
Louis iana
Traps must be checked daily and labeled
"turtle trap", but no identification tag is
required. Commercial harvest of alligator
snapping
turtles
and box
turtles
is
prohibited. Commercial harvest of other
non-protected species allowed with license.
No limits on legally harvested species except
for diamondback terrapins which cannot be
taken by a trap and have a season and size
limit imposed.
Maine
No commercial harvest allowed since 2002.
Maryland
Commercial harvest of common snapping
turtles is permitted for license holders. Size
limits are imposed and reports must be
submitted annually. Regulations are reviewed
annually.
Massachusetts
Commercial harvest of common snapping
turtles is allowed year round with a special
permit. Regulations include size limits, but
no limits on the number of animals taken.
State biologists are working on a proposal to
end commercial harvest.
Michigan
Commercial harvest of all reptiles and
amphibians is prohibited.
Minnesota
Seasonal commercial harvest allowed with
proper licensing; license requirement waived
for residents younger than 18 for turtle
racing. Size and bag limits imposed. No new
commercial licenses are being issued at this
time; only renewals.
Miss iss ippi
Commercial harvest of snapping turtles
allowed with a permit and size limit.
Missouri
Turtle harvesting permitted under sport
fishing permit (for personal consumption)
and also under commercial fishing permit.
For commercial turtle harvest on the three
rivers in the state where it's permitted, there
is no bag limit, size limit, or closed season.
New Hampshire
No commercial harvest allowed.
New Jersey
Seasonal commercial harvest of common
snapping turtles allowed with special permit.
No bag limits or size limits imposed.
New York
Commercial harvest of diamondback terrapin
and common snapping turtles is allowed with
the proper license; seasons, bag limits and
size limits are imposed. Legal implements
for harvest of diamondback terrapin include,
dip nets, hand capture, seine nets and traps.
Traps must be designed for live capture only,
tagged with identification and checked daily.
The only legal implement for taking snappers
is a firearm or a bow; no reports are required
for this species.
North Carol ina
Commercial harvest of snapping, mud and
musk turtles allowed with license; bag limits
imposed.
Ohio
Seasonal commercial harvest of snapping
and softshell turtles allowed with no limits.
Records of sale must be maintained for
five years and traps must be tagged with
identification.
Oklahoma
A three-year moratorium on commercial
harvest from public waters passed in May
2008. Commercial harvest of all terrestrial
turtles and of alligator snapping, chicken and
map turtles from private waters is prohibited.
Commercial harvest from private waters of
other non-protected species is allowed with a
license, no limits are imposed.
Pennsylvania
Seasonal commercial harvest of common
snapping turtles is allowed with a special
permit. Regulations include bag limits, but
no size limits. Traps must be tagged with
identification.
Rhode Is land
Commercial harvest of common snapping
turtles is allowed with special permit. Traps
must be tagged with identification.
South Carol ina
A single vehicle cannot transport more than
10 turtles at a time or 20 total in a year,
out of the state. An exception is in place
for yellowbelly and common snapping
turtles harvested from private waters under
a special permit issued by the state. There is
no restriction on the sale of turtles harvested
under this permit.
Tennessee
Common snapping turtle may be harvested
commercially year round with no bag limits,
only size limits. All non-protected species
may be harvested in the Reelfoot Wildlife
Management Area. Reports are required on
all harvests and traps must be tagged with
identification and checked regularly.
Texas
Commercial turtle harvest is prohibited
in public waters as of 2007. However, the
commercial harvest of red-eared slider,
common snapping and softshell turtles from
private waters is allowed with no limits a
harvest permit and trip tickets (reporting
forms) are required. The challenge unique to
this situation is that 97% of Texas lands are
privately-owned.
Vermont
Commercial turtle harvest allowed with
special permit, no bag limits or size limits
imposed.
Virginia
Commercial harvest of snapping turtles is
allowed with special permit. Seasons are
outlined and harvest is subject to size limits,
but no bag limits. Reports must be provided.
West Virginia
No commercial harvest allowed
Wisconsin
No
commercial
harvest
is
allowed.
Commercial license required for commercial
harvest from border waters with states that
allow commercial harvest.
Heather Lowe
Program Coordinator, TSA
817/759-7262
hlowe@turtlesurvival.org
Heather Lowe works as the Program Coordinator
for the Turtle Survival Alliance and has advocated
for legislation regulating turtle harvest in Texas.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Turtles with protected status, implying
that harvest in most cases is prohibited.
51
State
Common name
Scientific Name
State Status Federal Status
Alabama
Gopher tortoise (range clarified)
Gopherus polyphemus
n/a
Threatened
Alabama red-belly turtle
Pseudemys alabamensis
n/a
Endangered
Flattened musk turtle (range clarified)
Sternotherus depressus
n/a
Threatened
Arkansas
Chicken Turtle
Deirochelys reticularia
Special Concern
Alligator snapping turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Special Concern
Eastern box turtle
Terrapene c. carolina
Special Concern
Ornate Box Turtle
Terrapene ornata
Special Concern
Connecticut
Wood turtle
Clemmys insculpta
Special Concern
Bog turtle
Clemmys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened
Eastern box turtle
Terrapene c. carolina
Special Concern
Delaware
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened
Florida
Gopher tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Threatened
Barbour's map turtle
Graptemys barbouri
Special Concern
Striped mud turtle
Kinosternon baurii
Endangered
Alligator snapping turtle
Macroclemys temminckii
Special Concern
Suwannee cooter Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis
Special Concern
Georgia
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Unusual
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened (SA)*
Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Threatened
Barbour's Map Turtle
Graptemys barbouri
Threatened
Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
Rare
Alabama Map Turtle
Graptemys pulchra
Rare
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Threatened
Carolina Diamond-backed Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin centrata
Unusual
Illinois
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Endangered
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Threatened
Illinois Mud Turtle
Kinosternon flavescens
Endangered
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Endangered
River Cooter
Pseudemys concinna
Endangered
Indiana
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Endangered
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Endangered
Eastern Mud Turlte
Kinosternon subrubrum
Endangered
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Endangered
Hieroglyphic River Cooter
Pseudemys concinna
Endangered
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Special Concern
Ornate Box Turtle
Terrapene ornata
Endangered
Iowa
Wood Turtle
Clemmys insculpta
Endangered
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Threatened
Yellow Mud Turtle
Kinosternon flavescens
Endangered
Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
Threatened
Ornate Box Turtle
Terrapene ornata
Threatened
Kentucky
None
Louisiana
Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Threatened
Threatened
Ringed Map Turtle
Graptemys oculifera
Threatened
Threatened
Maine
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Threatened
Blanding's Turtle
Emys blandingii
Endangered
Wood Turtle
Glyptemys insculpta
Special concern
Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Endangered
Maryland
Eastern Spiny Softshell
Apalone spinifera
In need of conservation
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Threatened
Threatened
Map Turtle (range clarified)
Graptemys geographica
Endangered
Massachusetts
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Threatened
Wood Turtle
Glyptemys insculpta
Special Concern
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened
Diamond-backed Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin
Threatened
Northern Red-bellied Cooter
Pseudemys rubriventris
Endangered
Endangered
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Special Concern
Michigan
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Threatened
Minnesota
Smooth Softshell
Apalone mutica
Special Concern
Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
Special Concern
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Threatened
Wood Turtle
Glyptemys insculpta
Threatened
Mississippi
Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Imperiled
Threatened
Yellow-blotched Map Turtle
Graptemys flavimaculata
Imperiled
Threatened
Black-knobbed Map Turtle
Graptemys nigrinoda
Imperiled
Ringed Map Turtle
Graptemys oculifera
Imperiled
Threatened
Mississippi Redbelly Turtle
Pseudemys
Critically Imperiled
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
52
Missouri
Western Chicken Turtle
Deirochelys reticularia miaria
Endangered
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Endangered
Yellow Mud Turtle
Kinosternon f. flavescens
Endangered
Illinois Mud Turtle
Kinosternon f. spooneri
Endangered
New Hampshire
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Threatened
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Endangered
New Jersey
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Special Concern
Wood Turtle
Glyptemys insculpta
Threatened
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened
Northern Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin terrapin
Special Concern
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina
Special Concern
New York
Eastern Spiny Softshell
Apalone spinifera
Special Concern
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Special Concern
Wood Turtle
Clemmys insculpta
Special Concern
Bog Turtle
Clemmys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Threatened
Mud Turtle
Kinosternon subrubrum
Endangered
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Special Concern
North Carolina
Eastern spiny softshell
Apalone spinifera spinifera
Special Concern
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Threatened
Threatened (SA)*
Diamondback terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin
Special Concern
Stripeneck musk turtle
Sternotherus minor peltifer
Special Concern
Ohio
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Threatened
Blanding's turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Special Concern
False map turtle
Graptemys pseudogeographica
Special Concern
Eastern box turtle
Terrapene carolina
Special Concern
Oklahoma
Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
Special Concern
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Special Concern
Pennsylvania
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Candidate
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened
Red-bellied Turtle
Pseudemys rubriventris
Threatened
Rhode Island
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Protected
Wood Turtle
Clemmys insculpta
Protected/Concern
Northern Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys t. terrapin
Endangered/Protected
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
Protected
South Carolina
Florida Softshell
Apalone ferox
Special Concern
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Threatened
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Threatened
Threatened (SA)*
Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Endangered
Striped Mud Turtle
Kinosternon baurii
Special Concern
Tennessee
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Threatened
Threatened (SA)*
Texas
Texas Tortoise
Gopherus berlandieri
Threatened
Cagle's Map Turtle
Graptemys caglei
Threatened
Chihuahuan Mud Turtle
Kinosternon hirtipes murrayi
Threatened
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys temminckii
Threatened
Vermont
Spiny Softshell
Apalone spinifera
Threatened
Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Endangered
Wood Turtle
Clemmys insculpta
Special Concern
Northern Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
Special Concern
Stinkpot
Sternotherus odoratus
Special Concern
Virginia
Eastern Chicken Turtle
Deirochelys reticularia reticularia
Endangered
Bog Turtle
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Endangered
Threatened (SA)*
West Virginia
None
Wisconsin
Smooth Softshell
Apalone mutica
Special Concern - take
regulated by seasons
Wood Turtle
Clemmys insculpta
Threatened
Blanding's Turtle
Emydoidea blandingii
Threatened
False Map Turtle
Graptemys pseudogeographica
Special Concern - take
regulated by seasons
Ornate Box Turtle
Terrapene ornata
Endangered
* SA - due to
similarity of
appearance
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
53
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
54
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
North America
Laura Del Collo and Scott P. McRobert, Ph.D.
A Market Survey and Growth Study of Turtles from Philadelphia's Chinatown
In recent years, a tremendous amount
of attention has been paid to the state
of turtles in Asian countries owing to their
use in food, traditional medicines and the
pet trade. While international and national
regulations exist to control the trade in some
species, recent market surveys have found
endangered species in markets throughout
Asia. In addition, many species not currently
listed as threatened or endangered may soon
be in peril from their collection for market
trade. A decline in wild turtle populations
in China has resulted in trade that now
increasingly depends on turtles from other
regions, including the United States. While
much work is being conducted throughout
Asia, we were interested in the use of turtles
in Asian markets in the United States and
thus initiated this study. In the fall of 2008,
backed by funding from the Dietrich W.
Botstiber Foundation (a group that typically
funds efforts to foster ethical treatment
of animals), we began a systematic survey
of turtles in the markets of Chinatown in
Philadelphia. Associated with this survey
we began a program in which we will bring
animals from Chinatown markets into our
laboratory for an assessment of their health
and as an effort to rescue some animals from
the trade. This report represents a preliminary
description of our efforts in the first year of
the project, and a call for people interested in
this work to join us in these efforts.
In the initial phase of the survey, Chinatown
markets were monitored weekly or biweekly
for a period of seven months, beginning in
September 2008. Four markets that sold
turtles were identified and other markets were
periodically visited to confirm that no turtles
were being sold. Turtle quantities, estimated
sizes, species, characteristics, and living
environments were noted. Photographs were
taken when possible and later analyzed in an
attempt to identify species. It should be noted
that our presence in the markets was not
met with great favor. Shopkeepers appeared
nervous when we arrived and the language
barrier made our attempts to discuss turtles
with them very difficult.
The markets that regularly sold turtles
included a large grocery store that sold
fresh and packaged food. The turtles here
were held in large plastic containers on the
floor, typically without water. The second
market was a small grocery store that sold
fresh seafood and produce. Adult turtles
were again held in large plastic containers
without water, located on the floor in
front of the seafood counters. This market
also offered juvenile red-eared sliders in a
small plastic pan on the floor underneath a
produce shelf. Gutted small softshell turtles
Turtles in the markets surveyed are often held in tubs with no water.
Softshell turtles are kept in plastic net bags.
Photos are taken whenever possible during market surveys, for species identification and documentation
purposes.
LAURA DEL COLLOLAURA DEL COLLOLAURA DEL COLLO
55
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
were occasionally found on ice along with
the seafood. The third market sold only
seafood and their turtles were housed in clear
plastic tanks that lined the walls and usually
contained 1-2 cm of water. In the fourth
market, turtles were kept in two large tanks
that were filled entirely with water.
Over the first seven months we recorded 455
"sightings" of turtles in the markets (Note:
These numbers do not represent the total
number of actual turtles as many turtles were
likely counted on multiple survey days). The
455 sightings included 188 smaller (< 30 cm)
Florida and Chinese softshells (Apalone ferox
and Pelodiscus sinensis), 31 large (> 30 cm)
softshells (Apalone ferox), 175 juvenile, and
four adult red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta
elegans), and 57 diamondback terrapins
(Malaclemys terrapin), which were observed
on only two occasions in February and
March, 2009.
As a measure of health in the Chinatown
turtles, ten juvenile red-eared sliders were
purchased and brought into the laboratory.
Growth in these turtles was monitored
over six months and compared to growth
in a group of juvenile sliders obtained
from a commercial breeder. All turtles were
maintained in 76 l aquaria at approximately
26oC, under a 12:12 light:dark cycle, and fed
commercial food (Wardley's Reptile Premium
Sticks). Over the six-month period, no
differences were noted in growth between the
two groups. However the Chinatown turtles
experienced a 30% mortality rate while none
of the breeder turtles died. In future years,
we plan to bring in animals representing all
species found in the markets for similar tests.
This study represents the beginning of a long-
term project to monitor the appearance of
turtles in Asian markets within the United
States. In the first year, weekly surveys of
Philadelphia's Chinatown noted no illegal
trade of endangered species (most likely due
to the strict enforcement of U.S. regulations),
although the sale of turtles with carapace
lengths under 4 inches (like the juvenile
red-eared sliders), has been banned since
1975 owing to concerns over salmonellosis.
And while we found no protected species,
the use of turtles in these markets represents
harvesting of species that may well need
protection soon. Indeed, legislation is being
considered in a number of states to restrict,
or ban, the harvesting of wild turtles (see
related article). For example, the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWCC) implemented a harvest limit of
twenty turtles per day beginning in September
2008. However, despite this restriction,
Florida softshells were consistently present in
Philadelphia's Chinatown market throughout
the survey period, and these markets
represent only a small fraction of the national
and international trade and demand. Florida
is currently fine-tuning their legislation and
similar discussions are being held in many
states. It will be interesting to see if such
restrictions change the quantity or variety of
species found in the markets next year.
