AUGUST 2004
An IUCN Partnership Network for Sustainable Captive Management of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises
Preserving Options for the
Recovery of Wild Populations
The mission of TSA is to develop and maintain an inclusive, broad-based global network
of collections of living tortoises and freshwater turtles with the primary goal of
maintaining chelonian species over the long term to provide maximum future options for
the recovery of wild populations.
www.turtlesurvival.org
Publication supported
by:
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
First captive breeding of the Arakan forest turtle, Heosemys depressa, by Dwight Lawson, Turtle Survival
Alliance Co-chair (see inside story on page 10).
Volume 4 No. 1
2
Dear TSA Supporter:
Welcome to the fourth TSA Newsletter. These are exciting times for the TSA and this year has been
our busiest by far, something that is amply refl ected in this volume. We continue to grow and expand
in scope, and our organization becomes more complex each day. Some of the past year's highlights
include:

Incorporated as the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation, soon to be a 501(3) nonprofi t
organization.
Conducted a population management training workshop in Fort Worth, Texas.
Conducted a Turtle Husbandry and Veterinary Training workshop in Singapore that was
attended by 45 students from 11 Asian countries.
Witnessed the opening of the International Center for the Conservation of Turtles (ICCT)
at the Muenster Zoo.

Initiated a small grants program for TSA Partners.

Successfully imported a captive group of Roti Island snakeneck turtles from Europe.
Rescued nearly 300 confi scated turtles for placement in TSA homes.

Provided signifi cant support to the NYTTS Asian Scholarship Program.
Developed our fi rst collaborative range country conservation program for India's turtles
(with the Madras Croc Bank Trust).

Piloted a new electronic newsletter to keep our partners better informed.

Provided fi nancial support to turtle conservation programs in India, Myanmar and
Malaysia.
Organized our second annual TSA conference.

Implemented a bi-level membership and dues structure.

