An IUCN Partnership Network for Sustainable Captive Management of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises
AUGUST 2006
Publication supported by:
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
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
A remarkable and rarely seen sight, a male Burmese roofed turtle, Kachuga trivittata, in splendid breeding
coloration. The TSA, in partnership with WCS and the British Chelonia Group, is supporting efforts for this
critically endangered river turtle, both in captivity and in the fi eld (page 16-17). Photographed by Brian Horne in
October 2005 at the Yadanabon Zoo in Mandalay, Myanmar.
1
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
Kevin Buley
Executive Committee
TSA Europe Vice-Chair
Hans Dieter Philippen
Executive Committee
TSA Europe Vice-Chair
Hank Zwartepoorte
Executive Committee
TSA Europe Chair
Anders Rhodin
Ex-officio Executive Committee
IUCN TFTSG Chair
U.S. Steering Committee
Kurt Buhlmann
Mike Forstner
Greg George
Brian Horne
Lonnie McCaskill
Bill Ninesling
Hugh Quinn
Sam Rivera
Paul vander Schouw
Darrell Senneke
Brett Stearns
Chris Tabaka
Susan Tiedemann
Bill Zeigler
TMG Facilitator
TURTLE SURVIVAL
ALLIANCE BOARD
On the occasion of this sixth TSA newsletter and upcoming fourth annual conference, we pause to
reflect on the state of the organization today and the direction in which we are heading. If we had
to select a "break out" year for the TSA, 2006 would be it. As with any year, there have been some
significant highs and lows, but your organization remains financially viable, alive with the spirit of
volunteerism, well-connected internationally and strongly positioned to continue to make a lasting
impact on chelonian conservation.
We began 2006 with one of saddest events in our five year history, the passing of John L. Behler on
January 31 (see page 3). In addition to being an ardent and vocal supporter of the TSA, John was
the most impassioned voice of the turtle conservation community. To honor his legacy, the TSA
and IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group will present the first annual John Behler
Chelonian Conservation Award in August in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field. A
special conference session at the joint meeting in Saint Louis will likewise pay tribute with a series
of presentations on two of Johns enduring passions, Madagascar tortoises and the genus Clemmys.
Johns memory will always be with us, and our success his legacy.
Last years $100,000 Batchelor Foundation grant has the TSA firmly entrenched in six Asian
countries including Malaysia, Thailand, India, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam and Cambodia. In
Malaysia, Dr. Chan Eng Hengs excellent work with Batagur and Callagur (see page 14) focuses on
egg incubation and TSD studies, as well as headstart and release strategies. This work promises to
bring some much-needed science to ongoing recovery programs. In Thailand, Dr. Gerald Kuchling
and Shannon Ferrell, DVM, addressed husbandry and mortality issues with Chitra chitra at the
Kanchaniburi Fisheries Station and made some significant preliminary discoveries in the process
(see page 13). In India, the TSA and Madras Crocodile Bank Trust co-sponsored a Conservation
Planning workshop for Indias endangered freshwater turtles and tortoises then rapidly transitioned
into the action phase with a flurry of nesting season activities. In Myanmar, the TSA provided
critical support to the Burmese roofed turtle, Kachuga trivittata, both in the field and captivity.
Construction has begun on a new facility at Mandalays Yadanobon Zoo and a Wildlife Conservation
Society field team collected 200 eggs from eight nests on the Upper Chindwin river, where the last
known nesting sites for this highly endangered river turtle exist (see page 16). In Vietnam, the TSA
again provided support for operations and improvements to the Turtle Conservation Center at Cuc
Phuong. And in Cambodia, the TSA, in partnership with the European Association of Zoos and
Aquariums Shellshock campaign, is providing support for a headstarting operation for Batagur (see
page 15). In China, the TSA will help support a planning workshop for the worlds most endangered
freshwater turtle, the Yantgze River giant softshell, Rafetus swinhoei, headed for almost certain
extinction without heroic intervention (see page 29). Four specimens are in captivity in China in
three locations and a captive breeding plan must be developed soon. Closer to home, our initiatives
in southern Mexico (see article page 11) for Dermatemys are expanding with plans to develop a
community-based conservation program that could have widespread implications for the future of
this heavily exploited river turtle.
On the domestic front, the TSA membership program is now in its second year and the numbers
continue to grow. To date we have 110 individual partners, 40 institutional partners and 50 members
- 200 total. This is an essential component of our operating budget and allows us to respond to
emergencies and urgent requests for financial assistance. Increasingly the TSA is seen as the "go to"
group for conservation action, and we often find ourselves unable to respond to good conservation
initiatives because of lack of funds. Please know how much we appreciate your continued support,
and hope you understand how important that support is for endangered chelonians. While this
newsletter highlights our most recent conservation successes, the situation for many turtle species
remains critical. The TSA global network is expanding to meet the challenges and we need your
help. There are many ways to support the TSA, so please get involved as we work together to assure
a future for turtles.
Rick Hudson and Dwight Lawson
Co-Chairs, Turtle Survival Alliance
From the TSA Co-Chairs...
2

3
4
7
In Memoriam, John L. Behler
John L. Behler Chelonian Conservation Center
Range Country Programs