Laura Del Collo and Scott P. McRobert,
Ph.D.
Department of Biology
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA 19131
smcrober@sju.edu
This research represents some of the great work
being done by TSA members around the world.
Dr. McRobert has been a member of the TSA since
2004.
One of the few turtle tanks in the surveyed area that contained water.
Red-eared slider juveniles (Trachemys scripta elegans).
LAURA DEL COLLOLAURA DEL COLLO
56
RANGE COUNTRY: Myanmar
TSA and WCS sponsored workshop provides blueprint for turtle conservation in Myanmar
Rick Hudson, Win Ko Ko, Khin Myo Myo and Steve Platt
From 7 10 January 2009 the Turtle
Survival Alliance (TSA) and Wildlife
Conservation Society (WCS), in conjunction
with the Myanmar Forestry Department,
conducted two workshops in Mandalay. A
Species Recovery Plan (SRP) workshop for
the Myanmar roof turtle (Batagur trivittata)
was followed by a comprehensive trade
workshop entitled "Developing an Integrative
Strategy for Handling Confiscated Turtles in
Myanmar." Around 50 people participated
in the four-day workshop including the
Director General of the Forestry Department
and representatives from universities, wildlife
sanctuaries and captive chelonian facilities
in Myanmar. A multinational contingent,
or Team Burma, included representatives
from TSA (Rick Hudson, Gerald Kuchling,
and Brian Horne), Tortoise and Freshwater
Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) (Peter Paul
van Dijk), WCS (Bill Holmstrom, Steve
and Kalyar Platt, Bonnie Raphael) and the
Asian Turtle Conservation Program (Tim
McCormack). The workshop produced
documents on potential release sites for
confiscated chelonians, release strategies,
prioritized list of species for assurance
colonies and special handling, recommended
sites for assurance colonies and rescue
facilities, captive and wild management
strategies for Myanmar roof turtles (Batagur
trivittata) and a captive management plan
for Myanmar star tortoises (Geochelone
platynota). Concurrent with the general
workshop, a half-day training workshop
on identification, husbandry and medical
management of chelonians rescued from the
trade was conducted at Yadanobon Zoo. A
post-conference facility assessment tour was
conducted 11 20 January 2009 with site
visits to at least eight sites that either maintain
captive chelonians or have the potential to do
so.
The final report provides a clear strategy for
turtle conservation in Myanmar for the next
five years. Currently Myanmar is considered
Female star tortoises at Lawkananda WS generally nest in a cluster, preferring sunny exposed
locations at a high point in the enclosure.
A group of well cared for Burmese star tortoises at the Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary facility
in Bagan.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
57
ground zero for turtle conservation in Asia,
and the volume of turtles pouring across the
border into China is staggering. Bordering
five nations, and with porous borders
lacking adequate enforcement capacity,
Myanmar has become a prime trade route
for illegal wildlife, particularly chelonians.
Fortunately, Myanmar still has some healthy
turtle populations remaining that can be
saved but swift action is required. With
27 species of chelonians, seven of them
endemic, Myanmar is a true turtle diversity
hotspot and one of the highest priorities
for turtle conservation globally. We believe
that this workshop successfully launched a
process to protect this important resource.
This workshop was generously supported
with grants from the Turtle Conservation
Fund (TCF), Andy Sabin and the Batchelor
Foundation, and with major funding from
This privately-run star tortoise breeding facility in Bagan maintains a large concentrated number of adults, outnumbering the
combined breeding stock of all the government-run operations. This situation should be remedied by integrating the genetic
contribution from more wild-caught founders into the managed population.
Steve and Kalyar Platt conduct a workshop on handling confiscated chelonians in Mandalay in January 2009. Kalyar's ability
to converse fluently in both Burmese and English was essential tothe success of the workshop.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
58
WCS and TSA. Following the workshop,
Team Burma embarked on a ten-day tour to
assess the needs and potential of the various
chelonian facilities throughout Myanmar. Six
Forestry Department-run facilities and two
privately-owned ventures were inspected and
the following recommendations made:
Expansion of the Myanmar star
tortoise
(Geochelone
platynota)
facilities at Lawkananda Wildlife
Sanctuary in Bagan and Shwesettaw
Wildlife Sanctuary
Construction of new and expanded
Myanmar
roof
turtle
(Batagur
trivittata) facilities at Yadanabon
Zoo
and Htamanthi Wildlife
Sanctuary
Development of three new turtle
rescue facilities in Lashio, Myitkyina
and Mandalay all along major
trade routes into China
Building three Asian mountain
tortoise (Manouria emys) facilities
to distribute the group of 60 that
was rescued in August 2007 and still
resides at Yadanabon Zoo
Building two facilities for the Arakan
forest
turtle
(Heosemys depressa)
within the natural range of the
species
This first round of recommended construction
projects addresses immediate needs related to
handling confiscations, and expands the size
and scope of assurance colonies for several
critically endangered chelonians. However,
it fails to address the need to develop new
facilities for managing both of Myanmar's
endemic softshell species, Nilssonia formosa
and Chitra vandijki. Softshell turtles present
their own unique set of husbandry challenges,
and we must plan this phase carefully.
In addition to captive facility construction,
the Myanmar turtle conservation strategy
will require capacity building in the form of
training workshops to be successful, along
with hiring new dedicated staff positions.
A full-time turtle conservation coordinator
and a veterinarian will be required to
effectively manage the diverse scope of
New grow-out facilities like these for juvenile Batagur trivittata must be expanded soon. Batagur
grow rapidly and require much larger facilities within four years of hatching.
New star tortoise facilities - such as this one at Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary - will be built in the
coming years to provide improved security and husbandry conditions for captive groups. Such
assurance colonies are necessary to guarantee the survival of this species, now considered
functionally extinct in nature.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
59
proposed activities. Within the next few
months we will be receiving cost estimates
on the construction work and start the
prioritization process for funding. The price
tag for this program will not be unreasonable
estimated at $1.2 million over five years
but it will require that the TSA launch a
full-scale fundraising drive. For the strategy
to be successful it will be necessary for Steve
and Kalyar Platt to move to Myanmar and
head up this program full-time. A five-year
salary commitment is now being sought from
private sources. Mobilizing this strategy
is certainly one of the boldest and most
ambitious ventures that TSA has embarked on
to date, but one that is completely necessary
if we are to avoid massive losses to Myanmar's
remarkable turtle fauna. We will be meeting
this challenge with a strong team approach
composed of foreign NGOs, private donors
and government, and we are confident that if
we can find the funds for salaries, the rest of
the pieces will fall into place.
Summary of
Key Recommendations
Kachuga trivittata Species Recovery
Plan
1) Begin releasing 15% of K. trivittata
hatchlings at the site where the nest was
laid;
2) Begin releasing larger headstarted K.
trivittata that have an improved chance
of survival; males especially should be
released in areas where females are laying
infertile clutches;
3) Continue river surveys to search for
surviving populations;
4) Establish fishing free or restricted
zones within the core six-mile stretch
of the upper Chindwin River where
nesting in concentrated;
5) Initiate studies of the wild nesting
ecology while the opportunity still exists.
This is critical to understanding the sex-
determining temperature relationships;
6) Expand the carrying capacity of the
captive population to 25 breeding pairs
and 400 juveniles;
7) Expand the captive management
A young male Batagur trivittata at theYadanabon Zoo breeding / management facility. Within
the first four years of the field program, over 240 hatchlings were collected for headstarting
and the facility is already beyond maximum capacity.
Trade seizures are becoming more commonplace in Myanmar, as increasing numbers of
turtles are smuggled across the border into China. The January 2009 workshop produced a
comprehensive strategy for handling confiscations that should greatly improve survival.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
60
facilities
for
rearing
juveniles
at
Yadanabon Zoo, and build two new
facilities in different locations, the first
priority being the Htamanthi Wildlife
Sanctuary - Homelin.
Geochelone platynota
Species Recovery Plan
1) Integrate all five of the Myanmar
star tortoise breeding facilities four
government-run and one private such
that they are managed cooperatively and
as a single assurance colony, with the
goal of maintaining a disease-free and
genetically diverse captive population
for the long-term survival of the species;
2) Increase the number of potential
founders (presumably unrelated, wild-
caught animals) in the four government
facilities to ~200 adult breeders, or
100 pairs. This will require that the
disproportionate number of genetically
valuable wild-caught founders at Griffin
Enterprises be distributed more evenly
among all facilities;
3) Improve record keeping in all facilities
and individually identify all star tortoises
with a PIT tag (microchip). A complete
inventory of ALL captive star tortoises
and their IDs should be maintained. No
star tortoise should be moved out of the
country without an ID;
4) Resolve the disparity in the process
by which star tortoises are selected and
transferred from the private Griffin
Enterprises to the government. Improve
colony management, record keeping
and specimen accountability at Griffin
Enterprises;
5) New and expanded star tortoise
breeding facilities should be constructed
at both Shwesettaw and Lawkananda
Wildlife Sanctuaries;
6) Quarantine areas should be designated
for the new facilities at both Yadanabon
Zoo
and Minsontaung Wildlife
Sanctuary;
7) Improvements to tortoise husbandry
should be implemented at all facilities
including better access to sunlight,
improved nutrition, better nesting
areas, provision of bedding materials to
protect juveniles from cool weather, and
provision of retreats and shade structures
for adults;
8) Improving security measures at all
facilities should become a high priority,
such that the practice of moving
tortoises to secure night enclosures will
not be necessary;
9) All future releases of star tortoises
should be carefully planned with
respect to specimen selection (age, sex,
parentage/genetics, value to captive
program), identification, release site
selection,
follow up monitoring,
protection and enforcement capacity
at release site and pre-release health
screening.
Placement of Confiscated Turtles
1) Two first response turtle rescue centers
should be constructed in Lashio and
Myitkyina, both of which are situated
along major trade routes into China.
These facilities are where confiscated
chelonians
would
be
brought
immediately following seizure for initial
triage and treatment until decisions can
be made regarding their disposition
and placement. These facilities should
be located on Forestry Department
land, and staffed by Wildlife Sanctuary
personnel;
2) A long-term turtle rehabilitation
and treatment center should be built
in Mandalay where priority species
can receive extended care, prior to
integration into assurance colonies, or
release;
3) The process of obtaining facility
designs and cost estimates should get
underway in August 2009. A team from
TSA should visit Myanmar to meet with
architects and builders to discuss layout
and specific design features;
4) For an effective process
to be
implemented for handling confiscated
chelonians,
an
extensive
training
process will need to occur - at multiple
levels - including enforcement, turtle
husbandry and first response veterinary
care and triage;
5) Hiring a full time Turtle Conservation
Coordinator (TCC) will be necessary in
order to implement an effective process
for handling trade seizures. This position
can be hired through the WCS Myanmar
office in Yangon;
6) A full-time veterinarian should be
hired and committed to the turtle
confiscation and placement process.
This position could also be hired
through the WCS Myanmar office and
supported by the TSA.
Assurance Colonies
1) The following eight species were
recommended for captive assurance
colony development: Kachuga trivittata,
Geochelone platynota, Nilssonia formosa,
Chitra vandijki, Heosemys depressa,
Manouria emys, M. impressa, Platysternon
megacephalum and Melanochelys
t.
edeniana (endemic subspecies). Others
include Cuora mouhotii, Batagur baska,
and Indotestudo elongata.
Specific
recommendations for each species have
been made.
2) Ten locations that are considered
appropriate for assurance colonies include
Hlawga Park, Rakhine Yoma Elephant
Range, Htamanthi WS - Homelin,
Minsontaung WS, Lawkananda WS,
Kyaikhtiyow, Huakang Tiger Reserve,
Lashio, Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary,
and Yadanabon Zoo. Other sites should
be evaluated for suitability. Specific
recommendations for each site and
facility have been made.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Summary of Key Recommendations (cont.)
61
Other News from Myanmar
First captive breeding of the Burmese roof
turtle
A high point of the January 2009 workshop
was the announcement that a juvenile
Batagur trivitatta had been pulled from the
adult breeding pond at the Yadanabon Zoo
just one week earlier. Apparently hatched in
2008 from an undetected nest, the specimen
is in the same size class as a cohort of 2008
wild-hatched juveniles from the Upper
Chindwin River. Robust and healthy, the
hatchling had obviously fared well in the
semi-natural adult breeding pond. The
keeper reports that several others have been
seen up basking in the adult pond, and a full
inspection of the sand nest bank revealed a
number of old nests with hatched egg shells.
This is remarkable news and helps settle our
concerns that something was missing in their
captive diet or environment. At the time
of this writing 17 new hatchlings from 2009
have recently been recovered. B. trivittata
is one of the most threatened species of
turtles on earth and was considered close
to extinction when it was "rediscovered"
in a temple pond in Mandalay in 2002. A
dedicated captive breeding and management
facility was opened in December 2006 which
is already at maximum capacity with 163
young trivittata collected on the Chindwin
from 2006 2008. The B. trivittata Species
Recovery Plan workshop in January 2009
recommended that two new facilities be built
to allow captive population growth while
suitable release sites are found.
This juvenile Burmese roof turtle hatched
in 2008 and is the first known captive breeding
for this critically endangered species. Some
of the adults have been in captivity since 2002
and the dedicated breeding facility opened
in December 2006.
Some of the 17 Batagur trivittata hatched
at the Yadanabon Zoo in 2009.
Yadanabon Zoo veterinarian Tint Lwin
proudly displays a juvenile Batagur trivittata,
the first known specimen to hatch at the
captive breeding facility in Mandalay.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
We're Serious About Saving Turtles
62
Burmese roof turtle field report
The field research and conservation program
for the endemic Burmese roofed turtle
(Batagur trivittata) continues under the WCS
Myanmar Program, and is based on the Upper
Chindwin River. The primary goal is to study
the remnant nesting population, protect
nests, and collect hatchlings for headstarting
at the Yadanabon Zoo. The eventual goal is
to begin restocking young adult B. trivittata
to the river in areas that are part of their
former range and that convey some measure
of protection from the intensive fishing
practices that are so prevalent there. The wild
populations are drastically depleted, so much
so that along one stretch of river female B.
trivittata continue to lay infertile eggs, likely
evidence that no males exist in that habitat.
Releasing headstarted adult males in this area
may provide a boost to the population, and
would represent a stellar example of the wild
and captive populations being managed as
one, to augment and support one another.
WCS and Forestry Department biologists
Kyaw Moe and Win Ko Ko are in charge of
this aspect of the field program and continue
to survey the Chindwin for turtles. They
report that 2009 was again a fairly good year
for reproduction. However, due to gold
mining activity, no nests were laid on one of
the major sand banks where two females laid
in 2006 2008. Despite this disturbance,
80 hatchlings were collected from protected
nest sites and transported to the Yadanabon
Zoo for headstarting, bringing the total to
243 over the past four years (2006 2009).
Finally, captive work began on another
Myanmar endemic, as eight hatchling
Burmese peacock softshell turtles (Nilssonia
formosa) were collected and taken to the Zoo
for rearing. Local education efforts continued
as WCS biologist Khin Myo Myo and
Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary staff presented
talks to teachers from 13 villages within the
B. trivittata project area. These efforts are
considered crucial to cultivate a culture of
awareness of the importance of protecting
this unique resource. This program will
continue in July 2009.