Prepared to launch a major fundraising campaign through the European Association of
Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) knows as "Shellshock."
What is amazing about all this work is that it was accomplished almost entirely through the good
will and dedication of a strong volunteer network. And while this situation may sustain us for the
time being, as the TSA grows and expands its programs, it is clear that we will need paid employees.
Our challenge then in the next few years will be to determine how to hire part-time employees
without impacting the level of support that we provide to range country programs. Please consider
this when we launch our membership dues campaign that we believe will enable us to meet our
growing fi nancial demands and operating expenses. Remember too that the TSA is one of the rare
conservation organizations where 100% of your donation for in situ programs will remain earmarked
solely for that cause with no overhead or administrative costs.
Our goal for this coming year is to continue to expand the TSA's global network, and to position
ourselves fi nancially to be able to meet the many challenges of saving turtles. Some excellent
examples of progress toward this goal are found on the following pages.
Rick Hudson and Dwight Lawson
Co-Chairs, Turtle Survival Alliance
To become a member of TSA, pay dues or donate to one of our conservation
programs, go to our web site www.turtlesurvival.org and click on "Support
the TSA" or "Join the TSA."
From the TSA Co-Chairs...
TURTLE SURVIVAL
ALLIANCE BOARD
Rick Hudson
Co-Chair Executive Committee
TSA US Co-Chair
Dwight Lawson
Co-Chair Executive Committee
TSA US Co-Chair
Chris Banks
Executive Committee
TSA Australia
James E. Barzyk
Executive Committee
TSA Program Offi cer
Kevin Buley
Executive Committee
TSA Europe Vice-Chair
Hans Dieter Philippen
Executive Committee
TSA Europe Vice-Chair
Hank Zwartepoorte
Executive Committee
TSA Europe Chair
John Behler
Ex-offi cio Executive Commmittee
IUCN TFTSG Co-Chair
Anders Rhodin
Ex-offi cio Executive Committee
IUCN TFTSG Co-Chair
US Steering Committee
Kurt Buhlmann
Mike Forstner
Charlie Innis
Lisa Lowell
Lonnie McCaskill
Hugh Quinn
Chris Tabaka
Susan Tiedemann
Paul vander Schouw
Darrell Senneke
Brett Stearns
TURTLE HUSBANDRY WORKSHOP
3
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), in conjunction with
the Singapore Zoological Gardens, conducted a turtle
husbandry and veterinary care workshop March 29 through
April 1, 2004. About 45 people from 11 countries participated.
Nations represented included Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong
(China), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, and the US. Represented were professors,
veterinarians, wildlife center staff, graduate students, zoo
personnel, fi eld, researchers, animal rescue center staff, aquarium
personnel, and wildlife sanctuary wardens.
Instructors were Bill Holmstrom (Collection Manager of the
Wildlife Conservation Society's (WCS) Herpetology Department),
Doug Hendrie (Asian Turtle Coordinator for Cleveland Metroparks
Zoo and WCS), Dwight Lawson (General Curator of Zoo Atlanta),
Hugh Quinn (General Curator of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo) and
Chris Tabaka (Veterinarian at the Detroit Zoological Institute).
Topics discussed included the TSA, the Asian turtle crisis,
species identifi cation, individual turtle identifi cation techniques,
record keeping, turtle nutrition, triage, shipping, temporary
holding, disposition of confi scated turtles and small population
management.
Instruction was given
through PowerPoint
presentations and hands-on work utilizing the Singapore Zoo's
living collection.
As a spin-off of the workshop, a Batagur working group was
formed to help coordinate conservation efforts for that critically
endangered species. The budding veterinary working group for
Asian turtles was also strengthened. This course will be offered
again in 2005 at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Hong
Kong, targeting participants from China.
Building the capacity for turtle conservation in range countries
is one of the primary goals of the TSA. The Singapore training
workshop is an excellent example of how we can achieve this,
empowering an enthusiastic cadre of turtle practitioners with
the skills and tools to save turtles. Our challenge now is to be
able to provide them with the resources - facilities, supplies,
logistical support - to be successful. Increasingly the TSA is
becoming recognized as a global force for turtle conservation,
and increasingly we are called on to help support range country
conservation efforts. To meet these demands we will need to step
up our fund-raising efforts considerably. The struggle to save
turtles will be won or lost in the range country, and at least for now
in Southeast Asia, the TSA's global network has expanded to meet
this challenge.
Support to conduct this workshop was provided by Asia Pacifi c
Breweries Pte Ltd, American Zoo and Aquarium Association
Conservation Endowment Fund, Cleveland Zoological Society,
Institute of Museum and Library Services, Lady Yuen-Peng
McNeice, SFA Football Club and the Singapore Zoological
Gardens.
A special thanks is extended to Singapore Zoo's Francis Lim and
his host committee.
Turtle Husbandry and Veterinary Care Workshop
Sponsored by the Singapore Zoological Gardens and The Turtle Survival Alliance
Forty-fi ve people from 11 countries participated in TSAs fi rst
Turtle Husbandry and Veterinary workshop which was hosted by
the Singapore Zoo. Hugh Quinn put together the funding package,
through various grants, that allowed this workshop to take place.
Dr. Chris Tabaka demonstrates turtle sexing techniques
to a group of Thai veterinary students at the
Singapore workshop.
Through a joint initiative of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
(CMZ) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS),
an Asian Turtle Coordinator position was recently created
to help reduce the threat to freshwater turtles and tortoises in East
and Southeast Asia posed by massive and unsustainable hunting
and trade.
The Coordinator works with TSA and other relevant parties such
as TRAFFIC, IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist
Group, and the Turtle Conservation Fund. Additionally, important
alliances are being formed with range country governments, non-
government organizations, institutions, agencies and individuals.
Specifi cally, the Coordinator was hired to enhance the development
in East and Southeast Asia of 1) appropriately managed turtle
assurance colonies, 2) turtle rescue facilities, and 3) a regional
prioritization strategy and action plan for controlling turtle
hunting and trade. Overall this position facilitates a coordinated
and improved response from the conservation community and
promotes a collaborative strategy for saving Asian turtles.
In fulfi lling these responsibilities, the Coordinator performs
such duties as 1) assisting in the implementation, coordination
and evaluation of turtle husbandry and veterinary care courses,
2) conducting need assessments of captive turtle facilities,
3) initiating formative cooperative turtle breeding programs,
4) assisting with confi scations to place turtles in appropriate
facilities, 5) planning a follow-up workshop of the one conducted
in Cambodia in 1999 to enhance regional collaboration among
CITES management authorities, 6) facilitating training courses
that will help control turtle trade, and 7) working with management
authorities to improve enforcement of laws regulating turtle
trade. The Coordinator is also compiling a database of East and
Southeast Asian institutions, individuals and agencies involved or
interested in turtle conservation, which is being utilized to create
a network that will enhance conservation efforts within the region.
A prioritized list of critical conservation initiatives for the region's
chelonians is also being created as part of Range State Action
Plans for all Southeast Asian countries. These documents are also
very useful for fund-raising.
CMZ and WCS are happy to announce that Doug Hendrie was
contracted as the Asian Turtle Coordinator. Doug is stationed
in Hanoi, Vietnam, and has served as Technical Advisor for
Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), program Manager/
Technical Advisor for the Turtle Conservation and Ecology
Project (TCEP) in Vietnam, and as Cuc Phong Conservation
Project Manager, Vietnam.
Since assuming this position, Doug has literally "hit the ground
running" and is rapidly compiling profi les of existing range
country turtle conservation programs, their personnel, facilities,
history, potential, strengths, weaknesses and needs. Through his
timely and detailed reports, the TSA is kept well-informed of the
current activities of these programs, and is able to take decisive
action with regards to funding or other needed support.
Moreover, Doug is working hard to expand the TSA global
network to include the various rescue, breeding and headstart
facilities that already exist throughout southeast Asia. Though
limited in number, these facilities offer a tremendous benefi t to
turtle conservation in the area because they empower and educate
the local people. Generally constrained by funding shortages, it
is important that the TSA invest in these range country centers.
First, because it is the most cost effective method of promoting
turtle conservation action in the area, and second, because these
centers offer hope for the future for that regions turtles.
Thanks, Doug, for bridging the gap between what we do for
turtles at home with our range country counterparts. It is through
the development of such partnerships for turtle conservation that
keeps the TSA relevant and part of the "big picture."
Creation of this position was made possible through
funding from Cleveland Zoological Society, WCS,
Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the
G.G. Wade Foundation (Cleveland).
ASIAN TURTLE CONSERVATION COORDINATOR
4
Asian Turtle Coordinator Position Created
Advancing the Mission and Goals of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA)
Doug Hendrie examines juvenile mangrove terrapins for sexual dimor-
phism with a group at the Batagur headstart facility near Terengganu,
Malaysia. The people in the photos (from left to right) are Karmila
Duli, Soh Chong Leng, Hugh Quin and Dr. Chan Eng Heng.
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR THE CONSERVATION OF TURTLES
5
It has been a long, hard struggle, but fi nally the fi rst room
of the breeding facility for endangered Asian turtles at the
Allwetter Zoo in Muenster Germany has been completed.
After a construction phase of about 20 months, the International
Center for the Conservation of Turtles (ICCT) has offi cially
started operations with the opening ceremony on October 18,
2003.
The fi rst of Elmar Meiers rare and valuable turtle stock had
already been moved to the ICCT in September. Following a
lecture by turtle expert Professor Fritz Jrgen Obst (DGHT),
Elmar Meier - the initiator of this cooperative venture between
the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species
and Populations (ZGAP), Muenster Zoo and the German
Herpetological Society "Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Herpetologie
und Terrarienkunde" (DGHT) - presented the new inhabitants
of the ICCT to more than 150 invited guests from six countries
(Switzerland, Czechia, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom
and Germany). Far into the night, experiences were exchanged
and new contacts established.
Currently, 119 turtles are living in the ICCT, belonging to the
following species:
Chinemys megalocephala
Cuora trifasciata
Chinemys nigricans