7
India

10
Vietnam

11
Mexico

13
Thailand

14
Malaysia

15
Cambodia

16
Myanmar
19
20
21
22
23
25
27
28
29
TSA Grant Announcements
Another Busy Year for the TSA Animal Management Group
Shellshock Campaign in Europe Exceeds Expectations
Gopher Tortoise Research: Translocation as a Conservation Tool
Significant Breedings
Taxonomic Management Group Reports
TSA Receives Disney Grant for Cambodia
Asian Scholarship Program
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Makes Major Commitment to Turtle Conservation
Rafetus Workshop in China
Knoxville Zoo Temperature Dependent Sex Determination Study
N THIS ISSUE...
I
12
7
11
22
3
The global herp conservation community has lost
one of its most impassioned voices. We are
deeply saddened to report that John Behler passed
away quietly in his sleep on January 31. Since
1976, John was the Curator of Herpetology at WCS/
Bronx Zoo where, during a distinguished 30-year
career, he inspired a legion of herp conservationists.
Particularly well known for his work with crocodilians
and chelonians, John was instrumental in organizing
cooperative captive management strategies for
endangered reptile and amphibian species. He
traveled widely and conducted fi eldwork in a range of
countries, but is perhaps best known for his efforts to
understand and preserve the tortoises of Madagascar,
a passion he pursued for over ten years. John also
worked to develop WCSs turtle conservation program
in Myanmar (Burma). He was the long-time Co-Chair
of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist
Group (TFTSG) and one of the founding members of
the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), an organization he
staunchly believed in and vigorously supported. He
was the driving force behind the formation of AZAs
Crocodilian Advisory Group, and ran the Chinese
Alligator SSP (the fi rst reptile SSP program) for
more than twenty-fi ve years. The genus Clemmys was
especially close to Johns heart and he conducted long
term fi eld studies on bog, spotted and wood turtles in
the northeast.
John was recognized as a leader in the world of
reptile and amphibian conservation, a role he accepted
and pursued with an uncompromising set of high
ethical standards and ideals. Truly a hero for turtle
conservation, John was a vocal champion for this
cause, sounding the alarm years before news of the
Asian turtle crisis hit. To better understand the mans
heart and passion, one needs only to read his prophetic
essay Troubled Times for Turtles, in the Proceedings
of the 1993 Purchase New York meetings, at http:
//nytts.org/proceedings/behler.htm.
Behler authored more than 40 popular scientifi c articles, fi ve guidebooks highlighting reptilians and amphibians and recently co-
authored a book "Frogs - A Chorus of Colors" with his wife, Debbie Behler. He is also survived by his mother, two children and fi ve
grandchildren.
To commemorate Johns life and to pay tribute to his legacy, the TSA and TFTSG will award the John Behler Chelonian Conservation
Award at the 4th annual conference in St Louis, 11 13 August 2006. The fi rst award will be presented to Ed Moll in recognition of
his lifetime achievements in turtle conservation. This award will carry a fi nancial stipend - $3,000 for 2006 - and is sponsored by
six leading turtle conservation organizations: Chelonian Conservation Center, Chelonian Research Foundation, Chelonian Research
Institute, Conservation International, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and World Chelonian Trust.
John L. Behler
(1943-2006)
In Memoriam
4
In 2005, the John L. Behler Chelonian Conservation Center
(JLBCCC) was organized for the captive husbandry and
propagation of chelonians with an emphasis on research and
education. When the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) de-
cided to dismantle operations on St. Catherines Island in 2004,
considerable concern was expressed on where and how to disperse
the incredibly valuable collection. The collection includes found-
ers of the radiated tortoise (G. radiata) Species Survival Plan and
also include the first recorded hatchlings in the United States of the
spider tortoise (P. arachnoides oblonga). Eric Goode and Maurice
Rodrigues, directors and founders of the JLBCCC, offered to help
by developing property in southern California for the purposes of
maintaining the collection. The JLBCCC has placed a consider-
able amount of funding and effort into developing the facility and
has established a very credible and talented board of trustees to
oversee its development. The board of trustees varies in expertise,
but has a common commitment for the conservation of endangered
turtles and tortoises.
In early 2005, construction began on several build-
ings for the collection. The commissary, greenhouse
and two winter tortoise holding buildings were built.
The greenhouse is a restored 1920s original with the
latest automation controls installed to regulate heat
and humidity. It has floor access doors that lead out
into large, shaded, rockwork-lined yards with pools
for species that require a wetter environment. The
commissary includes a full size commercial kitch-
en, nursery, winter tortoise holding facilities and
keepers quarters. The two winter tortoise holding
buildings have state-of-the-art heat and humidity
controls. All of the buildings have been constructed
to maintain the aesthetic of a 1920s Spanish style-
home set amid a desert-like landscaped garden, with
a profusion of indigenous cacti and succulents, na-
tive fruit trees and desert wildflowers,
all suitable for tortoise forage. The
facilities have been designed with
the utmost care and attention and
have incorporated the best available
technology to maintain the species
in the collection. These buildings in-
clude hyrdonic radiant floor heating,
elevated tables to hold smaller species
and hatchlings, large glass windows and skylights to allow opti-
mal sunlight and floor access doors that lead out to rockwork-lined
holding yards for larger species that are planted with a variety of
succulents and forage for the tortoises.
Striving to achieve the highest standard of captive husbandry for
the tortoises, the JLBCCC has thoroughly researched the natural
habitats and environmental conditions of the individual species
in the collection. The facilities have been designed to mimic the
biotic and abiotic factors necessary to ensure the health of each
species along with the development of food and forage plots to
supplement nutritional needs.
In the summer of 2005, the WCS agreed to transfer the collec-
tion held at the Wildlife Survival Center on St. Catherines Island,
Georgia, to the JLBCCCs developing site in southern California
through formal breeding loan agreements. The founder stock of
The John L. Behler
Chelonian Conservation Center
5
approximately 100 threatened or endangered specimens
from the WCS was relocated from St. Catherines Island
to the JLBCCC in October 2005. Currently, 11 species of
chelonians comprise the collection, including Geochelone
platynota, Geochelone radiata, Homopus s. signatus, Ho-
mopus areolatus, Chersina angulata, Pyxis planicauda,
Pyxis a. arachnoides, brygooi and oblonga, Manouria
emys phayrei, Manouria impressa, Testudo kleinmanni and
Geoclemys hamiltoni.
In January 2006, the JLBCCC decided to dedicate the facil-
ity in the name of John L. Behler, Curator of the Department
of Herpetology of the WCS. As a critical member of the
board of trustees, John L. Behlers vision and insight were
key elements in the inception and creation of the JLBCCC.
With the news of his passing, the facility has embraced his
vision for conservation and officially changed its name to
the John L. Behler Chelonian Conservation Center.
The JLBCCCs two-fold mission of education and con-
servation will be achieved through captive reproduction
efforts and building an assurance colony of genetically
diverse representatives of endangered chelonians. We also
wish to integrate our research and our work by establishing
and publishing protocols for successful breeding and train-
ing in the care and propagation of these species. JLBCCC
is committed to supporting in situ conservation and field
research that directly applies to our collection. As currently
envisioned, our in situ efforts will initially be directed to-
ward developing programs in Madagascar, Myanmar and
South Africa. The endeavors of the JLBCCC will furnish
the opportunity to grow in a variety of disciplines.
John L. Behler's vision and
Chelonian Conservation Center
inception and creation of the
insight were key elements in the
Left to right, Nancy Stearns, Lisette and Evan George, Gregory
George (Board), Jen Savage, Brett Stearns (Board) and Eric
Goode (Director). Board members not shown include Maurice
Rodrigues, Bill Holmstrom and Anders Rhodin
6
On March 13, 2006, Bill Zeigler, representing the TSA, met with members of the Batchelor Foundation to report on the status
of their 2005 grant of $100,000. The meeting was held at the Batchelor Foundation offi ce in downtown Miami, Florida and
consisted of Sandy Batchelor, Jon Batchelor and other Foundation members. A power point presentation was given covering the
projects the grant supported. During the presentation and again at the end, the Foundation stated their approval of TSAs methods and
utilizations of control to ensure the most effi cient use of the funds. Overall the Foundation was most impressed with the TSA and the
broad scope of accomplishments achieved by the grant money and the TSA in general. In gratitude, TSA presented the Foundation with
a print of a Galapagos tortoise, courtesy of Peter Pritchard.
The Batchelor Foundations 2005 grant has had an incredible impact on the TSAs ability to respond to urgent turtle conservation needs
in eight Asian countries and Mexico. Of the 18 species ranked Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, over half are being as-
sisted by TSA through Batchelor Foundation funding. The conservation programs that we are initiating in foreign lands are not short
term, and we need to be prepared to commit for the long haul. Aside from the programs already started, we need to expand to include
Madagascar and Africa. It is with this commitment in mind that we hope to strengthen our relationship with the Batchelor Foundation.
We will continue to demonstrate fi scal responsibility and substantial impact on improving the chances for survival for endangered turtles
and tortoises. Together we believe we can deliver on our promise of zero turtle extinctions in the 21st century. The following 11 pages
illustrate excellent examples of the work that is being done by TSA in Asia and Mexico, with Batchelor Foundation funding.
TSA Thanks the Batchelor Foundation
for its Generosity and Support
Several members of the TSA Steering Committee began the year by participating in a turtle
conservation mini-summit hosted by Conservation International (CI) in Washington, D.C.
from 13 16 January. Twenty-three people representing more than a dozen organizations and
programs working toward turtle conservation participated either directly, by phone or through internet access over the three full
days of meetings. In addition to the strong TSA presence, there were representatives from the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle
Specialist Group (TFTSG), the European Association of Zoos and Aquarium ShellShock Campaign, a number of CI country and
trade programs, the Wildlife Conservation Societys Asia Program (WCS), the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Turtle Conservation
Fund and the Chelonian Research Foundation. This was the fi rst re-convening of many of the individuals and organizations that met
in 2002 to develop the Global Action Plan for Conservation of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles prospectus. The gathering sought to
assess progress made since 2002 and strategize for the future.
The last four years have seen a number of successes on the fundraising front, an increase in awareness of the turtle conservation
issues, and a growing number of organizations and programs developing to combat the crisis. The summit provided an opportunity
to maximize the synergy of combined conservation efforts of various organizations. With the Batchelor Foundation grant, the TSA
has embarked on partnerships with a number of conservation organizations working in range countries, and the meeting provided a
forum to chart future activities.
During the summit, there were overview presentations by TCF, TSA, ShellShock, TFTSG, CI and WCS initiatives, and additional
presentations by model programs such as the Global Amphibian Initiative and Sea Turtle Specialist Group. Perhaps the most
productive part of the meeting was discussions on future directions, turtle conservation priorities and synergies among the partners
at the summit. There was a tremendous amount of cooperative energy among the participants as organizations stepped up to fi ll gaps
that the group identifi ed, and others made commitments to take on key projects that were in danger of falling through the cracks.
The summit generated a true sense of optimism and progress, and provided a solid, collaborative framework to tackle new issues as
they arise. (Dwight Lawson)
Conservation International Hosts Turtle
Conservation Mini-Summit
7
The TSA, in collaboration with the Madras
Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), sponsored
a workshop for the Conservation and
Action Plan for Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises
of India, held 17-20 October 2005, at the Kukrail
Breeding Centre in Lucknow. The primary goals of
this workshop were to identify chelonian species
most at risk in India through the IUCN Red
Listing process, and to draft conservation action
plans for those species considered the highest
priorities. A secondary objective was to provide
a range of training opportunities on various
chelonian techniques and practices to Forest
Department personnel, researchers and students.
Organized by the MCBT, in collaboration with
the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Forestry Department, this
workshop brought together 95 individuals from
diverse backgrounds including governmental
agencies, zoos, universities, forest departments,
conservation NGOs and wildlife breeding and
rehab centers. In all, nearly 30 organizations
and institutions, both Indian and international, were represented.
Major funding for the workshop was provided by the TSA.
With 28 species and subspecies of tortoises and freshwater turtles,
India has one of the most diverse and best-studied chelonian
faunas in the world and ranks among the top five Asian countries
in terms of its importance for turtle conservation. Unfortunately,
nearly 40 percent (11 of 28 taxa) are listed as either Endangered or
Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. With nearly a billion
people living in India, the aquatic resources, as well as the turtles
that inhabit them, face a growing number of threats that will likely
increase. Multiple threats take their toll, but uncontrolled and non-
sustainable commercial exploitation by man has been the single
most damaging.
The workshop highlighted 10 species for intensive conservation
action planning: Batagur baska, Kachuga kachuga, Pelochelys
cantorii, Aspideretes nigricans, Aspideretes leithii, Chitra
indica, Kachuga dhongoka, Hardella thurjii, Manouria emys and
Pangshura sylhetensis. Nearly a full day was devoted to drafting
a detailed "recovery plan" for the red-crowned roof turtle (K.
kachuga),-an IUCN critically endangered species unofficially
chosen as the centerpiece of this action plan. The working group
examined existing conservation measures, and then worked to
recommend new initiatives and/or expand existing ones.
Though multiple threats and needs were identified, of primary
importance is an increased focus on the Deori-Eco Centre at
Morena in Madhya Pradesh (MP). Developed as a gharial
headstarting operation, ample facilities are available here for
turtle conservation. It is close to the National Chambal River
Sanctuary, home to at least three target species, and is well
positioned to become the focal point for K. kachuga recovery
efforts. Plans call for major improvements and upgrades at
this facility that will substantially expand capacities for egg
collection, incubation and headstarting. Two other species are
targeted for work here as well - the three-striped roof turtle, K.
dhongoka, and the narrow headed softshell turtle, Chitra indica.
To initiate this important component the European Association
of Zoos & Aquariums (EAZA) Shellshock campaign recently
awarded $10,000 for Deori facility improvements (Rick
Hudson)
Range Country Programs: India
TSA Sponsors Turtle Conservation Workshop in India
The critically endangered red-crowned roofed turtle, Kachuga kachuga, emerged as the
"centerpiece" of the Indian Turtle Action Plan Workshop.
Ninety-five individuals participated in a four-day workshop hosted by the
Kukrail Endangered Species Breeding Center in Lucknow in October 2005.
8
Following the recommendations from the Action Plan
workshop, Harry Andrews and his staff from the Madras
Crocodile Bank Trust/Centre for Herpetology, in collabora-
tion with the Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) State
Forest Departments, moved rapidly into the implementation phase.
Kachuga kachuga and Kachuga dhongoka were immediately tar-
geted for in situ hatcheries and nest protection programs along the
National Chambal Sanctuary in both states. With funding from
TSA and EAZA/Shellshock, the MCBT team initiated a broad
range of field activities including the establishment of ex situ
nursery/incubation facilities, egg collection, rearing hatchlings for
headstarting, continued population surveys and impact
monitoring.
Nesting surveys commenced in February and ended in April 2006.
GPS coordinates and locality names mapped all nesting islands and
river banks. Data recorded included nest and egg counts (including
those depredat-
ed), turtles found
in net entangle-
ments (both dead
and alive), and
their
measure-
ments.
Human
impacts are being
recorded (mainly
agriculture,
il-
legal
fishing,
sand
mining,
fuel wood traf-
fic and grazing
of
domestic
livestock). Out
of the 172 km
of the UP portion of the Chambal River sanctuary 160 km have
been surveyed, and additional 250 km have been surveyed in MP.
Results indicate that the number of K. kachuga may be down to a
few hundred nesting females along the 472 km stretch of the Na-
tional Chambal Sanctuary, reaffirming that this species is critically
endangered.
In February 2006, using old fishing nets and a thorn brush barrier
(a defense against jackals, the primary threat to turtle nests in this
area), 624 square meters were fenced to create an in situ hatchery.
Located on an island in the Chambal River near Garhaita, Etawah,
UP (southeast of the Taj Mahal), the hatchery received translocated
nests of both K. dhongoka and K. kachuga beginning in early Feb-
ruary. A total of 305 clutches - 19 (224 eggs) from K. kachuga and
286 (5,883 eggs) from K. dhongoka - were translocated between
February and April 2006. K. kachuga clutches from additional
localities along the Chambal River in UP were also transported to
the Garhaita hatchery.
Action Plan Implementation: MCBT Field Research Team Racks Up
Impressive Numbers in First Nesting Season
Collecting Kachuga eggs on a nesting beech along the Chambal River.
A large female Kachuga dhongoka nesting in day-
light, an unusual sight.
Shailendra Singh describes the egg protection program to local
villagers in the National Chambal River Sanctuary.
Processing Kachuga eggs prior to transport to protected in situ
"hatcheries"
9
On 8 May 2006, K. dhongoka began to hatch and continued until
early June. Staff working at night collected hatchlings, labeled
them on the plastron (by nest) with a permanent marker. All hatch-
lings were measured and selectively photographed, with most be-
ing later released in the Chambal River, one km downriver from
the hatchery area. Releases were made early in the morning (be-
tween 6 and 7 am) or late evenings (between 5 and 6 pm), mainly
to reduce heat stress and the risk of depredation. Currently K.
kachuga nests are continuing to hatch. Plans are to maintain these
later hatchlings in the nursery pond for the headstarting program.
Environmental parameters such as ambient and nest temperatures,
rainfall, and river depth are being recorded at the in situ hatchery.
Data on naturally hatching nests are also being recorded for com-
parison to the in situ hatchery data.
A second in situ hatchery was established but had to be aban-
doned due to problems with poachers and dacoits (bandits). Eggs
incubating here were moved to the more secure Garhaita site. All
told, 23 K. kachuga nests (265 eggs) and 372 K. dhongoka nests
(7,015 eggs) were collected in UP, with 147 K. kachuga having
hatched to date, 68 of which were released into the Chambal and
77 are being kept in the nursery pond at Garhaita. 112 eggs are still
incubating and resulting hatchlings will be moved to the nursery
for headstarting. Of the 7,015 K. dhongoka eggs, 5,191 have been
hatched and released.
In the state of MP, construction of the nursery pond at the Deori
Cente, 15 km from the Chambal River, was completed in June
2006 with funding from the EAZA/Shellshock campaign. A total
of 160 K. dhongoka nests (3,437 eggs) and 74 K. kachuga nests
(1,208 eggs) were monitored in situ. Of these 2,929 K. dhon-
goka and 1,052 K. kachuga were released into the Chambal River.
Along the MP stretch of the National Chambal Sanctuary 198 K.
dhongoka and 56 K. kachuga nests were recorded as depredated.
Currently 190 K. kachuga and 250 K. dhongoka are being head-
started in the new Deori Centre facility. Whenever possible, river
surveys for nesting and impact assessments are being continued.
To aid in the headstarting program, additional Forest Department
staff trained in egg collection, handling, incubation and hatchling
husbandry.
The
team
will
soon
e x p a n d
this project
to
include
egg collec-
tion
and
headstarting
for
the
n a r r o w -
headed giant
s o f t s h e l l
turtle, Chi-
tra
indica.
I n t e n s e l y
hunted in India, this species was recommended for elevation to
Critically Endangered status by the Action Plan workshop Red
List group. Plans call for eggs to be moved to in situ hatcheries
for incubation with hatchlings being released post-monsoon. Cap-
tive breeding programs will also be established at MCBT and the
Kukrail Endangered Species Breeding Center.
The above Indian turtle projects represent significant progress
towards conserving Indias imperiled turtle fauna. In only the first
year of field implementation, the nest protection program produced
thousands of Kachuga hatchlings that would have otherwise been
lost to depredation, a testament to what can be achieved with mod-
est funding. In addition to the Batchelor Foundation and EAZA/
Shellshock campaign funds, the TSA is grateful to both the Detroit
Zoological Institute and the Zoological Society of San Diego for
financially supporting these projects. In particular, San Diego Zoo
CRES has agreed to fund a five-year postdoctoral fellowship for
Brian D. Horne, based on the Chambal River. It is hoped that his
research will begin to shed some insight into the life history and
survival strategies of this community of increasingly threatened
river turtles. For various courtesies extended during the past year,
we are grateful to Jeff Lang, Peter Paul van Djik, Don Boyer, and
Brian D. Horne. (Rick Hudson)
A bucket full of newly hatched Kachuga dhongoka await
release.
A new nursery pond for headstarting juvenile Kachuga was built
at Garhaita, Etawah, in UP, near the river hatchery where they
emerged.
Stocking the Garhaita headstarting facility with hatchling K.
kachuga.
Range Country Programs: India cont.
10
The TCC, located within the Cuc Phuong National Park,
represents the flagship of Vietnams turtle conservation
efforts. With facilities that include a 50,000 square-
meter (fenced) forest hill and more than 2,000 square meters of
enclosures, and newly established research and hatchling rearing
buildings and separate quarantine and veterinary station, the TCC
holds about 800 turtles of 16 species, and continues to receive new
turtles from trade seizures.
However,
as
I
frequently
have
to remind visitors
of the center, the
real value of the
TCCs
efforts
rest less with the
turtles
that
the
center holds but
more importantly
on how the center
is used to promote
turtle conservation
and
protection
efforts in Vietnam.
The TCCs multi-
faceted approach
includes a range of regular and ongoing activities that utilize
the center and its Chelonian occupants as a resource for training
of wildlife protection officers, working with the media, raising
awareness, and developing a constituency for turtles amongst the
next generation of young conservationists.
The past year has
been an exciting year
for the TCC with a
range of new training
activities carried out
at the center including
a 10-day course on
captive management
and care for keepers
and veterinarians from
other major
rescue
centers
in Vietnam,
a second annual field
skills
development
training
course
for
students
from
five
different
universities,
and training in turtle identification and ecology for frontline
rangers from five provinces.
The center has also received turtles from a number of
confiscations, and in May 2006, coordinated the return of 34
Mauremys annamensis from Hong Kongs Kadoorie Farm and
Botanic Garden.
With support from the British Chelonian Group, the TCC has
also developed a number of new facilities for turtles including a
large wetland enclosure that is currently occupied by Hieremys
annandalii, but will soon be used for the growing number of sub-
adult Mauremys annamensis born at the center. The Dutch Tortoise
Society supported the expansion of the TCCs hatchling-rearing
facilities with a new small building for housing juvenile aquatic
species. A new quarantine cage was also constructed with support
from an AZA CEF grant administered through WCS.
During the coming summer, the TCC will double its captive
management area with the expansion of the center to include an
additional 2,000 square meters of space. The additional space is
needed to allow for construction of additional secure cages for
turtles confiscated from the illegal trade, as well as the growing
number of juveniles resulting from the parks conservation
breeding program for five priority endangered species; Cuora
mouhotii, Sacalia quadriocellata, Cuora galbinifrons [C. bourreti,
and C. picturata], Mauremys annamensis and Indotestudo
elongata.
However, the most important structural development this year
will be the slow-but steady development of the TCCs Chelonian
Interpretation Center (CIC) for which architectural plans have
been completed and builders are expected to break ground by
mid-July. Supported in part by a grant from the TSA, as well as a
number of zoos (Melbourne, Taronga, Auckland, Perth, Houston),
the CIC features 14 interpretation stations, live exhibits and hands-
on activities for visitors at the center. The new facility is scheduled
to open in late 2006.
The Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Center has brought the crisis
facing Vietnam (and Asias turtles) into the light, and has elevated
the status and conservation importance of turtles, not just within
the conservation and scientific community here, but also amongst
government agencies responsible for their protection, and perhaps
most importantly, amongst decision-makers and the general
public. The battle is far from over, but from our perspective, there
is light at the end of the tunnel.
The Turtle Conservation Center and its
activities during the 2005-2006 project year
were made possible thanks, in part, to a
generous grant from the Batchelor Foundation
through the TSA. (Douglas Hendrie)
Range Country Programs: Vietnam
The Turtle Conservation Center Celebrates a Banner Year
WCS veterinarian Paul Calle instructs TCC staff
on turtle exam procedures during a recent train-
ing visit.
TCC Director Bui Dang Phong enthusias-
tically welcomes the historic return of 34
Vietnamese pond turtles, Mauremys anna-
mensis, from Kadoorie Farm & Botanic
Garden in Hong Kong.
11
With support from the Batchelor Foundation, TSA Partners
continued to assist the turtle farm at Nacajuca in the
state of Tabasco, Mexico, where the largest captive
group (800 estimated) of Dermatemys is held. This initiative was
launched by Greg George and his team at Petraworks, Inc. in 2004
and continues today.
In April 2006, Sam Rivera, DVM (Zoo Atlanta), assisted Gracia
Syed in implanting PIT tags in many of the farms Dermatemys.
The goal is to keep the wild-caught founder stock identifiable
and distinguishable from the F1 progeny that are becoming adult
size now. Sam also did an initial assessment of the health and
needs of the seven turtle species kept at Nacajuca. Unfortunately,
little is known about the veterinary husbandry of these species in
captivity. Sam visited other farms in southern Mexico to get an
idea of what the veterinary needs were. He also taught Mexican
biology graduate students how to implant microchips on captive
turtles.
Some of the health problems observed included decreased weight,
shell trauma, fungal and bacterial shell lesions, anemia, and
ectoparasites. There is currently an on going project looking at
several hematologic parameters in captive and wild Dermatemys
mawii to assess their overall health. There are also ongoing
projects aimed at improving the infrastructure and management
of the facility, which in turn will help decrease the morbidity
associated with these factors. A lot of work is still needed to
evaluate the medical problems in captive aquatic turtles at the
farm, and how these can affect the species management in
captivity.
In order to improve some of the husbandry procedures at
Nacajuca, in May 2006 Petraworks Inc. staff Gregory George
and Adam Edelstein returned to Nacajuca to continue work
that started the previous year. In addition to inspecting and
maintaining the filter systems installed previously, additional
problems with infrastructure were also addressed. A new
cistern to gravity feed fresh water to the large Dermatemys
pond was completed and a new well pump was installed. To
provide a more appropriate enclosure for the Rhinoclemmys,
their enclosure was refurbished with some plantings to provide
shade and fruit for the turtles by the Nacajuca staff. Petraworks
continued this project by adding more native plantings and
resurfacing the pool in the enclosure. Three small exhibit tanks
were also constructed with the help of staff and volunteers. The
acquisition and installation of pumps, filters and waterlines was
accomplished with the generous help and financial support of
Raul Rodriguez of Electrica Seis, Villahermosa, Tabasco.