Left. Hatchling Burmese peacock softshell turtles (Nilssonia formosa) hatched on the Chindwin River
and transferred to the Yadanobon Zoo for headstarting.
Right. Some of the 80 hatchling Batagur trivittata collected on the Chindwin River and transported
to the Yadanabon Zoo.
Khin Myo Myo and her team visit village schools within the core project area to help develop
conservation awareness for turtle protection.
Protection of wild Batagur trivittata nests, or moving eggs to protected hatcheries such as this one,
is one of the cornerstones of the Upper Chindwin field program. Hatchlings collected in this manner
have allowed the numbers of this heavily depleted species to increase exponentially since 2006.
0
Committed to Zero Turtle Extinction
WIN KO KOWIN KO KO AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
63
With the threat still looming that the Upper
Chindwin river will be dammed, inundating
all known B. trivittata nesting beaches, it is
critical that the field team learn as much as
possible now to help direct recovery efforts
in future years. Areas of the river that will
not be affected by the proposed dam must
be surveyed to determine if they provide
suitable habitat and nesting sites so that new
populations might be started with headstarted
turtles. From February to April, a team led by
Win Ko Ko began surveying potential areas
for releasing B. trivittata in the Hukaung
Tiger Reserve (HTR), in the Kachin State.
This was followed up in May 2009 when
Brian Horne and Win Ko Ko, working with
HTR staff, surveyed three headwater rivers of
the Chindwin (Tarong, Tanai, and Tawanga)
for their suitability for releasing headstarted
turtles as well as interviewing fisherman
concerning the historical presence of B.
trivittata in the region.
Villagers within the Hukaung Tiger Reserve are shown shells from various Myanmar species to
determine if they have seen them in the area.
Traveling by elephant is often necessary in the Huakaung Valley.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
WIN KO KOBRIAN HORNE
64
The Tawanga River is a shallow braided river
that has relatively little suitable habitat for
B. trivittata, and only Amyda cartilingea and
Cyclemys sp. were documented. The Tanai
River may have the best habitat of the three
rivers but has high levels of commercial fishing
as well as boat traffic (the river is the main
transportation corridor to the downstream
villages and goldmines). Interestingly, a lone
fisherman informed Brian and Win Ko Ko
that four years ago he caught a single 30 cm
B. trivittata in an oxbow lake adjacent to the
main channel. This was the only historical
record of the turtle within the region that was
revealed during their interviews. The Tarong
River is a transportation corridor for rattan
harvesters (a palm used in furniture making)
to send their products upstream for export to
China, but commercial fishing is relatively
limited within the region. Furthermore, the
river's numerous backwaters may provide
excellent habitat for juvenile B. trivittata. It
is our hope that we can begin a region-wide
awareness program and start experimentally
releasing a select number of turtles shortly.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Brian Horne is shown here interviewing local villagers to determine the presence or absence of key
species within their particular area.
The Huakaung Tiger Reserve turtle survey team in May 2009.
WIN KO KOWIN KO KO
65
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Arakan Forest turtle surveys
The Arakan forest turtle (Heosemys depressa)
is endemic to the Arakan Hills of western
Myanmar, and considered one of the least
known turtles in the world. Heosemys depressa
is classified as Critically Endangered by the
IUCN due to continuing over-exploitation
and its limited distribution. To gain a better
understanding of the biology of this poorly
known species, Steven Platt (Sul Ross State
University) led a field team into the Rakhine
Yoma Elephant Range (RYER) of western
Myanmar from 25 May through 10 June
to conduct a preliminary survey. RYER is a
sanctuary designed to protect Asian elephants
(Elephas maximus) and encompasses over
175,000 hectares of steep mountains cloaked
in dense bamboo forest. Few trails penetrate
the sanctuary and access is difficult, especially
during the wet season. The survey team
included WCS Biologist Khin Myo Myo and
members of the Myanmar Forest Department
stationed at RYER. The primary objectives
of this survey were to assess the conservation
status of H. depressa in the RYER, and train
the team in basic survey and data collection
techniques so they can return and conduct a
more intensive survey later in the wet season.
The team found five H. depressa, including
two very small juveniles in the dense bamboo
forest at elevations ranging from 180 to 240
m. Each turtle was measured, permanently
marked, and its location noted before being
released at the point of capture. Feces
collected from several of the turtles contained
unidentified vegetation, bamboo flowers, and
immature bamboo seeds. These are the first
observations biologists have ever made of H.
depressa in the wild. Additionally, thirteen
Indotestudo elongata and a single Cyclemys
sp. were found during the survey. Given the
size of the RYER, the limited area surveyed,
the lack of access and human presence in the
sanctuary, and the number of turtles found
during the relatively brief survey period,
RYER appears to offer excellent prospects for
the future conservation of wild populations
of H. depressa.
Acknowledgements
The TSA would be unable to develop a turtle
conservation program in Myanmar without
the support of the WCS Myanmar Program
and the close collaboration of the Myanmar
Government's Yadanabon Zoological Garden,
Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division
(NWCD), Forest Department and Ministry
of Forestry. We are genuinely appreciative
of the support and encouragement of U Tin
Tun, NWCD Director, and U Than Myint,
WCS Myanmar Director, both of who make
working in Myanmar a rewarding endeavor.
The TSA wishes to graciously acknowledge
the following individuals and organizations
for their generous and steadfast support: Pat
Koval and WWF Canada, Nature's Own,
Detroit Zoological
Institute, Batchelor
Foundation, British Chelonia Group, Frank
and Kate Slavens, and EAZA Shellshock.
The Arakan Forest turtle work is funded by
a 2009 grant from the Turtle Conservation
Fund (TCF) and with a grant from Andy
Sabin to WCS. The Upper Chindwin B.
trivittata project was funded with support
from the TCF, WCS and Andy Sabin. Brian
Horne's surveys in the Hukaung Tiger
Reserve were funded with a grant from the
MacArthur Foundation to WCS.

Rick Hudson
President, Turtle Survival Alliance
rhudson@fortworthzoo.org
Win Ko Ko
WCS Myanmar Turtle Conservation
Program
Khin Myo Myo
WCS Myanmar Turtle Conservation
Program
winkoko_wcs@myanmar.com.mm
kmyomyo_wcs@myanmar.com.mm
Steve Platt, PhD
Biology Department
Sul Ross University, Alpine, Texas
splatt@sulross.edu
The TSA is heavily invested in the conservation
of Myanmar's endemic chelonians, partnering
with the WCS Myanmar Program on key species
initiatives. A major fundraising campaign is in the
works to expand this program and to implement
a comprehensive strategy for protecting this
important turtle fauna.
Left. Two juvenile Heosemys depressa were found during the survey in dense bamboo forest.
Right. Steve Platt (center) and Khin Myo Myo (right) collect data on a Heosemys depressa captured
during turtle surveys of Yoma Rakhine Elephant Range.
Committed to Zero Turt le Ext inct ion
66
RANGE COUNTRY: India
TSA India - A Comprehensive Approach to Saving an Imperiled Turtle Fauna
Shailendra Singh and Brian D. Horne
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Introduction
The TSA India Program now in its sixth
year had humble origins as essentially
a single species conservation initiative to
aid the recovery of the critically endangered
red-crowned roof turtle (Batagur kachuga).
Managed initially under the auspices of the
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, the program
gained momentum when San Diego Zoo's
Institute for Conservation Research (then
CRES) came on as a partner in 2006.
Today, this program is truly comprehensive
in nature, with multiple species initiatives, all
with a multi-faceted approach. As you read
some of the exciting news in this story, take
note of the remarkable efforts being made to
consider the social factor and the needs of
local people. Poverty and lack of alternative
sources of income (other than catching
turtles) are the root cause of turtle declines in
India and must be addressed. The challenge
now is for those trained in the biological
sciences to also become familiar with local
politics and socioeconomics, and to recruit
people that can work in this arena to help
our cause.
New Chitra Conservation Project off to an
Impressive Start
In the fall of 2008, we initiated a status
assessment and experimental hatch-and-
release program for the endangered Indian
Narrow Headed Softshell turtle (Chitra
indica). This is an extensively hunted
species in north India, mostly for its outer
cartilaginous rim or "calipee." Although its
dried calipee is considered to be sub-standard
in comparison to the other sympatric
softshell turtle species due to a relative high
fat content, it is still unsustainably exported
for traditional Chinese medicine and as a
luxury food (the base for a gelatinous soup).
This species is now only found in limited
numbers outside protected wetlands and
rivers of north India due to the above
mentioned hunting as well as unprecedented
changes in the riverine habitats (e.g., river
linkages, impoundments, and high levels of
water pollution). Over a hundred wetlands
in twenty districts in the state of Uttar
Pradesh were surveyed from 2005-2008. We
found that C. indica currently occurs in less
than 10% of these habitats compared to 30%
two decades before.
We have been collecting data regarding the
exploitation of C. indica from different parts
of the state since 2005, yet it wasn't until this
year that we were able to start a species-specific
conservation research and action thanks in
part to a grant from the Cleveland Metroparks
Zoos.
Due to a paucity of scientific literature on
the species, we engaged several former turtle
poachers to rapidly gain local knowledge of the
species. The former poachers proved to very
valuable in locating the few remaining breeding
populations of C. indica in remote rivers.
Ashutosh Tripathi (right) marks Chitra indica nests at a communal site along a steep bank. A nylon
mesh barrier is erected to contain hatchlings.
Hatchling Chitra either released or retained for headstarting.
BHASKER M DIXITASUHTOSH TRIPATHI
67
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
We selected a C. indica nesting area near the
town of Farrhukabad along the Ganges River
to begin our nest protection and hatch-and-
release program. We fenced a 15 m area along
a steep bank where nests were discovered
with nylon mesh fishing net to create our
hatchery. The hatchery provided protection
from predators like monitor lizards (Varanus
bengalensis) and jackals (Canis aureus) as well
as poaching for human consumption. We
surveyed areas close to Ramganga-Ganges
River confluence from mid-July to mid-
October, and between mid-July and mid-
August, we collected seven nests (961 eggs)
and relocated them to the hatchery. All nests
were equipped with temperature data loggers.
In early October 2008, 732 hatchlings
emerged; most were immediately released
after we recorded standard morphological
measurements and injected Decimal Coded
Wire (DCW) tags under the skin of the
hind limbs for long-term monitoring. We
transferred a group of 40 to a village pond
in Terai (Foothills of Himalaya) and ten to
our turtle head-starting facility in the village
of Garhaita along the Chambal River for
head-starting. We purchased an additional
three nests (over 350 eggs), from local turtle
poachers, and relocated them to our hatchery,
yet these failed to hatch. This was probably
due to mishandling of the eggs during early
embryonic development as these eggs were
reportedly removed from this field site prior
to the establishment of our hatchery.
We also purchased two nests (252 eggs) from
fishermen on the Yamuna River (30 km up
Yamuna-Chambal River confluence) and
relocated them to the sandbank near Gharita
for in situ incubation. This sandbank was
chosen as earlier in the nesting season we had
located a nest (192 eggs) at this site. Sadly,
all three of these nests were depredated. This
again emphasizes the need for around the
clock guarded hatcheries, which we provide
during the Batagur kachuga and Batagur
dhongoka nesting season. Notably, we believe
the nest with 192 eggs is the largest clutch
size ever recorded for C. indica.
In the spring of 2009, we helped renovate
a defunct softshell turtle facility at Kukrail
(a state-run crocodile headstarting facility
near the city of Lucknow) for headstarting
C. indica hatchlings for at least a year before
shifting them to community ponds. This
headstarting facility will allow us to retain
over 500 hatchlings per year. It is our hopes
that the soft-release into the community
ponds will better prepare the turtles for
transition
into
their natural habitats.
Notable is that this defunct facility was used
in the historic release of tens of thousands of
Ganges softshell turtles (Nilssonia gangeticus)
to abate the number of human corpses in the
Ganges River in the early 1980s.
Some of the 730 Chitra indica that hatched in October 2008 awaiting release.
Ashutosh Tripathi (right of sign) coordinates the Chitra conservation initiative in India. Now in its
second year, this project has shown remarkable progress in just a short time.
Eggs obtained from fishermen are reburied
on a sand bank for incubation. Protecting
such nests from jackal predation is a major
challenge.
ASUHTOSH TRIPATHISHAILENDRA SINGHSHAILENDRA SINGH
68
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Chambal River
Sanctuary Program
Protects Two Species of Sympatric Batagur
Large batagurid turtles of the genus Batagur
are probably the most threatened freshwater
turtles in India. Their populations have been
immensely reduced due to multiple factors
such as poaching, accidental drowning in
fishing gear, and habitat destruction. They
have all but disappeared from most of the
Ganges river system, one of the world's
largest watersheds. Reports from the 1980's
and 1990's documented the Indian Red-
Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga)
as a rare species, and the Three Striped
Roof Turtle (Batagur dhongoka) as rapidly
declining. The Chambal River (the name
sake of the National Chambal Sanctuary),
has received moderate protection as India's
only protected riverine habitat for three
decades, and is believed to be one of the last
strong holds for these two species but even
here, B. kachuga are rare.
In four field seasons (2006-2009), our
program has been highly successful. We have
been able to protect over 300 B. kachuga nests
and 1,700 B. dhongoka nests in 11 different
riverside hatcheries.
In mid-January 2009, we started our annual
nest surveys and nest protection programs
in the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
sections of National Chambal Sanctuary.
To date, we have not been able to establish
a nest protection program in the Rajasthan
section of the river. We hope to do so in the
near future. Yet, we were able to survey over
400 km of river to record nesting locations,
nesting density, nest depredation rates, and
anthropogenic pressures on the turtles. From
these data, we were able to prioritize the
protection of nesting habitat through the use
of a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), which
in turn allowed us to determine where to
establish our three in situ hatcheries.
Thus, we were able to protect 90 B. kachuga
and 157 B. dhongoka nests in our hatcheries
this year that would have otherwise most
likely been destroyed by jackals (Canis
aureus). Over 3,800 hatchlings were released
within 24 hours of nest emergence. We were
able to mark 1,300 of these hatchlings with
injectable decimal coded wire tags as well as
plastic color tags (small self locking cable ties
attached through a 3 mm hole in a posterior
marginal scute) before releasing them into
the Chambal River for survival and migration
studies.
Brian Horne and Shailendra Singh releasing
juvenile B. kachuga
into a newly-built
enclosure at the Deori Eco-Center.
The new Batagur grow-out facility funded
by the TSA and British Chelonia Group - at
the Deori Eco-Center on the Chambal
River.
This riverine hatchery on the Chambal River successfully protects hundreds of nests from predation
each year. Due to a high hatch rate, many thousands of hatchling Batagur (two species) are
returned to this ecosystem each year.
This refurbished gharial facility at Deori will
provide additional headstarting space for
large Batagur.
THOMAS RAINWATERSHAILENDRA SINGHSHAILENDRA SINGHBRIAN HORNE
69
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Hatching success rates for the two hatcheries
in Uttar Pradesh were 99% and hatching
success rate for the single hatchery in
Madhya Pradesh was 92%. We shifted
approximately 150 newly hatched B. kachuga
to the new head-starting facilities, where we
will maintain them until they attain a mass of
1 kg (approximately three years of age).