Cuora zhoui
Cuora aurocapitata

Heosemys depressa
Cuora g. galbinifrons

Leucocephalon yuwonoi
Cuora g. bourreti

Mauremys annamensis
Cuora mccordi


Notochelys platynota
Cuora pani


Sacalia quadriocellata
All turtles have settled in and the fi rst egg deposition in M.
annamensis has already occurred. This unique project has been
supported by the Turtle Conservation Fund and Conservation
International, in addition to many German and European donors
and sponsors. In the long run, the fi rst breeding room will be
allocated to tropical animals. The subtropical room still has to
be established, especially for breeding the four endemic Cuora
species. Hopefully, this second room and the necessary shading
and security installations will be completed by summer 2004.
The completion of the interior of the affi liated information and
education center will also soon be started, with funds from
the German Foundation "Nordrhein-Westflische Stiftung
fr Umwelt und Entwicklung" (Environmental Foundation of
North Rhine-Westphalia).
Grand Opening of the International Center
for the Conservation of Turtles (ICCT)
The fi rst breeding room to open at ICCT is for tropical turtles. Here
visitors get a fi rst look at many of the vivaria.
Elmar Meier inspects one of his turtle vivaria in preparation for the
grand opening of the ICCT. This facility is a model for private-public
collaboration, integrating one of the most successful breeding col-
lections of threatened Asian turtles in the world with a new facility
benefi tting from both Zoo support and infrastructure.
Rare and Chinese endemic Cuora (seven taxa) are the focal spe-
cies of the ICCT program. A beautiful fl owered box turtle, Cuora
galbinifrons, is shown here.
EAZA SHELLSHOCK CAMPAIGN
6
Kevin Buley, Curator of Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates, Chester Zoo, United Kingdom
Each year the European Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA)
adopts a conservation campaign a cause under which the 300
member institutions can unite, promote and raise funds. Previous
EAZA campaigns have included tigers, the bushmeat crisis and
the conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest. The next EAZA
conservation campaign will be "Shellshock" and will focus
exclusively on turtles and tortoises. The Shellshock campaign
will have three main aims:
1. Raising awareness of the biggest terrestrial vertebrate taxon extinction event since the disappearance of the dinosaurs.
Although they may not be widely considered as charismatic as many mammals and birds, tortoises and turtles nevertheless have the
capacity to evoke great affection and sympathy amongst zoo visitors. The campaign will highlight the plight that many species face and
the conservation action needed to save them.
2. Promoting and supporting further member participation in TSA Assurance Colonies.
In the short term, the only hope of survival for many species of tortoise and freshwater turtle is in captivity- in populations planned,
established and managed specifi cally for this purpose. The participation of many more zoos in TSA Assurance Colonies is required to
prevent further species extinctions.
3. Fund-raising initiatives for specifi c in situ turtle and tortoise conservation projects.
For species where there is still a chance of saving them in the wild, Shellshock will be raising money to support priority initiatives in
range countries. Our initial fund-raising target for Shellshock will be 150,000 Euros ($180,000) over the 12-month campaign period.
Shellshock will launch in September 2004 at the Annual EAZA Conference in Kolmarden, Sweden.
A population management workshop was held at the Fort Worth Zoo January
1719, 2004. Designed to provide TMG coordinators with the basic tools
and knowledge to properly manage a captive population, the workshop was
attended by 10 TSA partners. Instructors were Kevin Willis (Minnesota Zoo)
and Bob Wiese (Fort Worth Zoo), both of who have a combined background
of nearly 30 years in teaching captive population management techniques.
Hugh Quinn, Annabel Ross and Rick Hudson assisted with the curriculum.
Students received training on how to organize a TMG, the use of studbooks,
record keeping, genetics of small populations, taxonomy and conservation,
demography, and the various types of population management and the goals
of each. Two useful summary documents resulted from this workshop that
TSA partners should fi nd useful: Guidelines for Turtle Record Keeping and
Guidelines for Turtle Population Management. Both of these are available by
contacting Hugh Quinn at hrq@clevelandmetroparks.com. This workshop
was made possible by funding from the Cleveland Zoological Society, G.G.
Wade Foundation and the Fort Worth Zoo.
TSA Holds Turtle Population Management Workshop
SHELLSHOCK
The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
Turtle & Tortoise Conservation Campaign 2004/2005
From left to right: Richard Ogust, Chris Hagen (sitting)
Julie Tougas and Ray Farrell look at the latest version
of population management software.
7
TSA RESCUE GROUP
The TSA Rescue Group has experienced another busy
year so far in 2004, having received, treated and placed
398 turtles and tortoises. Though shy of the numbers
processed in 2003 when 533 turtles were rescued, handling
nearly 400 confi scated turtles is enough to keep one busy,
especially if it's done right.
And that's what TSA Partner Bill Ninesling does-cares for
turtles with compassion and a remarkable sense of dedication.
By making his turtle facilities available to TSA, and even
expanding to accommodate the growing demands placed on
him by the ever-frequent USFWS seizures, Bill provides a
critical service to the TSA.