Looking to expand the TSAs involvement with Dermatemys,
and to launch a sustainable and innovative new program for their
conservation, Rick Hudson and Brian Horne joined Greg and team
in Veracruz before they moved on to work at Nacajuca. Hosted by
Range Country Programs: Mexico
TSA Expands Focus on Dermatemys in Southern Mexico,
Prepares to Launch a New Community-based Initiative
Photo courtesy of Brian D. Horne
From left to right, Gustavo Aguirre, Miguel Angel de la Torre, Gregory George,
Adam Edelstein and Brian Horne discuss pond design for Dermatemys at La
Mancha, Veracruz.
An attractive male Rhinoclemys rubida at the National Turtle Center in
Oaxaca, Mexico
12
the staff at the Center for Coastal Studies at La Mancha
(CICOLMA), which is managed by the Institute of
Ecology (INECOL), the team evaluated the potential
for a new Dermatemys facility. The La Mancha site
has been classified as an Ramsar-designated site and
is recognized as an internationally important wetland.
Our primary host was Gustavo Aguirre of INECOL,
a long-time turtle conservation biologist in Mexico.
His group wants to develop a "model" Dermatemys
facility and they have excellent infrastructure to support
it. Research labs, dormitories, service facilities and
meeting rooms are all there, perhaps just as exciting is
a group of local eco-guides and an adjacent ecotourism
area with cabanas for overnight visitor stays. The guides
are particularly excited about the potential of developing
turtle facilities and offered to help with maintenance
and upkeep of the proposed ponds. Another important
aspect is the constant presence of staff and students, both
national and foreign, so security and manpower will not
be an issue. We envision a low-maintenance, low-cost
system that generates much of the plant food source in
the filtration ponds and plan to design a good working
model that can be used by others.
The team then traveled to Rio Cana in the La Popotera Lagoon
(another Ramsar site) located in the vast and productive wetlands
of the Papaloapan Basin in coastal Veracruz. There they met
with a group of turtle trappers, some of whom want to explore
alternative sources of income, and a few have already abandoned
turtle hunting. These trappers are a valuable source of information
on the local abundance of Dermatemys and harvesting pressures.
We discussed some innovative "aquaculture style" floating turtle-
rearing enclosures for Dermatemys and specs. Cost estimates are
being worked up. If successful, this could develop into a model
technique for rearing turtles naturally, at low cost and impact - food
is free because the area is choked with water hyacinth and other
edible aquatic vegetation. By developing a partnership with local
communities and organizations, the TSA hopes to be able to launch
a model program for turtle conservation in Mexico - one that will
have community support and involvement. Developing cutting
edge rearing and headstarting techniques that help take pressure
off of wild populations.
The team also visited the National Turtle Center of Mexico in
Masunte, Oaxaca, and was hosted by Director Martha Harfush.
Originally built as an aquarium, the facility was converted primarily
for exhibiting sea turtles. However, they have expanded to include
a wide range of Mexican freshwater and terrestrial turtles, some
of which are reproducing quite well. Particularly impressive
were their Rhinoclemys programs, including R. aerolata, R. p.
pulcherrima and R. rubida, a beautiful little gem that is rarely
seen except in the rainy season. Unfortunately, 15 of their group
of 20 R. rubida were stolen in January 2006. The center wants to
re-establish the R. rubida breeding program and build a new and
secure exhibit. The TSA is interested in assisting with
this project and believes that the Center will make an
excellent partner for us as we expand our involvement
in Mexico. The added benefit of developing programs
in Mexico is proximity for travel. Getting TSA
Partners involved in our range country programs is
one of our goals, and this idea is more feasible in
Mexico than Asia. Finally, the TSA has been asked
to help support and participate in the Mexican Turtle
Action Plan; evaluation committees are forming now
and the process will launch in November 2006 at the
Mexican Herp Society meeting in Monterrey. (Rick
Hudson, Gregory George and Sam Rivera)
Photo courtesy of Brian D. Horne
Photo courtesy of Brian D. Horne
The Central American river turtle, Dermatemys mawii, has undergone dramatic popu-
lation declines in southern Mexico and was recently elevated to Critically Endangered
status by the IUCN Red List.
Miguel Angel de la Torre Loranca holds
a particularly large female Dermatemys
at a fish farm in Oaxaca that produces
captive-bred hatchlings
13
Range Country Programs: Thailand
A captive breeding and species recovery program for the
critically endangered Siamese narrow-headed softshell
turtle, Chitra chitra chitra, at Kanchanaburi Inland
Fisheries Development Center (KIFDC), a Thailand govern-
ment agency, produce more than 900 eggs and more than 700
hatchlings between 2000 and 2004. Seventy-nine headstarted
juveniles were released in June 2005 to reinforce the dwindling
wild population. Therefore, the program is the most successful
Chitra breeding, head-starting and population recovery project
in the world. However, some concerns do exist which include
juvenile mortality, high variability of juvenile growth rates and
cessation of egg production since 2005.
In January 2006, the TSA sponsored a multidisciplinary visit to
the KIFDC Chitra breeding project for Dr. Shannon T. Ferrell
(Fort Worth Zoo), Dr. Gerald Kuchling (University of Western
Australia) and Dr. Nantarika Chansue (Chulalongkorn Univer-
sity) who offered technical and laboratory support. Jonathan
Murray organized logistics and facilitated the teams visit. The
team collaborated closely with Dr. Wachira Kitimasak (KIFDC)
who started the Chitra breeding program in 2000-2001 as part of
his doctoral work and is now leading the Chitra breeding program.
The purpose of the visit was to assist in an investigation into the
causes of mortality in captive hatched/reared juveniles, to assess
the reproductive fitness of the Chitra breeding stock, and to evalu-
ate the sex ratio of captive-bred turtles. The goal of the mortality
investigation was
to generate rec-
ommendations for
disease prevention
and treatment regi-
mens in the juve-
nile Chitra. Goals
of the reproductive
studies
included
recommendations
to optimize
the
breeding
output
and to ensure the
production
of
a balanced sex
ratio.
At this time, there
are approximately
130 juvenile Chitra alive in the facility. The mortality investigation
started with a detailed history of the collection, past water quality
testing, diet, husbandry practices and previous medical problems
and diagnostics. Juvenile mortality has been intermittent over the
years with deaths usually occurring after a protracted bout of shell
disease characterized by pitting, vesicles, ulcers, and weight loss.
The team did extensive water quality sampling and analysis of the
reservoir and holding water. Physical examinations of both healthy
and sick juvenile Chitra were performed. Samples of blood, shell,
and feces were obtained for testing at Chulalongkorn University
in Bangkok. In addition, necropsy investigations were also done.
Final results are still pending, but indicate a possible underlying
parasite infection as a major cause of mortality in some animals.
Recommendations are being constructed to reduce parasite trans-
mission and to provide practical therapies in symptomatic animals
to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Ultrasound scanning of the only adult Chitra female demonstrated
some early vitellogenesis (follicular growth) but did not suggest
a normal ovarian cycle (given that January is the immediate pre-
laying season). The two males in the other breeding pond also
appeared to have regressive testes, although the annual testicular
cycle is unknown in Chitra and the regressive testes could be a
normal occurrence at that time of the year. These reproductive as-
sessments suggest that environmental factors in the captive facility
should be investigated to determine their impact on reproductive
success. Examination of the gonads of some dead juveniles indi-
cated a male sex bias in the captive-bred turtles. Recommendations
for captive breeding management include changes to design and
management of the breeding and rearing ponds, to the manage-
ment of egg incubation and investigations into sex determination
and reproductive cycles. (Shannon Ferrell and Gerald Kuchling)
Species Recovery Program for the Endangered Siamese
Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle
Fort Worth Zoo veterinarian Shannon Ferrell collects blood from a young
Chitra chitra with the help of KIFDC Director Wachirz Kitimasak.
Dr. Gerald Kuchling evaluates the reproductive status of
an adult Chitra using portable ultrasonography equipment.