Although we are succeeding at protecting
nests on a few important nesting banks, there
is still a great need to expand our efforts due
to the population of adult turtles remaining
relatively low. Furthermore, our future
efforts need to address the continued human
induced pressure on the survival of adult
turtles. With the presumed low survival rate
of hatchlings and the lengthy maturation
rate (an estimated 15-20+ years to reach
maturity for females), we need to sustain
the production of thousands of hatchlings
per year if we hope to reverse the decline of
turtle populations in the Chambal River. In
addition, we need to develop an in-depth
understanding of the nesting ecology and
long-term yearly trends for both species.
New research initiatives need to include the
post-release survival of headstarted turtles to
gauge the success of these programs.
With limited opportunities and resources,
this year we again enlisted services of
members of fishing communities and
riverside agriculturists in our turtle hatch-
release and survey programs. After their
employments with us, they gave up their
riverside agriculture and we were able to
protect three important turtle nesting banks
and about 60+ turtle nests.
Additional surveys outside the Chambal
National Sanctuary along the Ghaghara,
Kane, and Son Rivers are being conducted in
hopes of finding additional habitats suitable
for release of our headstarted B. kachuga. In
the near future, we plan to survey another
river- Betwa - where Madhya Pradesh Forest
Department released over 100 Batagur
(unknown ratio of B. kachuga to B. dhongoka)
in 2003.
With the generous support from Turtle
Conservation Fund, Disney Worldwide
Conservation Fund, and the Beneficia
Foundation, we have expanded our in situ
turtle rearing capacity at both the Garhaita
Turtle Rehabilitation Center and Deori turtle
centers. These funds enabled us to maintain
over 1,000 B. kachuga of different age classes
for the headstarting program.

A defunct Gharial facility at the state-run
Deori Eco-Center was renovated while a
new facility was built at the Garhaita Turtle
Rehab Center (GTRC) near the town of
Etawah. Both these facilities (16 X 5 X 1.5
m) are equipped with floating basking and
nesting platforms. We transferred over 300
B. kachuga (2003-2007) and 20 B. dhongoka
in the new facility at Deori this May. We are
planning to begin releasing the 2003-2005
turtles in the spring of 2010. Turtles will be
equipped with long-lived sonic transmitters
to monitor their movement as well as survival.
We transferred over 200 B. kachuga and 100
B. dhongoka yearlings (2006-2008) to the
new facility of GTRC, which will be soon
equipped with a bio-filtration pond and a
solar powered pump to make it a water and
energy-efficient facility, a necessity in the
water- scarce Chambal region.
The new "green" Batagur headstarting facility was built at the Garhaita Turtle Rehab Center (GTRC)
near the town of Etawah, and will open soon with solar powered filtration and water circulation. This
facility was funded in part by the Turtle Conservation Fund.
Two of the primary threats to turtles in the Chambal are illustrated here. Monofilament nets are
indiscriminate in what they catch and drown thousands of trapped turtles each year. In the
background riverside agriculture disrupts turtle nesting habitat.
ASUHTOSH TRIPATHI
70
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Alternative Livelihood and
Socio-Economic Programs
With the collaborative support of the
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and
the Beneficia Foundation, we are trying
to develop a major intervention program
through resource assessment and eco-
friendly alternative livelihood options for
different socio-economic groups to reduce
the anthropogenic pressures on the river
ecosystem.

During the first phase of the program, we
surveyed a 100 km stretch river (up from
the downstream confluence of the Chambal-
Yamuna Rivers) to quantify pressures and
identify possible solutions. This area is
highly sensitive in terms of conservation
management as the turtles may leave the
sanctuary and enter unprotected areas with
concentrated commercial fishing.
We collected socio-economic information
and conducted resource appraisal through
household surveys, direct observations,
and secondary sources of
information
(mostly government pamphlets) to design
the rehabilitation program. We classified
different villages according to their needs,
community
structure,
education
and
resource availability. The classification will
help us to develop wide-ranging programs
according to their individual and varying
needs.
A temporary help center has been opened for
fishing and other riparian communities in the
town of Chakarnagar (close to the sanctuary's
buffer zone) in order to inform residents of
various government welfare programs. The
primary aim of this center is to bridge the
gap between rural villagers and state and
federal government. We hope to facilitate
the meetings of various representatives
from government departments like dairy,
agriculture, cattle farming, soil reclamation,
forestry, veterinary, primary health care,
primary education, etc) with the riparian
community. This later can be supported
with our alternative livelihood project. We
are also planning to initiate a weekly boat
clinic in stretches close to Yamuna-Chambal
confluence to provide easy primary medical
facilities to the inhabitants of the sanctuary
and garner community support to our
conservation projects.
Moreover, a pilot rehabilitation program
for ex-turtle poachers is being developed.
We have been experimenting with enlisting
their services in various turtle conservation
projects. Although there have been positive
results during our field seasons, this option
is very limited and can engage them only
for a few months in a year. Ten ex-poachers
from different regions have been selected,
especially the Terai, Ganges River, and
Chambal River, and we are working with
them to develop eco-friendly livelihood
options.
We launched a wide-ranging education
programs for different target groups especially
in the "problem" villages (villages that have in
the past clashed with authorities within the
National Chambal Sanctuary) and critical
conservation stretches for aquatic river fauna
in Chambal River. We are currently targeting
the local villagers and primary school children.
Gatherings such as this one in the riverside village of Etawah celebrate the incredible biodiversity
of the National Chambal River Sanctuary, and help cultivate a culture of awareness, especially
among the youth.
This camel rally was held on World Turtle Day. A mobile education unit now goes village to village
on camel to create awareness for the biodiversity of the sanctuary, and has become very popular
with the locals.
KHEM B BHADAURIAASUHTOSH TRIPATHI
71
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
We additionally conducted "Sanrakchan
Panchyat" (Conservation Village Meetings)
in different villages of lower Chambal. The
aim of this program is to increase awareness
regarding the sanctuary's flora and fauna.
At these meetings, we discussed various
conservation challenges like poaching, illegal
fishing, sand mining, and agriculture on the
riverbank and more importantly villagers'
views regarding the impact of protected
area. It is our hope that these meetings will
create a conservation network of local village
chiefs and stakeholders, which in turn will
increase the effectiveness of our conservation
program. We have been recording the views
(and traditional knowledge) of the villagers,
which may be used in the formulation of
effective management plan of the sanctuary.
In the meetings, we try to revitalize the local
and religious sentiments for the river and
biodiversity through cultural programs and
traditional songs.
We have been conducting the education
programs for various primary school children
during the weekends and on important days
of Environmental Calendar like National
Wildlife Week, World Wetland Day, Forestry
Day, International Biodiversity Day, World
Turtle Day, and World Environment Day etc
at GTRC. Soon we will expand our child
and adult education programs at the Garhaita
Turtle Center by renovating and expanding its
education facility (thanks largely to funding
from Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund
and the Beneficia Foundation). Programs for
children have included plays (on various issues
of the sanctuary), hands-on demonstrations,
painting competitions, lectures, rallies, and
interactive sessions. At present, over 500
children are visiting our center each month.
We are also conducting education outreach
programs in the primary schools. Outreach
programs
are
being
conducted
for
approximately 200 schools situated along the
180 km stretch of the lower Chambal in the
National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh.
Our target audience is children between 5
and 15 years of age. We have also developed
scales (quiz competitions conducted during
a follow up program for same class/age
group) to measure the effectiveness of these
education efforts. This year we conducted
over fifty such programs inside the sanctuary.
To increase outreach, we have started a
mobile education unit on camel cart to go
village to village and spread the awareness
regarding the biodiversity of the sanctuary.
The cultural team on the cart plays the
traditional local songs; many villagers in the
area worship the Chambal River as deity.
We display all the traditional conservation
slogans on the cart. This education unit is
becoming more popular each day among
the villagers. We hope to add more colored
displays and educational puppet shows to
this unit to attract more villagers and spread
our conservation message effectively.
In addition, we are in process of developing
a children's coloring book on India's turtles
with the generous support from the Serenity
Foundation. This multilingual book will
contain information regarding the various
endangered turtle species and their habitats
in the India.
Educational outreach targets children between the ages of five and 15 and seeks to engage them
in a variety of ways including plays, puppet shows and other interactive activities.
TSA India has sponsored several educational special events over the past year, including this
gathering to commemorate the International Day of Action Against Dams and for River, Water
and Life.
KHEM B BHADAURIAASUHTOSH TRIPATHI
72
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
The Sunderban Batagur India's most
threatened turtle
After obtaining a six-month permit from
the West Bengal state forestry department,
we began our conservation efforts for the
critically endangered river terrapin, Batagur
baska. The recent phylogenetic work by
Peter Praschag and colleagues identified the
Indian populations of Batagur baska to be
genetically distinct from other populations
in Southeast Asia. Peter's findings made it
imperative to begin more active conservation
measures for the species as populations in the
Indian Sunderbans are believed to number
less than 20 to 30 animals, with no nesting
areas currently known or protected!
However, a small group of animals remains
in the Sajnekhali Interpretation Center
of the Sunderban Tiger Reserve (STR).
Adults (8.3) are reportedly the remaining
individuals that were a part of the state
forest department's headstarting program
in 1990, while a juvenile was confiscated
near the village Bagna of STR in 2006. We
performed a primary health assessment and
found that the individuals are healthy and
may breed if modifications to the existing
A female Sunderbans Batagur
The entrance to the Sunderban Tiger Reserve at Sajnekhali, home to the only known potential
breeding group of Batagur baska, the most highly endangered of India's turtles.
SHAILENDRA SINGHSHAILENDRA SINGH
73
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
facility are made (currently no nesting area is
provided) and supplements are made to the
animals' diet. This aspect of the program is
generously supported by Pat Koval through
WWF Canada.
We made boat surveys along the riverside
villages of the STR and costal parts of the
state of West Bengal and the state of Orissa.
We also interviewed fishermen and former
turtle trappers along the various river habitats
historical known to have B. baska. They
confirmed the steep decline of this species
and could not direct us to any areas that
were still known to have turtle populations.
Overall, no individuals or any direct evidence
encountered during the surveys gives any
credence to a substantial population of B.
baska within the Indian Sunderbans.
Thus, we are heavily relying on the captive
animals (two lone adult females) at the STR
facility and at Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
(MCBT) for initiating a species recovery
program. We are awaiting permission from
the state forest department to add the basking
platforms, nesting areas, privacy fencing, and
improved turtle diet to the facility at STR.
We are also hoping that in the near future we
will be able to arrange a breeding loan of two
adult males from the STR to MCBT.
Assam
With the help of the Center for Wildlife
Research
and
Conservation
Action,
a volunteer student network based at
Guwahati University's Zoology Department,
we initiated a freshwater turtle education
program in the state of Assam (northeast
India adjacent to northern Myanmar). This
project aims to spread awareness regarding
various endangered freshwater turtle species
especially Pangshura sylhetensis, Nilssonia
nigricans and Pelochelys cantori. In addition,
the project will assess the status and
distribution of these three species. From this
information, we plan to formulate a long-
term conservation action plan based heavily
on community participation. This research
was supported with a grant from the Rufford
Small Grant Foundation and the TSA India
Program.
Conclusion
Our current conservation efforts are positively
impacting five endangered turtle species -
Batagur kachuga, Batagur dhongoka, Batagur
baska, Chitra indica, and the crowned river
turtle (Hardella thurjii) - but are restricted to
two states in the north. India is a large country
and the threats to turtles are widespread. The
TSA program must expand our reach and
impact. Within the next three years we hope
to initiate new projects for four additional
endangered species, the Assam roof turtle
(Pangshura sylhentensis), Black softshell turtle
(Nilssonia nigricans), Leith's softshell turtle
(Nilssonia leithi) and the Asian giant softshell
(Pelochelys cantorii). In fact, the eventual goal
is to mobilize turtle conservation teams that
are active throughout India, particularly in
hotspots such as Orissa, Kerala / the Western
Ghats and the Brahmaputra River system.
TSA India is continuously creating dialogues
with various turtle researchers, conservation
A male Sunderbans Batagur held by Shailendra Singh.
These Batagur baska was netted from the pond at Sajnekhali where this important population (8.3)
is held. With funding from Pat Koval and WWF Canada, this facility will be modified to improve
basking and nesting areas, as well as security.
BIKASH K. SAHABIKASH K. SAHA
74
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
groups, and government officials in India
and across Southeast Asia to better determine
the status of India's freshwater turtles and
develop new conservation initiatives. Novel
approaches will be increasingly necessary
and we will have to become more creative
as we try to mitigate the human factor in
turtle declines. If we are to have any hope
of achieving success, it will be by coming to
grips with the needs of the local communities
that share these riparian resources with the
turtles that we are trying to save.
Acknowledgements
The TSA India Program is a joint endeavor
of the TSA, the San Diego Zoo's Institute
for Conservation Research, and the Madras
Crocodile Bank Trust. Numerous people
have been instrumental in our success and
we would like to particularly acknowledge
the participation of Ashutosh Tripathi,
Rishikesh Sharma, Nikhil Whitaker, Bhasker
M. Dixit, Rupali Ghosh, Khem B Bhadauria,
Chittaranjan Baruah, Pradeep Saxena,
Sanjiban Das, Bikash K. Saha and the
plethora of volunteers in along the Chambal
River, the Terai, and the state of West Bengal.
We extend our thanks to the Turtle
Survival Alliance for taking the lead in the
conservation of India's imperiled turtle
fauna. This is a comprehensive program
with multiple components and is completely
dependent on outside funding. For generous
financial support we graciously acknowledge
the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund,
Pat Koval and WWF Canada, Beneficia
Foundation, Batchelor Foundation, San Diego
Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research,
Nature's Own, Turtle Conservation Fund,
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland
Zoological Society, EAZA Shellshock, British
Chelonia Group, Serenity Foundation and
the Rufford Small Grant Foundation. We
thank the state forest departments of Uttar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and
Assam for various permissions and logistical
support in the field. We extend our sincere
gratitude to Rick Hudson for his continuous
encouragement and project suggestions. We
thank Romulus Whitaker and Janaki Lenin
for their inputs and suggestions. Various
forest officials who have supported the field
team in various possible ways are HS Pabla,
VK Patnaik, Eva Sharma, Neeraj Kumar,
N. Luikham, Bhaumik Chandra Bhrahma,
Anjan Guha, US Dohre, Suresh Pal Singh.
Madras Crocodile Banks Trustee and staff
especially Sameer Whitaker and Gowri
Mallapur are thanked for logistic and
administrative support to this nationwide
conservation program.
Shailendra Singh, Director
TSA India Program
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
shailendra_env@rediffmail.com
Brian Horne
San Diego Zoo
Institute for Conservation Research
BHorne@sandiegozoo.org
The TSA India Program is a joint endeavor
of the TSA, the San Diego Zoo's Institute for
Conservation Research, and the Madras Crocodile
Bank Trust. This comprehensive program has
multiple components and species conservation
initiatives, and is funded by a growing number of
supporters.
Update on captive breeding of the red-
crowned roof turtle (Batagur kachuga)
at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust.
Nikhil Whitaker
For the fifth year, the critically endangered
red-crowned roof turtle (Batagur kachuga)
has reproduced in captivity at the Madras
Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT). The 2009
season saw a maximum production of
hatchlings - 29 in all - and these are all
doing well, with one month old animals
having increased in weight by 50%
compared to recently hatched ones.