Without the commitment of Bill and his family, there are a lot
of turtles that would not be here today, and TSA would not be
able to provide the service that we do for turtle rescue. It is
through the tireless work of partners like Bill Ninesling and
Annabel Ross on behalf of turtle welfare that the TSA has been
able to cultivate a solid working relationship with USFWS.
Other partners that regularly contribute their time and expertise
for rescue are Lonnie McCaskill, and Drs. Greg Fleming and
Chris Tabaka. And it is not only USFWS that contacts TSA for
assistance. Again, Hong Kong AFCD requested our assistance
in placing over 300 baby Indian star tortoises, a group that
we split with TSA Europe. Currently, we are assisting with
groups of leaf and Malayan fl at-shelled turtles. Running such
an operation, with the frequent vet expenses and shipping bills,
is not without costs. The Rescue Group is able to sustain their
work at a break-even point through the processing fees that are
passed on to those receiving turtles.
TSA Rescue Group Staying Busy
Bill Ninesling hand feeds a group of confi scated wood turtles.
A sizeable group of juvenile Fly River turtles have been placed
through the TSA rescue process since 2003.
Notochelys (shown here) and Cyclemys will be included in an up-
coming shipment that TSA is placing for Hong Kong authorities.
Large numbers of Indian star tortoises were again handled by the
Rescue Team in 2004.
ASIAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
8
TSA Awards Grant for Asian Scholarship Program
In response to the catastrophic decline of turtle and tortoise
populations worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia where
the impact of the Chinese markets has had devastating
consequences, the Asian Scholarship Program (ASP) was born. It
is a vital response to the unsustainable loss of turtle populations
throughout the region, better known as the Asian turtle crisis.
This program brings young aspiring herpetologists from Asia and
other parts of the world to the United States for intensive summer
conservation courses, fi eld trips and workshops enabling them to
return to their native countries armed with knowledge and skills to
begin to save their nation's chelonian fauna.
The ASP has three primary goals: to develop scientifi c expertise
for chelonian research in their native country, to build conservation
leadership skills and to promote the formation of an ecological
network. The program began with one student in 2000, expanded
to two in 2001, three in 2002 and four in 2003.
Countries represented include Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia,
India, China, Myanmar, Laos and Madagascar. Students receive
primary training at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New
Jersey, under the supervision of Roger Wood, with the local
diamondback terrapin as the focus. Additional workshops and
fi eld trips are provided by Dr. Peter Pritchard, Bronx Zoo and
AMNH in New York, and a chance to participate in fi eld work
with gopher tortoises in Florida.
The Turtle Survival Alliance is pleased to announce the award
of a $2,000 grant to the ASP as partial funding for the 2004
scholarship. This year's recipient is A.M.H. Ali Reza from
Bangladesh, a country with extensive wetlands and a diverse
chelonian fauna. Reza recently completed his masters degree and
is seeking admission into a PhD program with an eye to becoming
the premiere herpetologist in Bangladesh. Please join us in
welcoming him to our annual conference in Orlando.
The Asian Scholarship Program is a program of the New York
Turtle and Tortoise Society in partnership with the Wetlands
Institute, Chelonian Research Institute, Gopher Tortoise Council
and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
2004 Asian Scholarship Program recipient A.M.H. Ali Reza is
shown here with a poster on the turtles of Bangladesh that he pre-
sented to the NYTTS.
From left to right: Shung Fung Chen (from Sarawak) who was an
intern at the Chelonian Research Institute and is now back in Malay-
sia working on Batagur. Kaylar Nyunt Thein (Myanmar), Phouthone
Kingsada (Laos) and Riana Rakotondrainy (Madagascar) were 2003
Asian Scholarship Program students that attended TSAs fi rst annual
conference.
9
The
Roti
Island
snakeneck, Chelodina
mccordi, is recognized
as one of the most endangered
species of chelonians on
the planet. This Indonesian
endemic has an extremely
limited range and is ranked
as Critically Endangered
by the IUCN Red List and
considered
commercially
extinct by importers. It is
considered one of the Turtle Survival Alliances highest priorities for captive
management.
Through a collaborative effort by numerous TSA Partners, the C. mccordi
TMG recently imported 47 captive-bred turtles from Europe. All were bred by
Oliver Rmpp from his group of wild-caught founder stock. These specimens
have been distributed among eight individual and institutional partners of the
TSA and represent new bloodlines to bolster the genetic potential of the North
American captive population. Successful breeding groups currently exist in
six U.S. and at least three European facilities, including both zoos and private
breeders. Though founder representation is relatively low at around 12-15
turtles, suffi cient bloodlines exist to effectively maintain this captive population
for long-term survival if the genetic potential is carefully managed. A studbook,
in preparation at the Columbus Zoo, will be an important tool toward realizing
this goal.
Preparations are currently being made to sample all possible founder specimens
for DNA typing. Kits are being assembled with detailed instructions for drawing
blood for analysis at the lab of Dr. Michael Forstner at Texas State University.