14
This program that initially focused on the river terrapin
(Batagur baska) of the Setiu River, in Terengganu, Ma-
laysia (see TSA Newsletter, Vol.4 No.1), has now been
expanded to include painted terrapins (Callagur borneoensis) of
the same river as well as Batagur from the Dungun River. This
short report will summarize project achievements made from 2004
to 2006 and project developments in 2005 and 2006.
Achievements
Setiu River egg purchase and incubation: 20 egg clutches (total of
365 eggs) were purchased in 2004, 18 clutches (282 eggs) in 2005
and 24 clutches (387 eggs) in 2006. A total of 370 hatchlings were
produced in 2004 and 2005. Incubation of clutches purchased in
2006 was still in progress at the time the report was written.
Release program: In 2005, the first 150 yearlings from the 2004
cohort were released in a much publicized event dubbed Terra-
pin Independence Day (TID). TID was chosen to coincide with
Malaysias National Independence Day on 31 August and is now
set to become an annual event in Setiu.
Head-starting program: This project is still ongoing and aims to
develop protocols for optimal growth of Batagur in captivity.
Mark and recapture study: A monthly sampling program con-
ducted in 2004 and 2005 in the Setiu River using large-meshed
gillnets yielded four female Batagur and 15 male and 19 female
Callagur, as well as two head-started Batagur. Because of the
low numbers of Batagur caught, it was not possible to estimate its
population size. However, Callagur population size in the Setiu
River was estimated at 203 individuals by the Schnabel mark-re-
capture method.
TSD studies:
This
was
conduc t ed
co l l abora -
tively with
Dr. Gerald
K u c h l i n g
from
the
Universi ty
of Western
A u s t r a l i a
who trained
Malays ian
researchers
in the use of
laparoscopic
techniques
in sex deter-
mination.
Preliminary
findings showed that incubation temperatures of 27 and 29 C
produced 100 percent male hatchlings while temperatures exceed-
ing 31 C produced 100 percent female hatchlings. Temperatures
exceeding 33 C appear to be lethal.
Project Developments
In 2005, head-starting experiments on Callagur hatchlings from
the Setiu River were initiated. These studies will pave the way
for a long-term headstarting and release project for Callagur to
supplement the current conservation efforts of the Fisheries De-
partment focused on open-air beach hatchery incubation of eggs
and release of hatchlings a few weeks after emergence.