The first clutch of eggs was discovered
at MCBT in 2003, but were infertile.
Between 2004 and 2009, there were one to
five clutches every year, save for 2006 when
no nesting occurred. Eggs were collected
in February March of every year, except
in 2004, 2008, and 2009 when nests were
missed and hatching occurred naturally in
the enclosure. The number of nests rose to
six in 2009 indicating multiple clutching
by females, almost certainly due to
improved husbandry conditions. Possible
contributing factors include increased
height of the communal nesting mound,
trimming of branches that provided more
access to sunlight, a mesh haul out ramp
that facilitated basking by adults, and the
introduction of soya pellets into the diet.
132 total eggs were laid through 2009 with
an overall viability of 69%. A total of 75
hatchlings were produced from these eggs,
with 24 animals going to back to Uttar
Pradesh for release in 2007. Several eggs
collected were found to be cracked, but
as long as the shell membrane remained
intact these eggs usually incubated to term.

Courtship of adults
is observed in
September through October, probably
remaining true to the natural range
of the species in Northern India. The
group of breeding animals at MCBT did
not experience the major fluctuations
experienced in their natural habitat,
but lower temperatures could have been
achieved by selecting deeper areas of the
breeding pond.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
We're Serious
About
Saving Turtles
www.Tur t leSurv iva l .o rg
75
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Expansion of the captive program for B.
kachuga at MCBT began in 2004 with
construction of new rearing and breeding
ponds. These were funded by the TSA
with support from the Turtle Conservation
Fund, British Chelonia Group, and Walter
Sedgwick.
Acknowledgements
Most thanks is due to the folks at Turtle
Survival Alliance, for their advice on
husbandry, veterinary issues, and their
assistance in designing and funding grow-
out ponds for hatchlings and juvenile, in
addition to their on site visits and valuable
discussions. I particularly thank Rick
Hudson, Brian Horne, Shannon Ferrell. D.
Basu, B. C. Choudhury, Lonnie McCaskill,
Rom Whitaker, Gowri Mallapur, Soham
Mukherjee, Gangadurai, Pindey, Seth, and
our in situ field scientist, Shailendra Singh,
who assisted this project in a number of
ways. Jeff Lang is acknowledged for his
donation of equipment.
Nikhil Whitaker, Curator
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
P.O. Box 4, Mammallapuram
Tamil Nadu 603 104
nikhil.whitaker@gmail.com
One of 75 red-crowned roof turtles that hatched at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) since 2004.
Husbandry improvements led to multiple clutching by females in 2009 with a record 29 hatchlings.
A male Batagur kachuga hauled out to bask at the MCBT breeding facility.
Hatchling Batagur grow rapidly as shown by this comparison of a hatchling with one that is a month old.
NIKHIL WITAKERNIKHIL WITAKERNIKHIL WITAKERTURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
76
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
RANGE COUNTRY: Madagascar
Preliminary results of community based monitoring of the Radiated Tortoise at Lavavolo Classified
Forest, Madagascar
Tsilavo Hasina Rafeliarisoa
The
radiated
tortoise
(Astrochelys
radiata) inhabits the dry spiny forests
of southern and southwestern Madagascar.
Regarded as a flagship species of the region,
the existence of A. radiata is threatened by
habitat destruction, illicit collection for local
consumption and illegal trade in international
markets. Poaching of the tortoises takes
place year-round but predominantly occurs
in March. Annually, confiscations of
hundreds of individuals are reported in both
Madagascar and Asia. These threats have led
to its current status as critically endangered
according to IUCN Red List criteria and
listing in Appendix I of CITES.
During the 2007 Turtle Survival Alliance
(TSA) meeting, Sbastien Rioux Paquette,
Franois-Joseph Lapointe and Edward Louis
brought attention to the alarming decline
of the radiated tortoise populations over the
past decade. In response to this devastating
decline, a grant was awarded from Radiated
Tortoise Species Survival Plan (SSP), and the
Radiated Tortoise Project (RTP) was initiated
by the Henry Doorly Zoo's Madagascar
Biodiversity
and Biogeography Project
(HDZ-MBP). The RTP is a multi-faceted
program including research, education,
and community involvement that aims to
improve the status of A. radiata in southern
Madagascar, where the species remains largely
unprotected. The Lavavolo area was selected
as the initial site for long-term conservation
since the people of Lavavolo still maintain
the local "fady" (taboo) against eating or
harming the tortoises.
An important part of the conservation
management plan for endangered species is
research. A total of 194 tortoises have been
monitored from 2007 to present. For long-
term identification purposes, each individual
is assigned an ID number, photographed
(dorsal and ventral views), micro-chipped
(left rear leg) and measured using standard
morphometric parameters.
Preliminary
results
have
shown
that
Lavavolo's
radiated tortoise population is composed
predominantly of adults (82.9%) with a
mean weight and straight carapace length of
5.981.69kg and 31.143.64cm, respectively.
Additionally, baseline genetic parameters
are being analyzed in Omaha at the HDZ
laboratory to investigate population structure
and existence of multiple sire paternity.
In March 2008, the RTP began monitoring
nest site parameters for six nests. Each nest
site was located by following gravid females
until egg deposition upon which HOBO
devices were installed to record ambient and
nest temperatures, rain fall, soil moisture and
air humidity. These preliminary data will
increase the understanding of the natural
history of this species in the wild and pro-
vide valuable information applicable for any
in situ and ex situ breeding program. Since
temperature is one of the major parameters
affecting the biology of many tortoise and
turtle species, these data will also provide an
indication of the effect of temperature upon
sex determination. Therefore, a 2010 objec-
tive is to correlate results from the HOBO
devices with endoscopic data from newly
hatched individuals from multiple monitored
nests. Community involvement is essen-
tial in developing conservation framework;
therefore, two local guides from Lavavolo vil-
lage were trained to monitor the populations
and nests while regularly collecting data from
the HOBO devices. These guides' salaries
were funded through a seed grant awarded by
Turtle Survival Alliance in 2008.
Dorsal view for identification of A. radiata.
RICK HUDSONJEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINA
77
In April 2009, as part of the education
component of
the community based
program, coloring and activity books
illustrating the biodiversity of Madagascar,
including the Malagasy tortoises, were
distributed to 210 pupils at Lavavolo primary
schools. During the presentation of these
educational materials, the MBP education
coordinator outlined the purposes of the
project and the utilization of the coloring
books to explain the richness of the region's
fauna and flora and why it is worthwhile
to preserve. A follow-up evaluation of the
coloring books will be conducted at the end
of this year to improve future conservation
education materials.
Furthermore, the MBP education coordinator
conducted an initial evaluation to determine
the needs of the Lavavolo community
through survey questionnaires distributed to
the local teachers, citizens and authorities.
Two main deficiencies were continually
voiced, electricity and water. Since the
region is well known for its solar and wind
energy potential, the project aims to generate
support for the installation of solar and wind
powered equipment for priority buildings
such as the schools, medical and public
facilities. By providing green alternatives
such as solar powered lighting for school
classrooms (promoting a better learning
environment) or wind powered water
desalination and filtration (providing potable
water) a positive message or link between a
conservation program and its surrounding
community can be developed.
The primary cause of habitat loss for southern
Madagascar is charcoal harvested from the
remaining spiny forest. Even though this
forest type, unique to this region, produces
an extremely poor quality fuel wood, it
continues to be sacrificed for the production
of charcoal. Therefore, to provide an
alternative to charcoal, the MBP plans to
conduct on-site workshops to demonstrate
how to make fuel briquettes from biofuel
materials (grass, rice husks, paper, or leaves)
and fuel-efficient rocket stoves to reduce
overall charcoal consumption. In conclusion,
through the combination of local education
and monitoring programs managed by the
people of Lavavolo, the community will
benefit as a direct result of conservation, and
thus contribute to the survival of the critically
endangered radiated tortoise.
Tsilavo Hasina Rafeliarisoa
Doctoral candidate
University of Antananarivo, Faculty of
Sciences, Animal Biology Department
Field Supervisor of Radiated Tortoise
Project: Madagascar Biodiversity &
Biogeography Project
Henry Doorly Zoo, Grewcock's Center
for Conservation and Research
3701 South 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68107
Lab phone: (402)738-2095
rafelykely@hotmail.com
genetics@omahazoo.com
Support for this project was provided by
the TSA Seed Grant Program
Tolisoa and Mandritoetse, project guides, supported
by a grant from the TSA.
MBP project personnel installing a HOBO device on a radiated tortoise nest.
Children at Lavavolo primary schools receiving the MBP coloring and activity books.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
JEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINAJEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINAJEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINA
78
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
RANGE COUNTRY: China
The epic move of the last Chinese
female Yangtze giant softshell turtle
(Rafetus swinhoei) from Changsha Zoo to
the last Chinese male at the Suzhou Zoo
in 2008 resulted in successful mating (see
TSA Newsletter 2008), producing two
clutches totalling over one hundred eggs.
Despite this success, unfortunately none of
the eggs hatched. About half the eggs of the
second clutch were not properly shelled and
many cracked during laying. Nutritional
deficencies of the long-term captive female
over 70 years in captivity - were most likely
to blame for this setback, and apparently
caused any fertilized eggs to die early during
development. Despite this disappointment,
this event captured the attention of the global
conservation community, and the remarkable
story was featured in a PBS/Nature special
called The Loneliest Animals that aired on
April 19, 2009. To view, go to http://www.
pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/the-loneliest-
animals/video-full-episode/4935/
This problem with the eggs had been
foreseen and a nutritional workshop held
in Changsha in May 2007 had resulted in
some improvements to the diet of the female.
Since yolk formation for eggs in turtles takes
many months, there is always a delay until
dietary improvements can result in better
egg hatchability. So, in actuality, a balanced
diet is needed in the year prior to oviposition
to improve hatching success. Unfortunately
however, due to concerns of the Chinese
stakeholders that the female did not eat
enough after her move to Suzhou, her diet was
reverted back to primarily meat and liver in
May 2008. Only since August 2008 was this
problem addressed by providing an improved
diet to the female including vitamin and
calcium supplements. Concerns for the well-
being of the female by her Chinese guardians
resulted in recommendations for dietary
changes being slowly implemented. But
now chicken parts with bone, fresh whole
fish, crayfish and gutted quail with calcium
supplements are offered routinely; this bodes
Second breeding attempt for Rafetus swinhoei in China leads to cautious optimism
Gerald Kuchling and Lu Shunqing
GERALD KUCHLINGGERALD KUCHLINGGERALD KUCHLINGA copulation attempt by the Rafetus pair in late April 2009.
The female Rafetus has been observed eating trash
thrown into her pond from zoo visitors which could
threaten her health and survival.
A glass barrier such as this one is urgently needed
to protect the pair of Rafetus from visitors's throwing
trash and live turtles into their pond.
79
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
well for the future but somewhat clouds our
optimism for 2009. Despite this, we have
installed a rearing tank with filtration for
juveniles in anticipation of success.

Since June 2008, the male and female were
kept separate in the divided breeding pond
at Suzhou Zoo. The gate was again opened
in the morning of 26 April 2009 and a likely
copulation took place the same day between
13:05 and 14:45. On 28 April from 13:08
to 13:41 another possible copulation was
observed. Numerous other interactions of the
male and the female took place, but with the
male often mounted for only short periods
of time (< 5 min). On 07 May the female
twice vehemently swam away from the male
when he tried to mount her and they were
separated and the gate closed. The gate was
opened again in the morning of 10 May, and
again the female fled twice when the male
tried to mount her. For this reason the gate
was closed again at noon.
The weather was unusually hot in Suzhou
in early May 2009 and the behavior of the
female suggested that she ovulated earlier
than in 2008 when she first nested on 6 June.
For this reason Gerald Kuchling returned
to Suzhou on 31 May 2009 and the female
nested the same night, depositing 56 eggs
in a nest on her sand beach. TSA again
hired Chinese-American biologist Emily
King to help with monitoring breeding
and egg incubation and on 04 June the nest
was dug out. Four of the eggs were found
slightly cracked and 28 eggs were placed
into incubators in either sand, vermiculite
or hatchrite at 29, 31 and 33C. Incubation
procedures have been modified this year to
ensure adequate humidity and hydration
and multiple incubation medias are being
tried. The other half of the clutch was left in
the nest with two temperature data loggers.
However, no clear banding of eggs could yet
GERALD KUCHLINGGERALD KUCHLINGOffering whole fresh quail with calcium supplements helps improve the nutritional status of Rafetus diets at the Suzhou Zoo.
Keepers at the Suzhou Zoo carefully excavate the nest where 56 eggs were deposited on 31 May 2009.
Female Rafetus exhibiting open-mouth basking
behavior for thermoregulation.
EMILY KING
80
be seen on 09 June. From 5 to 13 June the
male and female were again paired up for
breeding, and then separated on 14 June due
to the female's non-receptivity.
A disturbing trend in 2009 is that the now-
tamer female Rafetus accepts junk food
(bread, crackers, chips etc) thrown into her
pond by zoo visitors, eating so much that she
is not particularly hungry at feeding time.
She was also seen eating plastic bags and
candy wrappers, which threatens the health
and survival of the female and potentially
jeopardizes the entire breeding program. An
improved method of separation glass panels
limiting zoo visitor's access to the breeding
pond is imperative. However the costs of are
currently prohibitive, estimated at $30,000
U.S. For all these reasons it is not yet clear
if this second breeding attempt will have
better success than the first. It is obvious that
further improvements to husbandry and the
enclosure are needed. The good news is that
Changsha Zoo is now committed to leaving
their female at Suzhou Zoo until the sucessful
production of hatchlings.
This effort would not have been possible
without the coordination and logistic support
of the WCS China office. The 2009 breeding
attempt was again funded by the Turtle
Survival Alliance, with generous financial
support from Kadoorie Farm and Botanic
Garden, WWF Canada, Alessandro Fornetti,
David Shapiro, Frank and Kate Slavens,
Taste of Thai, Jacksonville Zoo, and Thomas
Jacoby. Special thanks to all those that
purchased Rafetus prints this past year, the
proceeds of which went to help support this
remarkable effort. Prints are still available
e-mail Hlowe@turtlesurvival.org for details.
As noted above, with the agreement to leave the
Changsha female indefinitely at Suzhou Zoo for
breeding, this becomes a long-term commitment
for the TSA. Erecting a public barrier to protect
these turtles a priceless resource that cannot be
replaced - is a top priority and will improve our
chances of success. We cannot let this opportunity
slip away due to negligence. With that in mind,
we will soon mount a fundraising campaign
aimed at securing the $30,000 needed for a
protective barrier.

Gerald Kuchling
CHELONIA ENTERPRISES
154 Bagot Road, Subiaco,
WA 6008, Australia
kuchling@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Lu Shunqing lusq@cib.ac.cn
WCS-China Program
The last ditch efforts to breed Rafetus in China is
one of the TSA's most high profile, and expensive,
programs. The outpouring of donor support
reflects well on the ability of the turtle conservation
community to respond in crisis.
Suzhou Zoo keepers setting up the first clutch of eggs for the 2009 season.
Nigel Marvin flanked by Frank and Kate Slavens who had the winning bid for the original commemorative
Rafetus print at the 2008 TSA Auction in Tuscon.