A grant proposal to the Columbus Zoo is also in preparation to provide funding
for this genetics work. Determining relationships within existing captive
founder populations will help ensure that genetic integrity is maintained within
the captive-bred population.
TSA Imports Roti Island
Snakeneck Turtles
Anyone interested in participating in this program is urged to contact
TMG coordinator Paul Vander Schouw at chelidman@tampabay.rr.com.
TSA Incorporates
In May 2004, the TSA incorporated in the
state of Texas as the Turtle Survival Alliance
Foundation, and is applying for 501(c)(3)
nonprofi t status. This move allows the TSA to
more effectively handle fi nancial transactions
and transfers the account from the Fort Worth
Zoo to a local Compass Bank.
Donors
The TSA wishes to acknowledge the
following donors
for
their
generous
contributions of $100 or more to turtle
conservation. We sincerely appreciate your
support.
Columbus Zoo
Disneys Animal Kingdom
Dallas Zoo
Detroit Zoological Institute
Jim & Kristin Kranz
Fort Worth Zoo
Island Foundation
Charles & Debra Landrey
Richard and Madeline Linck
Tim McLaughlin
Machi Miller
Gary Wilfong
Zoological Society of San Diego
2004 TSA Conference Sponsors
Purina Mills / Mazuri
Reptiles Magazine
Freds Pets
Kingsnake.com
Bushmaster Reptiles
The Bean Farm
Brett and Nancy Stearns
Special Thanks
Many thanks to Zoo Atlanta for generously
sponsoring and hosting the TSA-US steering
committee meeting in February 2004.
Using in-kind support from their corporate
partners, Delta Airlines and Holiday Inn,
travel and hotel vouchers were donated
to allow the group to travel with minimal
personal expense.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This issue of the TSA Newsletter is dedicated to some of the "workhorses" of the TSA: Lisa Lowell (Secretary and Membership
Coordinator), Bill Ninesling (Rescue), Annabel Ross (Rescue, Permits and Records), Darrell Senneke (web site), Hugh Quinn
(Fundraising and Training workshops), Lonnie McCaskill (Rescue, Fund-raising and conference organization), Chris Tabaka
and Grag Fleming (Veterinary support). Special thanks to TSA conference program chairmen, Charlie Innis (2003) and Don
Boyer (2004) and to Meg Bommarito (Fort Worth Zoo) for the many hours spent on the layout and design of this newsletter.
10
THE NEXT GENERATION
The Next Generation
First Captive Breeding of the Arakan Forest Turtle
The honor of the fi rst-ever captive breeding of Heosemys depressa belongs to
Dwight Lawson. Dwight reports four eggs were laid 23 December 2003. The eggs
measured 62-67 mm long by 37-38 mm wide, and were incubated at 27 29 o C
in 1:1 vermiculite. Blood vessel development was noticed in one egg on 23 March.
One egg hatched 2 May 2004, a second on 23 May. To break an apparent diapause,
two eggs were cooled after about 50 days of incubation but showed no signs of
development. Hatchlings began eating about three weeks post hatching and are
feeding on greens and chopped vegetables, but have consistently refused live food.
Houston Zoo Announces Captive Breeding of Yellow-headed
Temple Turtles
Two Hieremys have hatched at the Houston Zoo, progeny of a male from the
Hong Kong confi scation of December 2001. Four eggs were laid in the water
in a winter holding area on 20 January 2004, and two hatched on 22 and 28
April after 93 and 99 days of incubation at 28.5 30.5o C. The staff reports
rapid growth on a mixture of various greens, snails and Mazuri turtle chow, and
weights of 130- 138 grams had been attained in less than three months. The
fi rst hatching of Hieremys from the Hong Kong seizure was at Paul Vander
Schouws facility, where seven hatched from eggs laid by wild-caught gravid
females in summer 2002.
Toronto Zoo Announces Vietnamese Box Turtle Hatching
A rare hatching of Vietnamese box turtles, Cuora galbinifrons, occurred at the
Toronto Zoo in 2003. Eggs were laid in a large exhibit on 3 August and incubated on
vermiculite (1:1) at 27o C and two hatched on 18 and 20 October.
Tewksbury Institute announces the hatching of seven spider tortoises
Maurice Rodrigues of the Tewksbury Institute of Herpetology announces the hatching of
seven Pyxis a. arachnoides and two Pyxis a. brygooi since changing incubation techniques in
November 2003. Maurice reports that eggs are incubated for the fi rst 35 days at 30o C, then
moved to a wine cooler at 18o C for 35 days, then back to 30o C for 35 days. If development
is observed, eggs are left to complete incubation. If not, they are again chilled to try and break
diapause. One egg required three such cooling cycles to trigger development.
THE NEXT GENERATION
The Next Generation
New Bloodlines for Asian Mountain Tortoises
Three new bloodlines for Manouria e. emys were integrated into the TSA
population in 2003. The Fort Worth Zoo hatched 16 from a clutch of 41 eggs,
half of which were infertile. Eggs were laid on 1 July and began hatching on
1 September. The eggs were incubated in vermiculite (2:1 with water) at 28
29o C. The Zoos breeding group consists of 2.3 adults, all from the 2001
Hong Kong seizure. This is the fi rst captive breeding from this group, and
currently 44 eggs from a different female are incubating. Dwight Lawson
reports that two clutches of emys emys
hatched in his private collection in 2003.
Two females laid clutches of 34 and 25
in late July and mid September. He
reports approximately 70 percent hatch
rate all together, but had some incubation
problems (incubated at 29o C).
When the TSA US Steering Committee met in February 2004, they set aside $2000 for a Partner Grants Program with the goal
of directly providing fi nancial support to partners whose activities strengthen our mission. This program is designed to fund
activities that:

Conduct scientifi c, question-driven experiments in captive husbandry.

Collect data or conduct applied research that improves overall success with assurance colony efforts.

Increases the effectiveness of Taxon Management Groups.

Facilitates participation with in situ conservation effort.

Enhances the capacity of assurance colonies including training, strategic planning or equipment purchases.
Priority program areas that are considered particularly relevant include projects that assist in the success of TMGs, husbandry research
that is likely to broadly impact the TSA Partnership, capacity building for expanding F1 holdings, and launching special initiatives or
creating unique opportunities to strengthen partner involvement in the TSA.
The recipient of TSAs fi rst Partner Grant is Dr. Brent Palmer, a Reproductive Endocrinologist specializing in reptiles and amphibians
in the Biology Department at the University of Kentucky. Brent has maintained a collection of turtles and tortoises for 35 years and is
passionate about their conservation. His project, entitled Reproduction in Endangered and Threatened African Tortoises, is designed
to investigate the role of circannual environmental factors (photoperiod, temperature and moisture levels) on reproduction in three
species of threatened tortoises: Egyptian, Pancake and Homes Hingeback. The objective is to better understand the captive conditions
required to optimize reproduction in these species. Congratulations, Brent!
TSA Announces First Partner Grant
11
The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), in conjunction
with the Turtle Survival Alliance, has announced a
collaborative program designed to develop and implement
conservation action plans for some of Indias most endangered
freshwater turtles. In terms of preserving overall chelonian
diversity, India ranks high in importance for directing limited
conservation resources. A fi ve-year plan lays the groundwork
for a multi-species, multi-faceted program that includes a range of
components including fi eld surveys, captive breeding management
and public awareness has been approved for approximately
$60,000. The bulk of this budget will support two Ph.D students
based out of MCBT, one focused on captive aspects, the other on
fi eld surveys. TSA supporter Walter Sedgwick pledged ($7500)
the fi rst years funds that were in turn matched by the TCF
($6000) and TSA ($1500). Construction funds for expansion
and improvements to aquatic facilities at MCBT were provided
by the British Chelonia Group, an excellent example of the kinds
of strategic partnerships that we need to cultivate to support this
program long-term.
A planning workshop is scheduled for January 2005 to identify
which of Indias turtles are most in need of assistance and to write
species specifi c conservation and management plans for each of
them. This too has been funded through a generous donation by
TSA partners Jim and Kristen Kranz, bringing the total to $26,000
raised since this idea was conceived in October 2003.
Due to their strong reputation and standing within both the national
and international herp conservation communities, the MCBT is
uniquely positioned to catalyze a broad range of initiatives for
Indias freshwater turtles. The critical components are already in
place in India, where a network of existing crocodile facilities and
zoos exist to support this program. MCBT, with their established
infrastructure (including facilities, incubation room, technical
expertise, husbandry skills) will serve as the focal point for this
program, but perhaps their most important asset is a genuine
desire to see this through. The TSA is proud to join forces with
such a wellrespected facility like the MCBT, and we believe
that this program will become the model for building other such
conservation partnerships as we expand the TSA global network.
RANGE COUNTRY PROGRAMS
TSA Range Country Programs Supported by TSA:
12
India: A Partnership for the Conservation
of Indias Endangered Freshwater Turtles
A male painted roofed turtle, Kachuga kachuga, in full breeding
color. Crtically endangered due to years of overharvesting for
food, this rare turtle will be one of the programs focal species
Both K. kachuga and the three-striped roofed turtle, K. dhon-
goka, are shown here, and are being headstarted at the Deori
Crocodile Center in Morena, India.
MCBT Director Harry Andrews inspects some of the 40
juvenile crocodile facilities at MCBT. This area is used
infrequently now and will be converted to turtle breeding
and rearing ponds with funding from the British Chelonia
Group,
The Setiu River in Terengganu, Malaysia, has been a site
where eggs from the critically endangered Asian river
terrapin, Batagur baska, have been traditionally collected
for decades. However, the species has declined dramatically in
this area, and egg collectors report that current nestings total no
more than 40 per year. Urgent conservation measures are needed
to prevent their extinction here in the very near future. Fortunately,
the University College of Science and Technology Malaysia
(KUSTEM) is located nearby and has been collecting, incubating
and hatching eggs for several years, and headstarting hatchlings
for release.
In 2003, 70 three- and four-year old terrapins were released, and
recaptures conducted. This provided the impetus to expand the
project, and in 2004, 364 eggs (20 clutches) were purchased from
villagers and fi shermen to expand the headstarting program,
indicating the willingness of the local community to support the
conservation goals of this program.
For many years, the Malaysian Fisheries Department has hatched
eggs and headstarted and released tens of thousands of young
Batagur. Unfortunately, there has been minimal follow-up
monitoring of these releases, and the percentage that survives is
still a mystery.
Also of concern is the unknown TSD effects of artifi cially
incubating all these eggs. Could they be fl ooding the population
with predominantly one sex as
some sea turtle programs did
years ago?
The KUSTEM project has the
potential to bring some much-
needed science to the existing
Batagur conservation efforts
in Malaysia and to answer
many questions
that could
greatly improve these recovery
techniques. KUSTEM has all
the ingredients needed to help
ensure that this program is successful over the long-term, including
ample fi shponds and hatchery space to support the headstarting
effort, a principle investigator with 12 years experience with
marine turtle research and conservation, and most importantly, a
steady stream of students to carry out the work. An added benefi t
is that plans are already underway to extend the headstarting
program to include Malaysian painted terrapins, Callagur, another
critically endangered species.
Recently the TCF awarded $4,000 in start-up funds to help get this
project off the ground, and the TSA contributed $2,000. We are
excited about the enormous potential that this program offers, and
we are pleased to be involved as a partner. In order to increase our
support, the TSA will soon launch a dedicated funding campaign,
so stay tuned as we expand the TSA global network.
RANGE COUNTRY PROGRAMS
13