In 2006, KUSTEM (University College of Science and Technol-
ogy, Malaysia) initiated a project with the Terengganu Depart-
ment of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) to incubate
Batagur eggs in their in situ nests in two nesting banks on the
Dungun River. Incubation temperatures in several in situ nests
were monitored using i-buttons and hatchlings produced will be
subsequently sexed.
The work presented here has been made possible with seed grants
from TCF, TSA and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, as well as funds
raised from the projects terrapin
adoption program. In 2006, the
project received a US $10,000 grant
from TSA, through the Batchelor
foundation Grant. (Chan Eng Heng)
Range Country Programs: Malaysia
The Kustem Setiu River Terrapin Conservation Program
Celebrates Terrapin Independence Day
Program Director Dr. Chan Eng Heng (right) releases Batagur
hatchlings from protected and monitored in situ nests. Assisting
is Chief Minister of Terengganu Dato Seri Idris Jusoh.
Local children participate in Turtle Independence Day Celebration.
15
Range Country Programs: Cambodia
The 2000 rediscovery of a remnant population of the critical-
ly endangered mangrove terrapin, Batagur baska, in Cam-
bodia has led to major efforts in assuring the survival of the
species in Indochina. In the 2006 nesting year, 74 eggs were laid in
three clutches of which 49 were incubated in situ on the beaches of
the Kaong River. By the end of May, all 49 eggs hatched and the
young turtles emerged.
As part of an effort to ensure that this small population of Batagur
does not disappear altogether, the Fisheries Department, work-
ing with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS),
has opted to develop emergency facilities that will secure a small
number of each years hatchlings, while releasing some back into
the wild and continuing to push efforts to protect remaining wild
populations. If turtles can be raised to a size where the likelihood
of mortality is lowered, up to two or three years, greater popula-
tion regeneration can be expected. The plan is to release 10% of
the hatchlings at around one month of age and retain 30-50% in
holding facilities for up to three years. The remaining hatchlings
will be retained indefi nitely and become founders of a long-term
assurance population, maintained in captivity in case wild popula-
tions do not survive.
The holding facility is currently under construction and the hatch-
lings are being well cared for. The fi rst stage of the construction
was to build a security cage where all the hatchlings will be raised.
A small cleaning/food preparation and keeper staging area are
also in the plans. The juvenile tanks measuring (3m x 4m) are in
the process of being constructed and will provide the turtles with
a basking and pool area. Plans also include the construction of a
perimeter fence to provide added security.
Since 2000, the WCS-led Fisheries Department team has worked
to protect Cambodias last known surviving population of Batagur.
These efforts have included additional surveys and research on the
ecology of the species, as well as active enforcement measures
such as patrolling the rivers, confi scating animals, and guarding
nesting beaches during the prime nesting season. The project
has also worked closely with local communities to raise aware-
ness, and has gained the support of many fi shermen and other
local stakeholders, who frequently turn in or release turtles that
they have accidentally been caught in the Sre Ambel Cambodian
population. The Vietnamese and Cambodian governments then
organized the animals return, an amazing and highly publicized
accomplishment
The Fisheries Department, with help from WCS, has succeeded
in securing part of the overall costs of establishing these emer-
gency facilities, thanks to a $7,000 grant the EAZA Shellshock
Campaign. The TSA is awarding another $5,000 from Batchelor
Foundation monies. However, further support is being sought to
complete the construction, maintain and develop the facilities.
Additional assistance with achieving this important and urgent
project would be warmly welcomed. (Joe Walston)
Urgent Efforts Underway to Save Indochinas last Batagur
Population
A secure and predator-proof Batagur headstarting facility
at Sre Ambel was built with TSA and EAZA/Shellshock
funding.
Hatchling Batagur feeding in Ipomea greens.
16
Range Country Programs: Myanmar
With donor support from the Batchelor Foundation
and the British Chelonia Group, the TSA is directing
$22,000 towards the recovery of one of the worlds rar-
est and most endangered freshwater turtles, the Burmese roofed
turtle, Kachuga trivittata. With no specimens reported to science
since 1935, this Myanmar endemic was "rediscovered" in 2002
thanks to the alert efforts of noted chelonian conservation biologist
Gerald Kuchling. A small captive group (3.3.2) now exists at the
Yadanabon Zoo in Mandalay, gathered from a local temple pond
and confiscated from fishermen on the only two rivers where the
species is believed to persist, the Upper Chindwin and the Doktha-
wady. Since the rediscovery, conservation actions have centered
around improving conditions for the group at the zoo in Mandalay,
and river surveys to locate viable breeding populations. Working
through the Wildlife Conservation Societys (WCS) Myanmar
Program based in Yangon, the TSA delivered funding and techni-
cal input towards the advancement of a conservation strategy, sup-
porting both the captive and field programs in an effort to prevent
the extinction of one of the worlds most magnificent river turtles
(see cover photo of male in breeding color).
Captive Program
In October 2005, a TSA team visited Mandalay and met with a
local architect to design a new captive management facility for
K. trivittata. The new facility will allow for captive breeding and
rearing, as well as for headstarting offspring collected on the Up-
per Chindwin River. The facility will make use of two existing
retention ponds already in place at the Yadanabon Zoo. The larger
of the two will be modified to serve as the breeding facility with a
nesting beach (with retaining walls to contain the sand), a fenced
feeding area and an anchored basking platform. The smaller pond
will be utilized as a biological filter with modifications to the
feeder canal and inlets to permit improved flow-through to the
larger pond. Water hyacinth and other aquatic plants will filter the
water before it enters the breeding and rearing ponds. Two large
and four small ponds will be built for juvenile rearing, isolation
and quarantine. A raised reservoir tank will provide pressurized
water for filling and cleaning the rearing ponds. The entire com-
plex will be surrounded with security fencing to protect juveniles
from predation and to prevent escape. The total cost is roughly
$18,000, covered by contributions from the TSA, the British Che-
lonia Group, WCS and Walter Sedgwicks childs school class (see
accompanying article). Construction got underway in June and is
expected to be completed by September 2006.
Field Program
When Kuchling discovered an active nesting population
on the Upper Chindwin River, he noted the potential for
a conservation management zone. A WCS turtle team led
by Doug Hendrie began field work here in September 2005
and launched a major effort to conserve the species within
its habitat. Threats to this remnant population include gold
mining, drowning in fishing nets, overexploitation of turtle
eggs, human disturbance of nesting beaches and illegal
trade of live turtles. A 30 nautical mile stretch of the river
was designated at the project area and a base camp estab-
lished at Linpa village. Nesting beaches were identified and
preparations for the 2006 egg-laying season (December to
March) were made. A public education program aimed at
TSA and WCS Combine Forces to Save One of the
Worlds Most Endangered Turtles
Brian Horne pal-
pates a female Ka-
chuga trivittata for
eggs at Mandalays
Yadanabon Zoo.
Bill Holmstron (left) and Brian Horne (right) discuss plans for
the new roofed turtle breeding facility with local architects in
Mandalay.
17
the villages within the project area began to teach the locals about
the upcoming project and encouraged their involvement. With lo-
cal village help, 12 warning signboards were mounted at nesting
sand banks to keep people from disturbing the sites. This was done
in concert with a series of talks to educate villagers and fish-
ermen about the importance of these nesting beaches. Daily
river patrols searched for tracks and signs of nesting activity
and discovered a total of 200 eggs from eight clutches with-
in the project area. To avoid egg poachers, clutches were
moved to a safe and guarded area and reburied for incuba-
tion. Temperature data loggers were installed in five nests.
By June 2006, 88 hatchlings had emerged, 20 of which will
be brought to Mandalay Zoo for rearing and the rest will be
tagged and released.