GERALD KUCHLINGRICK HUDSON AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
We're Serious About Saving Turtles
81
GERALD KUCHLINGThe female Rafetus at ease and basking in the breding pond at Suzhou Zoo.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
82
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
RANGE COUNTRY: Vietnam
Torrential monsoon rains caused rivers to
spill over their banks and brought water
in lakes and reservoirs to capacity throughout
northern Vietnam. It was mid-November
2008 and Team Rafetus Vietnam had just
completed a series of awareness activities in
local communities surrounding Dong Mo
Lake (located about 60 km west of Hanoi)
where the world's last known Rafetus swinhoei
remains in the wild. The 70kg turtle is one
of four living examples of the species known
in the world, another of which is in a man-
made lake in the center of Hanoi. The two
other surviving turtles are currently the focus
of a critical conservation breeding initiative
at Suzhou Zoo in China (see related article).
The Dong Mo Rafetus, while special in its
status as the only surviving individual of its
species in the wild, is likely alone in the lake.
Current conservation efforts in Vietnam
focus in part on hopes of finding other
living Rafetus in the wild. However, so far
comprehensive surveys have produced little
more than skulls, bones and photographs of
gigantic turtles that were caught a decade or
more ago.
Team Rafetus Vietnam was established
in September of 2007 when local reports
suggested the presence of a large softshell
turtle in Dong Mo Lake, west of Hanoi.
Following a series of interviews with local
fishermen confirming the presence of a
large turtle, a full-time team was put on the
ground, conducting patrols, establishing
observation posts, and monitoring fishing
and other activities in the lake until the turtle
was spotted and photographed in November
2007, confirming the presence of Rafetus
swinhoei in the lake. Following confirmation
of the discovery, the Rafetus team initiated
additional conservation measures focused
on raising awareness amongst local residents
in communities about the importance of
the turtle, and briefing local and national
government counterparts to enhance the
turtle's protection. At the same time,
Close Call for the World's Last Remaining Rafetus swinhoei in the Wild
Douglas Hendrie
monitoring was intensified at the lake, and
efforts were stepped up to gain support from
local fishermen and lake owners.
When the heavy rains came in November
2008, the flooding around Dong Mo Lake
was not of major concern until reports started
filtering in from the local team that there
had been a catastrophic collapse of the dam
at the far side of the lake. Worse yet were
suggestions that the softshell had escaped
through the breach in the dam and was
spotted in the main channel of the flooded
stream below the lake. The four kilometer
stretch of river meandered through the
district before linking up with a tributary of
the Red River. Although there were sketchy
reports by local fishermen of sightings along
the stream, the possibility that the Rafetus
had made it to the Red River was of great
concern.
District fisheries and wildlife protection
authorities were alerted in every district
up and down the Red River to the ocean,
urging them to watch for a large softshell
DOUGLAS HENDRIEDOUGLAS HENDRIEThe last remaining Rafetus swinhoei in the wild.
A frustrated crowd waits outside the home of the fisherman who captured the turtle.
83
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
that might turn up in nets or in the hands
of fishermen. Meanwhile, Team Rafetus put
in place temporary nets blocking the stream
about 2-3 km below Dong Mo Lake at its
narrowest point, hoping to prevent the turtle
from passing if it had not already made it
to the Red River. Team Rafetus members
camped along the 2-3 km containment area.
Days passed with no further sightings by our
teams, and concerns grew that our response
had been too slow and too late. Then on
the morning of November 26, Team Rafetus
coordinator, Hoang Van Ha was notified
that a local fisherman had captured a giant
softshell turtle in the stream below Dong Mo
Lake earlier in the morning. The next six
hours proved to be some of the most difficult
of my 12 years working in Vietnam, and
provide a testament to the obstacles that
conservationists face in trying to protect
endangered wildlife in Vietnam. When our
team arrived at the fisherman's house, there
were already a fair number of local authorities
present and more than 100 spectators as
people came and went trying to get a glimpse
of the huge turtle. The Rafetus lay wrapped
in nets below a shaded canopy, protected
from the swell of people pressing in for a look
by wooden barriers.
Our objective clearly was to get the fisherman
to release the turtle back into Dong Mo
Lake where it came from. However, good
intentions were not what the fisherman nor
his family had in mind. Up all night and
bearing deep scratches from the capture, the
fisherman sought to negotiate a substantial
reward for himself from authorities, or
offered alternatively, to sell the turtle to the
highest bidder.
DOUGLAS HENDRIEDOUGLAS HENDRIEA huge crowd and flurry of activity complicated negotiations for the return of the turtle to the lake.
Once the decision was made that the turtle would be returned to the lake, rangers worked quickly to
move it to the truck that was waiting.
84
From a western perspective, the case should
have been cut and dry. The fisherman
had violated Vietnamese law by actively
hunting and capturing the turtle, which is
considered a wild animal of illegal origin
under the law. The authorities should have
confiscated the turtle immediately if the
fisherman refused to voluntarily turn it
over. A reward might even be in order to
congratulate the fisherman for assisting in
the capture and return of the turtle to the
lake. However, as is often the case when
dealing with law breakers in Vietnam,
enforcement of the law is a function of
extended negotiations. And so began a day
of exhausting discussions between local
wildlife protection authorities, police,
and community leaders, with local leaders
arguing the position of the fisherman who
insisted that a settlement of $2,000 or
more was warranted for his "cooperation."
Our role was limited to that of spectators
as endless streams of higher-ranking local
officials turned up, none willing to simply
confiscate the turtle and release it back into
the lake as the law would prescribe. The
Rafetus was thankfully moved to a shed,
beyond the reach of spectators, that was
locked and guarded by police. Ms. Nguyen
Thi Van Anh, head of ENV's Wildlife Crime
Unit was the star of the day, and her role in the
day's events would ultimately be the deciding
factor in the day's successful outcome. Van
Anh had headed up most of the team's efforts
during the previous months to highlight the
importance of the Dong Mo turtle within
relevant ministries and amongst agency heads
at the national level. Her work for ENV also
put her in regular contact with the right
people, including the chairman (governor)
of Hanoi, for which Dong Mo Lake and
surrounding communities fell under his
jurisdiction. Van Anh met with district
and provincial police and leaders, updating
Hanoi officials and asking for intervention
from Hanoi as the afternoon heat began to
flare tempers. Police pushed crowds out of
the courtyard temporarily, and more police
were called in to assist in dealing with what
appeared to be an increasingly unstable
situation as angry relatives of the fisherman
became more aggressive in their demand
for compensation, at one time, threatening
to kill the turtle if their demands were not
met. The main obstacle appeared to be the
unwillingness of anyone present at the site to
make a decision on the confiscation, though
clearly the authorities supported return of the
turtle to the lake.
Van Anh offered to compensate the fisherman
for torn nets and offer a small reward for
the assistance that the fisherman provided
in returning the turtle to the lake, but
negotiations appeared to be stalled. However,
Once word got out about the giant softshell that had been captured, crowds of people arrived to get a glimpse of the rare animal.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
MR. THAI, CUC PHUONG TCC
85
sometime during the late afternoon, it is said
that the governor in Hanoi was said to have
told police to put an end to the discussions
and tell the fisherman either to take the deal
for a replacement net and small reward or the
turtle would be confiscated and the fisherman
would be punished in accordance with the
law. At this point, the fisherman reluctantly
agreed to turn over the turtle.
Anxious to follow through with the decision
as quickly as possible, Team Rafetus and local
rangers wrapped the 70 kg turtle in a plastic
tarp and pushed through an unruly crowd of
spectators to a truck that had been waiting
outside the fisherman's house since early
morning. Assisted by police with electric
wands attempting to keep the crowd back,
the team managed to get the turtle onboard,
and sped off through the village for the lake.
The five kilometer trip to the lake seemed
to take eternity, a trail of motorcycles in
pursuit. Reaching the lake, the crowds were
more manageable, and thankfully, a number
of forest rangers arrived in time to assist with
the unloading and movement of the turtle
down to the water's edge. Without ceremony
or further delay, the world's last remaining
Rafetus swinhoei in the wild, was wild once
again, slipping into the lake, and ending
what had been an incredible day.
Since the turtle's return, Team Rafetus has
stepped up efforts to build local support for
the turtle's protection as ENV continues to
raise awareness in local communities around
the lake. Most of us involved in the incident
agree that had it not been for the presence
of the local team living and working at the
lake, along with efforts to build support for
protection of the turtle well in advance of
this incident, our Dong Mo Rafetus would
not have survived the day.
Unfortunately, the future of our Rafetus
swinhoei is not clear. While the November
rescue has brought positive attention and
support for the protection of the turtle in
Dong Mo Lake, he is alone and can do little
to contribute to the future of his kind. Team
Rafetus continues to survey both historic
habitat and new sites where other turtles may
persist in the wild, recently surveying rivers
further south without success.
The Rafetus swinhoei Conservation Project
is administered by the Asian Turtle Program
of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and
Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), the
country's first local organization focused with
protection of nature and wildlife in Vietnam.
The project was started in 2000 and has
involved intermittent surveys for Rafetus
swinhoei throughout northern Vietnam until
the recent discovery in November 2007
of the single individual living in Dong Mo
Lake. At this time, the ATP has undertaken
a full-time effort to ensure that the Dong Mo
Rafetus is protected in its native habitat. The
Rafetus Conservation Project has received
support by the Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle
Conservation Fund, The Wade Foundation,
and the Melbourne Zoo.
Link to Rafetus news story on
VTV1: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=49WQOQ8F5X0
Douglas Hendrie
dhendrie@fpt.vn
Asian Turtle Program,
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Wildlife Crime Program Advisor,
Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV)
The TSA has provided support to the
Rafetus program in Vietnam through a
grant from the Batchelor Foundation
The giant softshell waits, surrounded by a crowd of people, while negotiations are carried out to determine
its fate.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
MR. THAI, CUC PHUONG TCCCommitted to Zero Turtle Extinction
0
86
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
RANGE COUNTRY: Vietnam
The Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ) has
worked since 1998 to promote tortoise and
freshwater turtle (TFT) conservation through
awareness, training and research activities.
The Mauremys annamensis Project (MAP)
has focused on this critically endangered and
endemic species in central Vietnam with a
permanent field presence since 2007. MAP
activities have included surveys, community
meetings and wildlife protection department
training in key areas. With the threats to
this species now fully realised, it received full
protection in 2006 under Vietnam's principal
wildlife protection law, Decree 32.
The goals of MAP are:
To identify habitat where Mauremys
annamensis remains or was recently
present in the wild.
Develop
community
support
for conservation of the species
through awareness and community
engagement.
Ensure better protection for the
species through providing training,
information and support to relevant
authorities.
Encourage university participation
in research and awareness of the
species.
Following extensive surveys
in Quang
Ngai province in 2008 the MAP team has
increasingly worked with the provincial
Forest Protection Department
(FPD).
Community meetings were held during
October and December in Binh Son district
where Mauremys annamensis have been seen
in local trade and good habitat remains.
The FPD has shown an increased interest
in TFT in the province since activities
started. In January 2009, the FPD mobile
Reintroduction preparations for captive bred Vietnamese Pond Turtles
Timothy McCormack and Nguyen Chi Nhan
enforcement team confiscated 19 TFT,
including Mauremys annamensis (6), Cuora
bourreti
(2),
Indotestudo elongata (1),
Heosemys grandis (1), Ocadia sinensis (4),
Cyclemys pulchristriata (4) and Malayemys
subtrijuga (1). All were placed at the
Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) in Cuc
Phuong National Park, northern Vietnam.
Importantly,
the Mauremys annamensis
rescued represented the first confiscation
of the species since 2000 and increased the
captive founder stock of the TCC by almost
50%.
In April 2009, a special three day training
workshop was held for 22 Quang Ngai
FPD, environmental police and fisheries
department officers. Although focused
on Mauremys annamensis, other training
included
species
identification, map
reading and information collection for field
records. One new topic highlighting the
importance of cooperation and the roles
of enforcement, research and awareness in
conservation aimed to encourage greater
future collaboration.
In addition to a focused field program,
Mauremys annamensis is also fortunate that
a Taxon Management Group (TMG) in the
United States and Europe was established
for the species and that the TCC has been
successful in breeding and raising the species
in captivity. This provides the possibility for
release of TMG surplus animals back into
the wild. Careful planning and monitoring
will be necessary with genetic variations in
sub-populations and disease transmission
needing consideration. The risk of collection
for released animals is also very real and
awareness, protection
and monitoring
activities running in conjunction with any
release is needed.
One of three Mauremys annamensis seen in local trade at two project sites the MAP has focused on in
2008-09.
HOANG VAN THAI
87
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
Key reintroduction phases include:
Repatriation
A group of Mauremys annamensis from abroad
would be returned to Vietnam and held for an
additional quarantine and screening period at
the TCC where an experienced keeper team
exists. Initially 100 animals will be received
into two additional holding cages which will
be constructed to accommodate these turtles.
Media coverage will be significant for these
first Vietnamese-American (VieKieu) turtles
returning home, highlighting the importance
of the species and the overall need for TFT
conservation in Vietnam.
Captive holding and dispersal site
In Quang Ngai province, a small breeding and
holding facility will be established focusing
on Mauremys annamensis. The facility will
be managed through cooperation between
MAP and FPD with local staff trained in
captive management techniques. All animals
transferred to the site will be given PIT tags
to aid future monitoring. Initially some of
the 140 animals already maintained by the
TCC, mostly captive bred, will be transferred
followed by repatriated turtles in the future.
Reintroductions
Reintroductions will be undertaken at a
number of sites with varying degrees of
protection and monitoring. Awareness will
be undertaken at all sites through community
meetings, school programs, posters and sign
boards.
Primary site
This site will be monitored daily by local
MAP team with FPD involvement. An area
of wetland will be established as a Mauremys
Conservation Area (MCA). Land will be
either allocated by local People's Committee
or FPD, or rented/purchased. Management
of the area will depend on the location with
secure fencing a possible requirement. Local
communities will retain limited fishing
rights to the area; fishing will be supervised
using approved turtle-friendly techniques.
Additional local staff will be employed to
work as sight wardens while bi-monthly
trapping at the site will monitor the secure
turtle population.
Secondary sites
Community wardens will be employed at the
sites with weekly/fortnightly patrols made by
the MAP team. Without fencing, animals
will be allowed to disperse over a wider area.
Monitoring will be difficult, but bi-monthly
trapping and possibility of radio telemetry
will be undertaken.
Tertiary sites
Mauremys annamensis will be released with
awareness activities in local communities and
bi-monthly trapping.
Mixed crate of turtles confiscated in Quang Ngai province in January 2009.
BUI DANG PHONG
88
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Through monitoring these release sites and
protection methods along with local trade
we will determine the value of these methods
for future use. The FPD and community
involvement in releases will encourage greater
community and enforcement agency support
of TFT conservation, taking a step closer to
a safe environment for Mauremys annamensis
in central Vietnam.
The MAP is currently supported by Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo (CMZ), the Turtle Survival
Alliance (TSA) and Turtle Conservation
Fund (TCF).
Timothy McCormack,
Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo's Asian Turtle Program
(ATP), PO Box 179 Hanoi Central Post
Office, Hanoi, Vietnam
Turtle.conservation@gmail.com
Nguyen
Chi
Nhan,
Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo's Asian Turtle Program
(ATP), PO Box 179 Hanoi Central Post
Office, Hanoi, Vietnam
chinhan2112@gmail.com
The TSA works strategically with the MAP,
and will provide financial support for facility
development and a source of captive-bred
progeny to establish in situ breeding colonies
as needed.