Expanding the TSA Global Network
Malaysia: The Setiu River Terrapin
Conservation Program with KUSTEM
A local villager along the
Setiu river proudly displays
a female Batagur that he is
holding until she lays her
eggs. This village works
well with Professor Chan,
selling her eggs for the
headstart program,
then
releasing the females.
Setiu river once supported a
major nesting area but num-
bers have dropped off dra-
matically in recent years.
The site is near KUSTEM
where a new conservation
program offers hope for
Batagur recovery in this
region.
Professor Chan (left) watches as
her student mists Batagur eggs
incubating in Styrofoam boxes.
Newly hatched mangrove terrapins take their fi rst
peek at the world.
RANGE COUNTRY PROGRAMS
14
Myanmar: Assurance Colony for the
Burmese Roofed Turtle
Of all the turtle species endemic to Myanmar, the Burmese
roofed turtle, Kachuga trivittata, is certainly the most
critically endangered and, in fact, is believed to be
precariously close to extinction. From 1935 to 2002, no live
specimens were recorded and no captive specimens were known
to exist. However, thanks to the alert efforts and foresight of noted
chelonian biologist and conservationist Gerald Kuchling (Chelonia
Enterprises), three specimens (1.2) were located in a temple pond
in 2002 and transferred to Yadanabon Zoo in Mandalay.
Unfortunately, no adequate facilities existed and the turtles were
held in the elephant bathing pond. Given the critical nature of
the situation, and the urgent need to secure a captive breeding
nucleus, Gerald began a campaign to support the construction of
new ponds at the Zoo. In February 2003, with emergency funds
donated by BTG Studies in Sydney, Australia, and the Allwetter
Zoo in Muenster Germany, a large breeding pond was built.
Subsequently, specimens of confi scated turtles from traders and
fi shermen were acquired bringing the holdings to fi ve (1.2 adults
and 1.1 youngsters).