The turtle team also announced cash incentives to villagers
providing information on turtle nests or bringing in live tur-
tles caught in fishing nets. 300 non-resident fishermen work
in the project zone, many using gillnets, so the pressures are
intense. Several adult females were recovered this way, and
marked and released; juveniles were also recovered, two of

which were sent to Mandalay Zoo.
The TSA wishes to thank the WCS office in Yangon for their ongo-
ing support and facilitation of our efforts with Kachuga trivittata.
Without their assistance and collaboration, it is unlikely that we
would be able to effectively work in Myanmar. We are again in-
debted to the British Chelonia Group for their generous support of
our work to conserve Asian turtles. (Rick Hudson)


Range Country Programs: Myanmar cont.
WCS Turtle Team leader Win Ko Ko (far right) oversees the excava-
tion of a K. trivittata nest along the Upper Chindwin River.
Hatchling Burmese roofed turtle, K. trivittata
Khin Myo Myo and Kyaw Moe (center facing) describe the turtle conservation
program to local villagers living near the Chindwin nesting beaches.
18
Each year, the third grade class at Phillips Brooks School in Men-
lo Park, California, studies endangered
spec i e s .
The class raises money and designates
it for a worthy project. Mrs. Seddon
and Meeta Gaitonde, the third grade
teachers, ask parents with an in-
terest in conservation to come in
to talk with the class and help them
pick a project to support.
In 2005, parents Walter Sedgwick
and Stephanie Osborne came into
class and discussed possible projects.
Mr. Sedgwick, who is involved with the
Wildlife Conservation Society, suggested
the children focus on turtle conservation, and
specifically the Burmese roofed turtle, Kachuga
trivittata, the second most endangered turtle in the world.
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) was trying to raise money
for a captive breeding facility for this species in Myanmar (Burma).
The children got excited about supporting this effort and felt it would be a lasting contribution to the conservation of an
endangered species.
The students raised $800 by designing wrist bands to sell. Each of the 20 children sold about 6 bands for $6.00 each. When the class
discovered how much had been raised, the parents got so excited they told the class they would match the funds and then add a bit more
to make the total an even $2,000. The children got certificates from the TSA and feel wonderful about their efforts, as does TSA! (Walter
Sedgwick)
The Taronga Foundation, based at Australias Taronga Zoo in
Sydney, has developed an effective fund-raising tool for turtle
conservation, specifically the reknown Turtle Conservation
Center (TCC) at Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam. Graph-
ic panels highlight the role of the TCC in addressing the Asian
turtle crisis, and a turtle shaped donation box (pictured here)
collects contributions. To date over $10,000 Australian (roughly
$7,400 US) has been raised for the TCC.
Taronga Zoo Supports
Turtle Conservation Center
at Cuc Phuong, Vietnam
More Support for Range Country Programs
Phillips Brooks School Third Grade
Class Raises $2,000 for Burmese Roofed
Turtle Conservation
19
The TSA recently awarded $8,745 in seed grants for turtle
conservation. The 2006 recipients are:
1) Status and conservation of the Asian giant softshell
turtle, Pelochelys cantorii, in the Philippines; Arvin Dies-
mos, $2,000.
2) Inventory, distribution, status and conservation ac-
tion for the critically endangered Philippine forest turtle,
Heosemys leytensis, Palawan Island, Philippines; Pierre
Fidenci, $2,000.
3) Initiating a freshwater turtle conservation education
program for elementary schools in Behnkulu, Indonesia;
Dr. Aceng Ruyani, $1,800.
4) Conservation breeding program for the black soft-shell,
Aspideretes nigricans, in Bangladesh; Ali Reza, $2,000.
5) Publication of Cambodian turtle calendar; David Em-
mett, $945.

These grants were made possible by a grant from the
Batchelor Foundation. TSA seed grants are intended to
support small, focused turtle conservation initiatives, pref-
erably carried out by range state nationals. The program
is designed to fund projects that can grow and strengthen
through additional support.
TSA Announces Seed
Grants for 2006
Pierre Fidenci Copyright 2004
TSA Partner
Grant Program
Continues to
Expand
The TSA announced two awards in the 2006 Partner Grant
program. The Partner Grant program seeks to provide finan-
cial support directly to partners whose activities strengthen
our mission. This program provided two awards during the
2006 competition.
The first award supports work with Cuora flavomarginata
in captivity. The proposal, submitted by the TMG coordi-
nator Ray Farrell, will examine temperature dependent sex
determination (TSD) in this species. The goal is to obtain
data directly contributing to the captive management of this
turtle by better understanding its reproduction and enabling
the gender of offspring to be manipulated during incuba-
tion. Total project cost is $535 with $400 funded by the
TSA Partner Grant program.
A second grant has been awarded to the Savannah River
Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, SC, and affiliated with the
University of Georgia. The proposal will provide the funds
needed to create and improve housing facilities for 11 spe-
cies at the facility. All of the taxa are imperiled in the wild :
Leucocepholon yuwonoi (CR), Mauremys annamensis (CR),
Cuora trifasciata (CR), Chinemys nigricans (EN), Sacalia
quadriocellata (EN), Sacalia bealei (EN), Platysternon
megacephalum (EN), Notochelys platynota (VU), Lissemys
punctata (LR), Heosemys grandis (VU) and Melanochelys
tricarinata (VU).
With continued success in captive reproduction among our
partners, these facilities will provide space for captive off-
spring and enable work improving captive husbandry data
for targeted species. Total project cost is $8,750 with $1,750
funded by the TSA Partner Grant program. (Mike Forstner)