Bui Dang Phong of the Turtle Conservation Centre (left) and Nguyen Chi Nhan of the MAP check the initial
health of the animals.
HOANG VAN THAIQuang Ngai FPD, environmental police and fisheries during the April 2009 training.
HOANG VAN THAIInterviewing local fishermen in the Thu Bon River.
89
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
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TURTLE SURVIVAL
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90
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
RANGE COUNTRY: Malaysia
A New Future for Turtle Conservation in Malaysia
Eng-Heng Chan and Rick Hudson
Turtle conservation in Malaysia is set
to enter a new and exciting era with
the country's current King, who is also the
Sultan of Terengganu, giving the nod to
the establishment of a turtle institute under
his foundation the Sultan Mizan Royal
Foundation. The institute is the brainchild
of Dr. Eng-Heng Chan who has been working
closely with Tan Sri Dr. Salleh bin Mohd.
Nor. Salleh, an eminent conservationist
in Malaysia, is the Deputy Chairman of the
Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation, President of
the Malaysian Nature Society and Secretary-
General of the Malaysian Academy of
Sciences. The timing could not have been
better for Chan who has just retired from the
university.
The institute will be located in Setiu, the
heartland of important nesting habitats for
both Batagur affinis and B. borneoensis as well
as Chelonia mydas. TSA has supported Chan's
work on B. affinis in the Setiu River where she
has engaged local villagers in various aspects
of the recovery program for the species.
Plans for the institute are ambitious. It
will have multiple functions as a centre
for research, conservation, education and
conservation-tourism
activities
related
particularly to freshwater turtles in Malaysia.
It will also serve as a rescue centre for turtles
confiscated from illegal trade. It is envisaged
that the institute will bring benefits to the
local community in Setiu that has been
identified as one of the poorest districts in the
country.
Physical facilities for the institute will include
an open-air hatchery, buildings to house
laboratories and offices, ponds and tanks for
head-starting of freshwater turtles, ponds and
other outdoor enclosures for rescued turtles,
breeding ponds for captive breeding work,
outdoor exhibits for interpretive purposes and
housing for staff, visiting scientists, interns
and volunteers.
TSA has pledged support for the institute and
help to develop it into a world class center for
the conservation of freshwater turtles.
Recovery programs for both Batagur affinis
and B. borneoensis will be given a boost with
the development of the Turtle Institute in
Setiu. It will help to facilitate our plans to
expand work on the Setiu River and to
concentrate our efforts there. This river
is located about 60 km north of Kuala
Terengganu, and runs parallel to the coastline
for about 10 km before emptying into the
South China Sea. The main nesting bank
for B. affinis is located along this stretch of
the Setiu River, about 8 km from its mouth.
This river therefore offers an ideal site to
continue needed conservation work, i.e. egg
protection, hatching, headstarting, release
and monitoring of released B. affinis
Chan and assistant Pelf processing terrapins caught in fishermen's nets in the Setiu River.
Antiquated facilities such as this one fail to provide
optimal environmental conditions for Batagur and
should be replaced.
ENGHENG CHANRICK HUDSON
91
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
The Setiu River is interesting in that wild
populations of both Batagur affinis and B.
borneoensis are found here, presenting an
excellent opportunity to better understand how
two such similar species co-exist in the same
habitat. According to available information,
the Setiu River is home to the largest population
of B. borneoensis in Malaysia and possibly
throughout its range. A recent project initiated
by Chan in the Setiu River has processed a total
of 90 individuals of wild caught B. borneoensis
ranging in weight from 320 gm to 17.8 kg
between February and June 2009, with seven
recaptures within the same period.
The TSA has supported Chan's research with
both Batagur affinis and B. borneoensis over
the years and the time has come to begin
implementing the results into management
strategies of the various Batagur headstarting
programs throughout Malaysia where the
basic science of egg incubation, TSD and
reintroduction technology has been lacking.
We will also help upgrade physical facilities
in existing Batagur headstarting programs to
improve rearing conditions for the terrapins.
Illegal trade in turtles in Malaysia is still
rampant. In February 2009, with Chan's help,
we visited a facility which held 10 - 12 adult
Manouria emys, remnants of a 15 ton shipment
that had been recently sent to China. In April
2007, Chan organized a rescue operation at the
same facility in which a Buddhist Group bought
7 individuals of Chitra chitra, 25 Pelochelys
cantori, 13 Manouria emys, 3 B. borneoensis and
20 Amyda cartilaginea for release into a private
pond. This demonstrates the urgent need for
a rescue center to be developed in Malaysia and
we are excited that this could soon be a reality
under the Turtle Conservation Center.
Batagur nesting beaches in Setiu.
Rescue operation carried out in April 2007 that involved a total of 68 endangered freshwater turtles.
Dr. Engheng Chan (right) with her river terrapin
research team, students Pelf Nyok Chen and
Chang Kew Fong.
Village children in Setiu are keen participants in the
river terrapin recovery program.
ENGHENG CHANENGHENG CHANRICK HUDSONRICK HUDSON
92
We are now planning to hold a Batagur
workshop in 2010 and Terengganu in
Malaysia will be the most logical venue. It
will be held in February or March to coincide
with the nesting season for Batagur. Range
countries are expected to prepare recovery
plans for presentation. The workshop will
present an ideal opportunity to launch plans
to develop a model Batagur breeding and
headstarting program at the government-
run Terrapin Conservation Center at
Bukit Paloh, Terengganu. Space for new
construction is available and the facility is
situated very close to the Terengganu River
with a major Batagur nesting population
99 nests in 2008. The TSA intends to
mobilize support for this facility in the hopes
that it will provide a model for other Batagur
operations to follow. This model will take
an eco-physiologic approach to husbandry,
providing deep water for thermoregulation,
adequate nesting beaches and improved
opportunities for basking. Water circulation,
biological filtration and the ability to grow
food plants will be incorporated into the
plans and a TSA team will visit Malaysia to
begin the design process in September 2009.
A male Batagur affinis in breeding coloration.
University of Terengganu student Nurul holds a painted terrapin (B. borneoensis) captured in a fishermen's
net (Ropi in background) on the Seitu River. Nurul is working on head-starting techniques of painted
terrapins.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
RICK HUDSONRICK HUDSON
93
Malaysia: Critical Crossroads
Rick Hudson
Though Malaysia has no endemic
chelonians, it is still a highly important
country for turtle conservation in Asia,
ranking eighth in terms of species
richness with 18 species, and ranking
ninth overall when threat factors are
considered. The long-running State-
operated Batagur facilities, combined
with a rich history of turtle conservation
work and a good university system
provide Malaysia with the capacity and
infrastructure to play a leading role
in Asian turtle conservation. Malaysia
is home to a number of chelonian
species ranked Critically Endangered
or Endangered by the IUCN Red List
including Chitra chitra, B. affinis, B.
borneoensis, Pelochelys cantori, Manouria
emys and Orlitia borneoensis, all of which
are a high priority for TSA program
development. Furthermore, considering
that Malaysia is an important nexus for
the wildlife trade, the potential exists
to develop rescue and captive breeding
centers for priority species confiscated
from the illegal trade. Finally, given the
number of high priority freshwater turtle
species in Malaysia, and its strategic
location in the region, the TSA believes
that turtle conservation activities should
be expanded in accordance with need.
Eng-Heng Chan
enghengchan@gmail.com
Postal address: 56-2/1, Pangsapuri
Cerong Lanjut, Jalan Cerong Lanjut,
20300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu


Rick Hudson
rhudson@fortworthzoo.org
President, Turtle Survival Alliance
The TSA began supporting Dr. Chan's work on
the Setiu River in 2005, and works collaboratively
with her to coordinate a range-wide Batagur
conservation program. A TSA team will begin
designing new turtle facilities in Malaysia in
September 2009.
Manouria emys at a commercial turtle operation in Malaysia; these are all that remain of a 15 ton shipment of M. emys that went to China for the New Year.
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
RICK HUDSONWe're Serious About Saving Turtles
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
www.Tur t leSurv iva l .o rg
94
RANGE COUNTRY: Cambodia
Batagur Headstarting Facility at Maximum Capacity
Heng Sovannara and Mark Gately
There was good news recently for a rare
species of River Terrapin (Batagur baska,
now re-classified as Batagur affinis) in the Sre
Ambel area of Cambodia's coastal region,
with the successful hatching of 23 eggs on a
beach in the Sre Ambel River.
The Fisheries Administration and WCS
have been working with communities in
the Sre Ambel area since 1999, conserving
the Batagur through the implementation
of a variety of conservation interventions.
These interventions are targeted to protect
in situ populations of Batagur, through
guarding nesting beaches and adjoining
sections of river throughout the nesting
and incubation seasons, and implementing
patrols in remaining habitat. These activities
are complemented by an ex situ conservation
hatchling center.
The in situ project activities are based
around the two remaining rivers where the
animals occur. One team comprised of three
conservation personnel work along the
Sre Ambel River and another team of four
concentrate on the Kaong River. Both groups
are coordinated by Mr. Yen That, from the
Sre Ambel Fisheries, Koh Kong province.
The focus of activities is the protection of the
Batagur nests and during the nesting season
the conservation teams attempt to locate all
nests along each river. They then construct
enclosures around the nests to provide
protection against predators.
The 2009 nesting beach was first identified in
March, after project patrol staff found several
Batagur tracks on the beach, and subsequently
found 23 eggs buried in the sand. The beach
was then guarded around the clock by project
staff for two months, until the eggs hatched
in early May. The hatchlings were relocated
to the hatchling center, where they will be
housed in small plastic tubs for the next
six months, until they are large enough to
be introduced to one of the center's larger
concrete holding pens.
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
This huge female Cambodian Batagur is being held in a private facility until she can be integrated into
a breeding program. Too valuable to release, her full genetic potential can best be maximized through
captive breeding.
Batagur nest excavation on the Sre Ambel. This nest contained 23 eggs, all of which hatched and were
collected for headstarting.
BRIAN HORNEBRIAN HORNE
95
There are currently 115 animals being held
at the facility, 46 hatchlings from 2006, 46
hatchlings from 2007, plus the 23 recent
arrivals. The center is staffed by a dedicated
team that ensure that fresh food is provided
for the hatchlings on a daily basis and
the facility is enclosed in a metal fence to
prevent theft. The animals eat primarily
morning glory (Ipomea), with the addition
of mangrove fruits from the Sre Ambel river
system during the fruiting season. All the
hatchlings have been micro-chipped. Plans
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
are currently being finalized to improve the
center with a new solar water pump, increased
water storage capacity and additional holding
facilities, with the latter now particularly
important given the recent arrival of the
2009 hatchlings.
Given the
increasing threats
to wild
Batagur in the Sre Ambel river system, it is
now more important than ever to ensure
that there is an appropriate release plan
in place for the hatchlings at the center.
This includes an expert appraisal of the
ecological requirements of the hatchlings
and the suitability of the habitat within the
Sre Ambel and surrounding river systems,
as well as an assessment of the existing and
future threats to wild Batagur in these river
systems. A number of boat surveys were
conducted in late 2008 and early 2009, firstly
by a team of ecologists who were conducting
surveys throughout southwest Cambodia
and secondly by Batagur experts including
Brian Horne. These surveys assessed both the
quality and suitability of habitat in the area,
as well as the threat posed by future economic
developments, such as hydropower dams.
It is hoped that information obtained from
these surveys will facilitate the formulation of
a release strategy in the near future.
Heng Sovannara and Mark Gately
h.sovannara@gmail.com
Fisheries Administration,
Royal Government of Cambodia
Wildlife Conservation Society
The TSA currently provides both logistical and
technical support to the Batagur headstarting
operation in Sre Ambel, and funded (with EAZA
Shellshock and the Batchelor Foundation) the
construction of the headstarting facility in 2006.
Heng Sovannara and a WCS boatman remove a hook line during river surveys in February 2009, illustrating
the increasing threat that turtles face as human populations expand.
Brian Horne and Tim McCormack doing a head
count of Batagur at the headstarting facility at Sre
Ambel, Cambodia.
WCS veterinarian Priscilla Joyner, Tim McCormack and Brian Horne assess the condition of a juvenile
Batagur in the headstarting facility at Sre Ambel, Cambodia.
RICK HUDSONRICK HUDSONBRIAN HORNE
96
RANGE COUNTRY: Phi l ippines
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
Katala Foundation Incorporated (KFI)
is a Palawan-based NGO working
on the conservation of threatened native
species. The Katala Institute for Ecology
and Biodiversity Conservation (KIEBC),
one of several centers / projects managed
by KFI, is located in Antipuluan, Narra,
Palawan. It is here that the only range
country assurance colony of the Palawan
endemic and critically endangered Philippine
Forest Turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis) is
held. One of the three major objectives of
KIEBC is to develop procedures for rescue,
conservation breeding, habitat restoration
and eventually reintroduction of selected
rare species from Palawan, like the Philippine
Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) and
the Philippine Forest Turtle. In 2006, KFI
and the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources Protected Area and
Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB) signed
a Memorandum of Agreement for the
Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation
Program (PFTCP). In this framework, and
with the generous financial support of the
European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
(EAZA) through the Shellshock Campaign,
KFI built facilities to hold an assurance
colony of S. leytensis in early 2007. In July
2007, 40 S. leytensis, which had been held in
an over-crowded pond at a local rescue center
since a 2005 confiscation, were transferred to
the new facility. Since then, health status and
husbandry conditions were closely monitored
in collaboration with veterinarians from the
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation
Center
(PWRCC),
the DENR-PAWB,
and the Philippine Association of Wildlife
Veterinaries Incorporated (PAWVI), and
the Provincial and Municipal Office of the
DENR. Water samples and analysis had been
conducted at regular intervals and the results
were sent to relevant agencies.
In May 2009, several individuals became
affected by shell rot. Heavy rain, resultant
flooding and water quality issues were
suspected to be contributing to the health
A range country assurance colony for the Philippine Forest Turtle
Sabine Schoppe and Nimal Fernando
problems. Given the limited laboratory
facilities, medical supplies and freshwater
turtle expertise of veterinarians in the area,
the KFI approached the Turtle Survival
Alliance (TSA) for technical assistance. A
TSA veterinary member Nimal Fernando
- arrived within a month to assist with
the problem. Also attending the trip were
Rainier Manalo (Conservation International
- Palawan) who has experience in pond
filtering systems, Salvador Guion (PWRCC
Keeper), Siegfred Diaz Field (Operations
Coordinator of KFI) and Diverlie Acosta
(KFI Keeper).
The assessment started with an overview of
the tanks, ponds, water quality and general
husbandry. The center is located in an area
that is essentially a flood plain and the nearby
coastline is dominated by mangroves and soft
bottoms along a shallow intertidal zone. The
water table of the property is high. During
this trip in the middle of the rainy season -
we had to walk through about 800 m of mud
to reach the center. Concrete breakdown and
leaching, with resultant high pH elevations,
were identified as an immediate concern.
KFI will be looking at alternative liners and
substrates in the future, as well as methods of
naturally acidifying the water.