According to Kuchling, "Kachuga trivittata is in dramatic
non-cyclical decline and close to extinction in the wild. Of the
worlds top 25 most endangered turtles (TCF, 2003), this species
is arguably in the top two that most desperately need a captive
assurance colony in order to survive" (Rafetus swinhoei being the
other).
The captive colony at Yadanabon Zoo was created ad hoc and
because of a unique opportunity that Dr. Kuchling was able to
seize. And though the present pond has given the staff experience
with caring for these rare turtles, the challenge now is to set up an
adequate assurance colony that will both allow the specimens to
successfully reproduce and the program to expand. Facilities to
separate males and females, raise juveniles and to quarantine new
arrivals should be built. Deep water pools with the ability to fl ush
fresh water through the system are needed. In order to meet these
basic requirements and to take this important project to the "next
level," a $10,000 funding package from the Wildlife Conservation
Society, TSA, and the TCF was recently announced. However,
additional funds will be needed to support this program as we
expand the TSA global network.
Gerald Kuchling examines a female Burmese roofed
turtle with U Tint Lwin, head veterinarian at the
Yadanobon Zoo.
The fi rst pond to be constructed for the captive program at
Yadanobon Zoo is suffi cient for maintining the present group but
additional ponds are needed for quarantine and juvenile rearing.
A femail K
trivettata.
A female Kachuga trivittata.
EXPANDING THE GLOBAL NETWORK
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) is an IUCN Partnership Network for Sustainable Captive Management of Freshwater Turtles and
Tortoises. We are a recognized task force of the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group as well as an integral component of
the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF). Our mandate is simple: Preserving Options for the Recovery of Wild Populations. Organized in
January 2001 in response to the Asian turtle crisis, the TSA was founded on the belief that captive populations would be necessary to
prevent the extinction of some species. Today the TSA envisions a broader perspective, one that is involved whenever the conservation
strategy includes a captive component. Whether it is headstarting or assurance colony management, the TSA has something to offer.
And though the need to develop sustainable captive stocks of critically endangered chelonians is our driving force, the TSA is becoming
much more than a captive breeding organization.
Recognizing that the battle to save turtle populations will be won or lost in the regions where they occur, the TSA has embraced the need
to expand the global network to include our range country counterparts. Through a process of capacity building, we will work to install
the basic components for successful in situ turtle conservation activities. Through training workshops (see the article on page three
about the fi rst workshop in Singapore) and on site visits, through the provision of materials and technical expertise, through logistical
and fi nancial support - the TSA is fi rmly committed to empowering workers in range turtle states to become effective advocates for turtle
conservation. The TSA maintains a strong working relationship with Doug Hendrie and the Asian Turtle Conservation Network, and is
now able to respond rapidly to the current needs of our range country partners. We are able to quickly identify funding priorities and,
through our close affi liation with the TCF, locate the funds necessary to get the work done.
Increasingly the TSA is becoming recognized as a global force for turtle conservation and is now widely known as the group to call
when there is a turtle crisis. Our primary strength lies in the volunteer force that we can mobilize when needed. This is especialy
true with our veterniary team, many of whom have strong institutional backing. With a diverse partnership of private breeders, zoos,
conservation NGOs, veterinarians, academic researchers, nutritionists, fi eld biologists and range country rescue centers, the TSA
is uniquely positioned to conduct a wide range of turtle conservation activities, both in and ex situ. Due to a growing network of
supporting individuals and organizations, we are able to rapidly catalyze conservation action for turtles. However, the TSA is capable
of doing so much more for turtles. We are constrained only by lack of adequate funding. Please help support us as we expand the TSA
global network because if not TSA, then who?
Expanding the TSAs Global Network:
A Challenge to the Partnership
15
Kachuga

The TSA has developed some crucial global partnerships and is well positioned to have a major impact on turtle conservation in a
number of range countries such as India, Vietnam, Thailand, Madagascar, Malaysia and Myanmar. We will only be successful if we
can raise the necessary funds to support these grassroots conservation initiatives. We need your help!
YES! I want to help the TSA become a global force for turtle conservation.
My contribution will make a difference. For example:
$25 helps the TSA keep you informed of our international efforts in conservation.
$50 can fund much-needed turtle conservation awareness materials for the renowned Education for Nature program in Vietnam.
$100 can help construct new research and breeding enclosures at the Turtle Conservation and Ecology Project at Cuc Phong in
Vietnam.
$300 can help construct new headstarting facilities for endangered mangrove terrapins at the KUSTEM facilities in Malaysia.
$500 can help fund the Asian Scholarship Program and train an aspiring turtle biologist in conservation methods.
$1,000 can help develop a captive-breeding program for the critically endangered Burmese roofed turtle at the Yadanabon Zoo in
Mandalay, Myanmar.
$2,500 can pay the salary of a PhD student in India to work on turtle conservation for one full year.
For tax purposes, please send me an invoice for the following amount .
Name
Address
City State Zip
Home phone ( ) Work ( )
My check or money order is enclosed (payable to Turtle Survival Alliance).
Mail to: Rick Hudson, co-chair, Turtle Survival Alliance, 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth, Texas 76110
What Can You Do to Help the TSA Save Turtles?
Show your support for TSA!
T- shirts come in two colors, gray and sand, and are available
in M, L and XL. Each features the TSA logo on the front and
our new trademark "herd of turtles" on the back with your
choice of slogans:


Were in it for Life



or


So many species.So little time
To order please mail a check or money order for $23
(includes postage) per shirt, specifying size, color and style,
to: Turtle Survival Alliance, 1989 Colonial Parkway,
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
BUY ONE OF OUR NEWLY DESIGNED T-SHIRTS TODAY
Special thanks to John Binns for the new "herd of turtles" design.