20
The TSA Animal Management Group has had another
busy year, receiving and placing over 253 specimens of
seven species since July 2005. Working with USFWS, Bill
Nineslings dedicated team provided humane care and veterinary
support for turtles seized during confiscations, or imported ille-
gally into the U.S.. The two most recent seizures included groups
of leopard (149) and pancake tortoises (83), most of which arrived
in surprisingly good shape and experienced minimal mortality.
For help with this large group of tortoises, special thanks are ex-
tended to Dr. Orlando Diaz, Pat Ruby, Kenan Harkin, Paul vander
Schouw, Andy Sury, Tam Jones and the team from Disneys
Animal Kingdom (Lonnie McCaskill and Andy Daneault) for
their hands-on assistance or donations of medical and husbandry
supplies. For providing ongoing veterinary services to the Animal
Management group, the TSA wishes to thank Dr. Greg Fleming
(Disney) for his tireless assistance.
The Animal Management Group also receives and places dona-
tions from partners and colleagues and, from July 2005 to July
2006, 75 new turtles and tortoises were accessioned into the TSA
holdings database. The record keeping and paperwork involved
in tracking all these turtles is a demanding task. There are 2,263
active turtle records in this database that must be accounted for an-
nually. This enormous responsibility is efficiently handled by TSA
Registrar Annabel Ross (Fort Worth Zoo), but her job becomes
more onerous when updates are not returned as requested. Re-
sponding to requests for information is important and helps make
Annabels job a little easier. So if you have TSA turtles, please be
respectful of her position and return your updates and reports in a
timely manner.
The TSA is grateful to Bill Ninesling for making his facilities in
Fort Pierce, Florida available for staging and processing many of
the turtles that come our way. Until the TSA can acquire its own
facility, it will be dependent on the good will and support of its
incredible volunteer network.
nother Busy Year for TSAs Animal Management Group
A
Dr. Orlando Diaz Figueroa runs a fecal check.
Thanks Bill,
for all you do for turtles and the TSA!
Photo courtesy of Pat Ruby
Photo courtesy of Pat Ruby
Photo courtesy of Pat Ruby
Adult pancake tortoises awaiting placement at Bill Nineslings facility in
Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Bill checks the PIT tag number on
a pancake tortoise.
21
Campaign in Europe Exceeds Expectations and
Raises $466,000 for Turtle Conservation
The biggest single global conservation campaign to protect
turtles and tortoises has come to an end. Launched in Sep-
tember 2005, Shellshock highlighted the extinction crisis
facing tortoises and turtles. During 2004 and 2005, the European
Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA) ran a collaborative con-
servation campaign for turtles and tortoises. The campaign had
three main goals: 1) Raising awareness of the current conservation
crisis facing the worlds tortoise and turtle species 2) Promot-
ing European zoo and aquarium participation in TSA Assurance
Colonies for priority species and 3) Raising money to help support
turtle and tortoise conservation in the wild.
Over 150 zoos and aquariums across Europe participated in
the campaign. The original fundraising target of 150,000 Euros
($190,000) was reached early on in the campaign, and the final
amount raised by the Shellshock campaign was 375,000 Euros
($466,000). This money is now being used to support key conser-
vation projects around the world.
Projects that have already received Shellshock funding include:
Turtle breeding facilities in the Angkor Centre for the Conserva-
tion of Biodiversity (ACCB)
Development of a turtle breeding facility in the Angkor Centre for
the Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), Siem Reap Province,
Cambodia. This project was successfully submitted by the Allwet-
ter Zoo Muenster to Shellshock for inclusion in the campaign.
Endemic Chinese box turtle (Cuora sp.) research
Urgent research in China into the distribution and status of this
little known species of box turtle from the genus Cuora.
Leatherback Ocean Wanderer (LOW)
A satellite telemetry study in Gabon to enhance protection of one
of the worlds most important leatherback turtle (Dermochelys
coriacea) nesting beaches. The Shellshock tagged turtles can be
tracked online at http://www.seaturtle.org.
Royal Chitwan National Park Turtle Conservation Project,
Nepal
A turtle conservation project at the Gharial Breeding Centre in
the Royal Chitwan National Park, for the native turtle species of
Nepal. This project was successfully submitted by the Zoological
Society of London to Shellshock for inclusion in the campaign.
Philippine Turtle Conservation Centre
Shellshock funds will help support the construction of ex situ hold-
ing and breeding facilities by the Katala Foundation on Palawan
for native Philippine turtle species. These will include enclosures
for Siebenrockiella (Heosemys) leytensis.
Developing Local Turtle Expertise in Southeast Asia
This Conservation International led Shellshock project focuses
on major universities and forestry colleges in Vietnam, Cambodia
and Myanmar. It will work on developing interest and expertise
amongst university students in chelonians through a combination
of activities including university lectures by specialists, training,
and mentoring of students involved in turtle projects and an intern-
ship program.
Other projects to be supported by Shellshock in 2006 include
headstarting and captive breeding initiatives in Myanmar, India
and Cambodia, a reintroduction project in Madagascar and a sec-
ond sea turtle project in Mozambique.
By running the ShellShock campaign, EAZA has stepped up the
global effort to ensure survival of turtles and tortoises and estab-
lished itself and its member organizations as major stakeholders in
the international chelonian conservation community. The amount
of money raised by Shellshock participants means that a legacy
of Shellshock supported projects will continue for many years to
come. Shellshock will be working with the Turtle Conservation
Fund to ensure that many more turtle and tortoise conservation
projects around the world receive vital funding.
More details about the Shellshock campaign, its objectives and its
achievements, can be found on the EAZA website
http://www.eaza.net. (Kevin R Buley)
A "Guess the Weight" of a giant tortoise competition helped the Artis
Zoo raise funds for Shellshock.
22
Gopher Tortoise Research: Translocation as a Conservation Tool
The mission statement of TSA includes the phrase,
"preserving future options for the recovery of wild
populations." A likely expectation is that offspring
produced from TSAs Assurance Colonies and
TMGs can be used to repopulate areas in the wild
where native turtle species have been previously extirpated, but
the threats that caused the declines have since been removed or
remediated. In expectation of such an opportunity, research is
being conducted to determine methods that make a reintroduction
most likely to succeed. Questions that need answers include:
1) which age class is most likely to facilitate establishment of
a viable population? 2) which release techniques maximize
site fidelity? 3) which basic measurements (i.e., survivorship,
reproduction) indicate success?
In 2001, we translocated 106 individual gopher tortoises to the
Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken County, South Carolina
from a 99-acre development site approximately 100 miles south
in Georgia. The habitat on the SRS consists of 2,400 acres that is
being restored to native longleaf pine-wiregrass community. We
moved all age classes: 32 hatchlings, 36 juveniles (<
180 mm CL), and 38 subadults and adults (>180 mm
CL). We initially studied and radio-tracked the subadults
and adults and divided them into three different groups:
A) 13 were released directly into the new habitat with
only starter burrows (hand dug by auger to mimic
the beginning of an actual tortoise burrow), B) 13
were placed in a 2.5 acre circular pen constructed of
aluminum flashing, provided with starter burrows and
penned for 9 months until the pen walls were removed,
C) 12 were penned like group B, but for 12 months.
In Group A only 23% of the tortoises remained in the
release area (the rest were retrieved and returned to the
release area). Group B tortoises had a 62% fidelity rate,
and Group C had the highest (92%) fidelity rate.
The bottom line, when placed in an unfamiliar habitat,
the majority of animals left. The longer the tortoises
were confined, the greater the likelihood that they
remained on the site and established a home range. Subsequently,
our studies are now focusing on the reproductive rates of this
population, hatching success and long term survival and health
of the adults. We have also begun to recapture tortoises that were
initially translocated as hatchlings and juveniles. Preliminary data
suggests that the juvenile age classes did remain in the release area
and are perhaps more likely to readily adopt a new location than
adults. We are finding hatchlings from the initial translocation,
now 5-year-old juveniles, indicating some survivorship. Our
studies are continuing. We hope that the results of our work on
gopher tortoises may be applicable to other species and will
help to advance one of TSAs goals - that being the successful
reestablishment of populations of certain turtle species from
offspring produced by TSA partners. (Tracey D. Tuberville and
Kurt A. Buhlmann)
Aluminum flashing
was used to confine
gopher tortoises to
their release site,
which encouraged
site fidelity.
A gopher tortoise
basks on the
apron of its burrow
23
Signifi cant BreedingsThe Knoxville Zoo has had recent success with the captive breeding of
two uncommonly bred-in-captivity Asian chelonians, Heosemys spinosa
and Geoemyda spengleri. The H. spinosa group was received from the
2001 Hong Kong seizure and took several years to acclimate. On 15 May
2004, two large eggs were found buried under leaf litter in their outdoor
enclosure, and a third egg was found under similar conditions on 1 Au-
gust. Because of sharp declines in female body mass, it is believed that all
eggs were laid by a single female. After 114 long days a large 40.8 gram
hatchling emerged. Shortly after hatching, the neonates shell unfolded
and became extremely hard, and it was observed eating a portion of its
own eggshell. The second egg hatched fi ve days later, and the third egg
hatched on 22 November 2004. In 2005, we hatched our fourth H. spi-
nosa from the same female on 27 October.
At the San Diego Zoo, there have been three successful hatchings of
fl at-tailed dwarf tortoises, Pyxis planicauda. The fi rst egg was depos-
ited in December of 2003, and went through two diapause intervals be-
fore development occurred, fi nally hatching after a 314 day incubation
period. Two P. planicauda eggs, from different females, were depos-
ited in September of 2004. A similar temperature schedule was utilized
- mid 20s C for a month, dropped to 16-22C for one month, then
gradually raised to 30C that successfully produced the 2004 hatching.
After two months, if no development is observed through candling,
then the whole cycle is repeated. Once development had been detected
in the 3rd egg, hatching occurred in 84 days for a total incubation of
332 days. (Tommy Owens)
There are new bloodlines for Manouria e. phayrei. Pat Ruby reports
that 31 hatchlings have emerged from a clutch of 47 eggs in July 2006,
and that she is still counting. Three additional clutches from three fe-
males are also incubating. These represent important new bloodlines
for this TMG and will vastly increase the genetic diversity of the North
American captive population. Phayrei is the rarer of the two emys sub-
species, and is consistently reproduced by only a handful of breeders.
Also in 2005, we successfully hatched our fi rst G. spengleri. A single
female had been in the collection since 1990, but we did not receive a
male until late in 2004. Copulation was noted a few days after intro-
duction, and a single egg was laid on 26 April 2005. Unfortunately,
this egg was infertile, but two viable eggs were deposited on 31 May.
A cool incubation protocol (23-24C) was utilized, as suggested by
multiple institutions, and we were delighted as our fi rst G. spengleri
hatched on 16 August. To date the Knoxville Zoo has hatched four G.
spengleri from our single pair. (Brad Moxley)
24
Signifi cant BreedingsThe Buffalo Zoo welcomed
its second and third Cuora
galbinifrons
hatchlings
(right) on August 7 and Sep-
tember 1, 2005 as well as the
Zoos fi rst ever Cuora trifas-
ciata (left) on October 14 and
16, 2005.
One of the TSAs midwest partners had a banner year with
tortoise reproduction, successfully hatching six taxa from No-
vember 2005 to June 2006. From top left, going clockwise are:
Geochelone radiata, Geochelone elegans (Sri Lankan), Pyxis a.
arachnoides, Malacochersus tornieri, Testudo graeca terrestris
and Testudo hermanni boettgeri.
The Chelodina mccordi housed by TSA Partner Michael Forst-
ner produced clutches of eggs on January 14 and 16, 2006. In-
cubation at 28.5C resulted in a successful hatch beginning on
March 21, 2006 and taking 20 days to complete. The hatchlings
(6=50% fertility) were moved into very shallow water tempo-
rary housing for several weeks and fed freshly stunned captive
raised newborn guppies. Two of the juveniles were very weak
and died within a week of hatching. At three months they are
now actively hunting guppies and considering pelleted food as
an option in their diet. The adults are long term captives, with
reproduction potentially induced by increased water tempera-
tures during the winter months (to 28C rather than 25C dur-
ing winter). These offspring represent new bloodlines for this
TMG. (Photos courtesy Philadelphia Zoo)
The Fort Worth Zoo hatched a clutch of Callagur in 2005
after a one year hiatus in breeding. A new nesting beach
resulted in four clutches being laid but fertility was low;
two clutches from 2006 are currently incubating. Other
partners successfully reproducing Callagur in 2005 and
2006 are Eric Holt and San Antonio Zoo.
25
The Taxonomic Management Group (TMG) program is an
important aspect of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA).
In fact, it is one of the primary founding concepts for the
TSA regarding the development of Assurance Colonies
to act as supportive and supplemental efforts in a holistic approach
to the conservation of turtle and tortoise species.
As the functional unit of the TSA, the TMG is a means of bring-
ing individuals, organizations, NGOs and academia together for a
common cause. Until the TMG concept, these groups had struggled
to find ways to utilize their individual expertise and capabilities to
make a significant impact on chelonian conservation. Essentially,
TMGs are the means by which individuals can participate in the
TSA and contribute to the management and survival of select
species in captivity. The TMGs goal is to combine the efforts
of all interested parties and stakeholders in the development and
implementation of a management plan based on sound husbandry
protocols and with the goal of maintaining genetic integrity and
diversity over the long term. In essence, TMGs are preserving op-
tions for the recovery of wild populations if needed.
Included in this newsletter you will find a Taxon Management
Plan (TMP) report for Cuora (Cistoclemmys) flavomarginata pre-
pared by Ray Farrell. This report exemplifies how TMPs should
be developed and TMGs should be operating. The TMG Facilita-
tor and Steering Committee wishes to thank Ray for all his hard
work and dedication to this species and the TSA.
Over the last three years there has been a shift in the focus of
the TSA with increased emphasis being placed on supporting in
situ or range country programs. Despite this, the TMG program
is still an important component in a comprehensive approach to
species conservation. TMGs have the potential to play multiple
roles through research in reproductive biology, behavior, disease
control, reintroduction techniques, gene banking and systematics.
Just as important is the ability to heighten awareness of the plight
of turtles and tortoises through education, marketing (fundraising)
and public relation programs.
In order to maintain their role in supporting conservation, it is im-
perative that TMG programs are capable of change and meet new
needs and requirements of the species. It is also important that the
TSA periodically update the list of TMG species. For these rea-
sons, the TSA has begun a review process that will provide valu-
able information by reassessing the current status of each species
based on ongoing in situ programs, the supportive ability of each
TMG for species conservation, the level of activity within existing
TMGs and the ability of the TMG Coordinator to implement and
coordinate their program. The first review will take place over the
next few months with an evaluation of current TMG species and
an assessment of potential new species programs.