Aggression was also identified as a major
concern and the turtles were spread over as
many enclosures as possible. However, it has
been impossible to separate them individually
given space constraints. Aggression was
observed in newly mixed turtles almost
immediately, and extra 'furniture' like logs,
etc have been placed in the ponds to try
and remedy this. To address the plantar
ulcerations, pebbles have been placed in the
smaller pools to cover the concrete substrate.
Later that day, health assessment of all the S.
leytensis commenced. Overall, this appears
to be a tough species and relatively easy to
examine as they are quite "outgoing". Several
turtles had successfully completed treatment
for shell rot; however, five of these now
appeared to be affected by pneumonia. A
few new shell lesions were found and many
Nimal Fernando, Sabine Schoppe and two caretaker assistants examining a group of S. leytensis.
DIVERLIE ACOSTA
97
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
turtles had ulcerative skin lesions around the
tail / perineum or on the plantar surface of
the hind feet. Two turtles were found to have
subcutaneous abscesses, one around the knee
and the other under the lower mandible.
Both were curetted, flushed then packed with
a debriding ointment, to be changed to an
antibiotic ointment after about a week. All
turtles showing either respiratory symptoms,
moderate to severe skin ulceration or shell rot
or abscesses were placed on injectable Fortum
(Ceftazidine), and turtles with shell rot /
skin ulceration placed on Acriflavin baths.
Swabs for bacteriology assessment were taken
from several shell wounds and abscesses.
All individuals were eating and appeared
strong. Half of the colony did not show any
symptoms at all.
During the examination, KFI staff was trained
in identifying health problems, examination
and restraint of turtles and Diverlie Acosta
(Turtle Keeper) was taught how to inject
fluids and antibiotics.
Conclusions
There is a concern that the concrete quality
and breakdown is creating problems in water
quality that is detrimental to the health of S.
leytensis but not to the other freshwater turtle
species held at the center. Source water is
high in pH but compounded by the concrete
leaching, as evidenced by the alkalinity /
hardness levels. The link to the heavy rainfall
is still tenuous, and further investigation
of groundwater contamination is needed.
Aggression needs to be monitored as this
is also probably impacting on the turtles in
terms of social stress. The turtles are now on
a treatment course that will need to be re-
evaluated in a few weeks. At this stage, the
turtles appear strong, retain good appetites
and are expected to respond to treatment
well. Underlying husbandry and water quality
issues are most likely impacting negatively on
their health problems and once resolved we
are positive that in the near future KIEBC
will have its first captive bred S. leytensis.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the TSA, especially
Rick Hudson, for the quick response and
assistance and for sponsoring the veterinary
visit. Further, we would like to thank the
management of Ocean Park Corporation
for also partially funding the visit and the
generous donation of medication. Thanks
also to KFI's principal sponsors and partner
donors: Loro Parque Fundacion (LPF)
Zoological Society for the Conservation of
Species and Populations (ZGAP), Chester
Zoological Gardens, and Conservation des
Espces et des Populations Animales (CEPA).
Thanks to the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources Protected Area
Wildlife Bureau for sharing our common
concern for the conservation of threatened
species. Thanks to the Shellshock Turtle
and Tortoise Conservation Campaign of the
Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Thanks in particular to Kevin Buley,
Shellshock Campaign Organizer and Curator
of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates at
Chester Zoo, UK for providing the starting
capital to put up the turtle facilities at
KIEBC. We also would like to acknowledge
the Turtle Conservation Fund for supporting
KFI's research on the species in the wild that
is providing important information on its
biology and ecology.
Sabine Schoppe
Project Director
Philippine Freshwater Turtle
Conservation Program (PFTCP)
Katala Foundation Incorporated (KFI)
PO Box 390
Puerto Princesa City
PH-5300 Palawan, Philippines
Sabine_schoppe@web.de
Nimal Fernando
Senior Veterinarian
Ocean Park Corporation
Aberdeen, Hong Kong
nimal.fernando@oceanpark.com.hk
The TSA has supported fieldwork for S. leytenis
with Seed Grants in the past but this our first
interaction with the captive population. We look
forward to becoming increasingly involved with
this important program.
Sabine Schoppe, Project Director for the Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program at one of the
S. leytensis captive enclosures.
Nimal instructs Diverlie Acosta on administering
fluids to a S. leytensis.
NIMAL FERNANDOSABINE SCHOPPE
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AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
MEDICAL
The reproduction of captive chelonians
has increased significantly over the last
few decades. Attention to the disorders of
the reproductive tract is essential for proper
health care when encountering reproductive
failure of unknown origin. The chelonian
reproductive cycle in the wild is controlled by
multiple factors including proper day length,
environmental temperature, humidity and
an optimal plane of nutrition. These factors
combined with the presence of a suitable
habitat play a vital role in the reproductive
success of chelonians in the wild. It is difficult
to provide an ideal environment, which
resembles natural conditions, in captivity.
A basic understanding of the species natural
history is important not only to design
a treatment plan, but also to establish
preventive measures aimed at decreasing the
incidence of reproductive tract disease.
The diagnosis of reproductive tract disease can
prove challenging in chelonians. Generally,
females gain significant weight when gravid.
In some chelonians the calcified eggs can
be palpated through the femoral fossa.
The diagnosis of reproductive tract disease
is based on the collection of a thorough
history, physical exam findings, laboratory
tests, radiography, ultrasonography, and/or
endoscopy.
Common diseases
of
the
chelonian
reproductive tract include egg retention,
dystocia, egg yolk coelomitis, and penile
prolapse. Egg retention is defined as failure
to lay eggs as expected, based on breeding
history. Dystocia refers to difficulty in
oviposition secondary to internal or external
factors which can be environmental or
pathologic. Many chelonian species will
produce infertile eggs in captivity and may
not lay them, making oviposition disorders
common in captive animals. These conditions
are hardest to diagnose, with certainty, in
chelonians because many species can hold
the eggs in the oviduct if conditions for
oviposition are not favorable. Furthermore,
Health Assessment of the Chelonian Reproductive Tract
Sam Rivera, DVM, MS, Dipl ABVP
they may not show clinical signs associated
with the prolonged presence of eggs within
the oviduct.
Causes of egg retention or dystocia include
inadequate husbandry (lack of proper nesting
site), malnutrition, obesity, misshapen eggs,
dehydration, urolithiasis, cloacoliths, egg
yolk coelomitis, ectopic eggs, fecal impaction,
intestinal foreign body, granuloma/abscess
within the oviduct, or neoplasia. Clinical
signs are non-specific and vary from no overt
clinical signs to anorexia, lethargy, dyspnea,
edema of the extremities, cloacal discharge,
straining, cloacal prolapse, and abnormal
ambulation (particularly in aquatic turtles).
Diagnosis of egg retention or dystocia
requires close evaluation of the patient's
husbandry and reproductive history. A
thorough diagnostic work up is required
before
pursuing
treatment
options.
Radiographs are important when assessing
number, integrity, and degree of calcification
of the eggs. Ultrasonography and endoscopy
can also provide valuable information and
help identify underlying disease that may be
leading to the dystocia.
Egg-yolk coelomitis is caused by leakage
of yolk material, from a ruptured follicle
or egg, into the coelomic cavity. The yolk
material in the coelomic cavity can incite a
moderate to severe inflammatory response
which if untreated often leads to death. This
is one of the most common diseases of the
reproductive tract leading to death. Clinical
signs associated with egg-yolk coelomitis
include anorexia, lethargy, diarrhea, lack
of fecal output, and pain upon coelomic
Overcalcified eggs in the oviduct of a Dipsochelys elephantina. Notice the irregular shell and two of
the eggs are adhering to each other.
STEPHANIE SCANLIN
99
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
palpation. A definitive diagnosis can be
made by ultrasonographic identification
of fluid in the coelom, aspiration and
analysis of the material, or by endoscopy.
Treatment involves surgery and in many cases
ovariectomy may be required.
Penile prolapse is relatively common in
chelonians. Abnormal prolapse is usually
a secondary condition. During copulation
the prolapsed penis can suffer from trauma
leading to edema and inflammation, resulting
in prolonged exposure and further damage
and necrosis. Other etiologies include
excessive straining secondary to gastro-
intestinal disease (impaction, parasites),
urolithiasis,
and nutritional
secondary
hyperparathyroidism. Trauma to the distal
spinal column leading to nerve damage
or cloacal trauma can also lead to penile
prolapse. In some cases treatment requires
penile amputation which, in chelonians, will
end the reproductive potential of the animal.
The captive reproduction of chelonians will
continue to increase in the future. Special
attention to all the factors associated with
the overall health of animals in captivity
will be of utmost importance for all those
involved in their care. As outlined in this
article, the reproductive tract of chelonians
is often associated with significant morbidity
and mortality in the captive environment.
Whereas some conditions, such as egg yolk
peritonitis, carry a poor prognosis, most
disorders of the chelonian reproductive
tract carry a favorable prognosis if treated
promptly.
Sam Rivera, DVM, MS, Dipl ABVP
srivera@zooatlanta.org
Associate Veterinarian
Department of Veterinary Services
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, SE
Atlanta, Georgia, 30315
Healthy gravid Manouria impressa
Prolapsed penis in a Centrochelys sulcata
STEPHANIE SCANLINSAM RIVERA
100
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
BEHLER TURTLE CONSERVATION AWARD
Rick Hudson and Heather Lowe
The Turtle Survival Alliance and the
IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater
Turtle Specialist Group are pleased to
announce that the 2009 Behler Award is
presented to Dr. Gerald Kuchling. It would be
altogether inappropriate to have a meaningful
discussion about chelonian conservation
programs without prominently mentioning
Gerald. His name has more or less become
synonymous with turtle conservation and
he will forever be linked
with the recovery of some
of the world's rarest and
most endangered chelonians.
Approaching problems with a
strong background in science,
combined with a healthy dose
of common sense, Gerald's
perspective on dealing with
turtle conservation issues is
always analytical and well
reasoned. He is unusual in
that he manages to blend
strong academic credentials
with a genuine appreciation
of husbandry techniques, and
the result is a very practical
application of
science to
conservation
problems,
especially those with a captive
component. According to TSA President
Rick Hudson "If you have to go to battle
to save a turtle on the brink of extinction,
you definitely want Gerald Kuchling on your
side."
He is best known for leading the recovery
effort for one of the world's most endangered
species
the western
swamp turtle
(Pseudemydura umbrina). Moving
from
their native Austria to Western Australia in
1987, Gerald and his wife Guundie have
dedicated their lives to this species, once
believed to be extinct. Dr. Kuchling launched
a recovery program in 1988 that originated
with a captive colony of just 25 animals. A
reintroduction component was added in
1994 that has boosted the wild population
Gerald Kuchling Receives the 2009 Behler Turtle Conservation Award
from less than 50 animals to more than 300.
Dr. Kuchling and his wife also co-authored
two children's books featuring the western
swamp turtle, with the hopes of inspiring
future generations to continue to care for this
imperiled species.
In Madagascar, he brought the critical
situation of the Madagascan big-headed
turtle (Erymnoclelys madagascariensis) to our
attention in the early 1990's. He also worked
on the ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys
yniphora), studying their reproductive cycle.
He is widely regarded as the world's foremost
authority
on
chelonian
reproductive
physiology and pioneered the use of
endoscopy for sex determination in turtles.
In 1999, he published the definitive book on
this topic, The Reproductive Biology of the
Chelonia.
In Burma, he is credited with the rediscovery of
one of the world's rarest and most endangered
freshwater turtles, the Burmese roofed turtle
(Batagur trivattata), establishing the first
captive breeding group for this species. His
1990's market surveys in Yunnan Province
provided much insight into the extent of the
freshwater turtle trade between Myanmar
and China. He has worked on Roti Island
snakenecks (Chelodina mccordi) in Indonesia,
giant softshell turtles (Chitra chitra) in
Thailand, tortoises in South Africa, river
terrapins (Batagur affinis) in Malaysia, Desert
tortoises in California, and most recently
he led the effort to rescue the Yangtze giant
softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) in China
from extinction. As this announcement is
being written, eggs from the
last pair of Rafetus in China
are incubating at Suzhou Zoo.
Looking down the road, it
would be altogether fitting if
Gerald's receiving this award
coincided with the successful
hatching of these eggs. In
what would be perhaps the
most significant event in the
history of turtle conservation,
hatching Rafetus would be the
crown jewel in a remarkable
set of achievements that have
marked Dr. Kuchling's career.
The Turtle Survival Alliance
and
the
IUCN/SSC
Tortoise
and
Freshwater
Turtle
Specialist
Group
(TFTSG) established the John Behler Turtle
Conservation Award in 2006, a major annual
award presented jointly by these groups to
honor leadership and excellence in the field
of turtle and tortoise conservation. The
award honors the memory of John Behler,
previous Chair of the TFTSG and Curator
of Herpetology at the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife
Conservation Society. The Award includes
an honorarium of $3,000, and co-sponsors
this year include the Chelonian Research
Foundation, Conservation International,
Chelonian Research
Institute,
Behler
Chelonian Center, World Chelonian Trust,
Wildlife Conservation Society, Deborah
Behler and Brett and Nancy Stearns.
Dr. Kuchling performs an ultrasound exam on the female Rafetus to determine
reproductive status. Photo by Qi Zhenglin
101
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
TSA
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
Supporters donating $200 - $499
Brian Bolton, Rebecca Christoffel, Orlando Diaz-Figueroa, Indian River Insulation, John
Iverson, Thomas Jacoby, Robert Krause, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Dan Pearson, Peter
Reed, Lisa Weiss
Supporters donating $500 to $2499
Cleveland Metroparks AAZK, Como Zoo Friends, Alessandro Fornetti, Jacksonville Zoo, Los
Angeles Zoo, Michigan Herp Society, Sedgwick County Zoo, Bruce Shapiro,
Woodland Park Zoo
Supporters donating $2500 to $5000
Columbus Zoo, Detroit Zoological Society, Fort Worth Zoo, Kadoorie Farm & Botanic
Garden, San Diego Zoo, David Shapiro
Supporters donating $7,500 to $19,999
Behler Chelonian Center, British Chelonia Group, Walter Sedgwick, Taste of Thai, Walde
Research & Environmental Consulting
Supporters donating $20,000 or more
Beneficia Foundation, Nature's Own, Pat Koval/WWF Canada
2009 Conference Sponsors
Conservation International, Chelonian Research Foundation (Student Speaker Awards),
ZooMed, Brett and Nancy Stearns
2009 Behler Award Sponsors
Conservation International, Chelonian Research Foundation, Chelonian Research Institute,
Behler Chelonian Center, Deborah Behler, World Chelonian Trust, Brett and Nancy Stearns,
Wildlife Conservation Society
Special thanks to Sheena Koeth and Taste of Thai who sold merchandise on the behalf of the TSA,
resulting in more than $6,000 (combined) in funds raised for turtle conservation.
Thank you for your support!
The TSA gratefully acknowledges the following supporters for their support over the past year (July 2008-July 2009):
102
AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE
103
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALL IANCE AUGUST 2009
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PHOTOGRAPH BY CHUCK SCHAFFER
104
BRIAN D. HORNEPublication Supported by:
The Setiu River in Malaysia supports
both Batagur af finis and B. borneoensis
(pictured here) and will be the focal
point of an expanded TSA fund-raising
campaign,
to be
launched soon.
Malaysia supports a diversity of large
river turtles that are in need of urgent
conservation measures (see story page
90).