Given that implementing TMPs are arduous and time-consuming
tasks, species selection must be based on need. The primary crite-
ria that should be met is whether or not the TMG can realistically
contribute to the species survival and whether the TSA-managed
captive population is a necessary component to the overall sur-
vival strategy of that particular species. For example, if a species
has multiple successful range country programs (Batagur for
example), is there a real need for a Priority I TMP? Conversely,
species that have no known range country recovery efforts (In-
donesian endemics like Chelodina mccordi and Leucocephalon
yuwonoi or some Chinese endemic Cuora) should emerge as top
priorities for TMGs. To avoid duplication of efforts between TSA
North America and Europe, this process will be a global effort that
will ensure the most effective use of captive resources.
TSA North America has also considered the need for expanding
the capability of TMG programs through the development of TSA
facilities located around the United States. In doing so, larger
groups of specific species could be maintained in areas that meet
their environmental needs and allow for better controlled research
on husbandry, health and reproduction. One existing facility that
offers such potential is the University of Georgias Savannah River
Ecology Laboratory (SREL) in Aiken, SC, where a number of im-
portant TSA assurance colonies are currently maintained under the
direction of Kurt Buhlmann and Cris Hagen. With an extensive
array of turtle management facilities and other infrastructure,
SREL could potentially offer an enormous opportunity to TMP
development.
To further evaluate the capacity of SREL to contribute to TSA
goals and a closer and more supportive working relationship, a
TSA contingent (Dwight Lawson, Co-Chair, and Steering Comm-
2005-2006 Taxonomic Management Group Report
Greenhouse facilities for aquatic turtles at SREL
26
ittee members Sam
Rivera, DVM, and
Bill Zeigler) recently
visited SREL. The
visit was encourag-
ing and an agree-
ment was reached to
explore more possi-
bilities and to make
recommendations re-
garding how the two
organizations might
better develop col-
laborative programs.
In summary, as the
TSA continues
to
develop its strategies
for the future, TMGs
will continue to play
a major role in turtle
and tortoise conser-
vation programs. To
be successful they
will require the assis-
tance and cooperation of many TSA Partners and their willingness
to actively participate. It is therefore critical that partners under-
stand the commitment they are entering into when joining a TMG.
The TMG programs offer those of us who would otherwise not be
able to directly participate in in situ projects to contribute to the
conservation of a species. The extent of that contribution is based
on the extent of the TMG members involvement and willingness
to communicate with their peers.
TMPs are living documents that must have the capability to
change in response to need and fluid circumstances. This will
require yearly reviews and the flexibility to adapt to the shifting
pressures affecting each species. Without this capability, TMG
programs could become little more than a collection of captive
animals with no direction and no lasting impact on the survival of
their kind. As TMG facilitator, I hope that each partner becomes
involved in some way with the TMG process. My job is to assist
TMG coordinators and partners whenever and wherever possible
in developing, implementing and adapting the TMP to achieve
results. As always, any partner or TSA member in general is wel-
come to contact me if they have questions or need assistance. (Bill
Zeigler)
Its been six months since my last update, and I wanted to
share some exciting developments that have occurred since
December 2005. The number of TSA-owned Cuora flavo-
marginata has increased to fifty-eight turtles (fourteen adults
(6.8) and thirty- four hatchlings/yearlings).
In 2005, we received four adults from both the Cape May and Buf-
falo Zoos. These turtles were placed outdoors and I am happy to
say they adjusted to their new outdoor environment and all eight
turtles hibernated successfully. Breeding activity has not been
observed to date, but I am confident that it will happen given
enough time. I have continued my efforts to increase TSAs
turtle numbers with primary emphasis on improving genetic
diversity. Utilizing the ISIS inventory to determine the zoos
that have flavomarginata, I have been successful in receiving
an additional five turtles from the Zoo community and one
donation of an adult male from Darrell Senneke. Zoos pro-
viding turtles are Oakland (0.1), Brookfield (1.1), Columbus
(0.1) and Denver (0.1). Some of these turtles have moderate
to severe deformities that may impact their ability to breed.
However, if they reproduce successfully, the F1 hatchlings
will expand the genetic diversity of the TSAs captive popula-
tion. I have now contacted nearly all of the zoos in the U.S.
that list C. flavomarginata holdings.
In last Decembers update, I reported that 18 female hatchlings
were produced when eggs were incubated at 29 C and 30 C.
However, a number of eggs failed to hatch when incubated at 30
C. This year, I have expanded the study to include incubating eggs
at 25 C, 27 C and 29 C. Last year, Brian Horne, PhD Candidate
at Ohio University, performed laparoscopy on the hatchlings to
determine their sex. All animals survived this procedure and I hope
that Brian will be available again this year to repeat the process.
The results of this study will provide a management tool that will
aid in meeting our objective of 300 F1 turtles (100.200) and pre-
serving a high level of genetic diversity as well.
Cuora flavomarginata Taxon Management Plan Update
SREL offers a wide array of facility and enclosure
designs for aquatic turtles.
27
In February of this year, I attended the TSA steering committee
meeting and met Mike Forstner, TSA partner and a geneticist at
Texas State University. Mike volunteered to analyze blood sam-
ples from fl avomarginata for DNA comparisons. He demonstrated
how to collect blood samples and supplied me with the necessary
storage buffer to preserve the DNA. I collected forty-six blood
samples from adults (14 TSA turtles and 32 from private collec-
tions) and forwarded them to Mikes lab for analysis.
Doctor Tien-His Chen (National Museum of Marine Science and
Technology in Keelung, Taiwan) has collected blood samples
from over 20 wild populations in Taiwan and is willing to compare
his DNA analysis with ours. I am excited about this opportunity
because hopefully it will help identify which turtles are closely
related to C.f.fl avomarginata and which are not. Those turtles that
appear to be unrelated will be separated from the others until addi-
tional DNA is available from the other range countries. Hopefully,
the information gained will guide us in properly managing the
breeding of C.f.sinenis, C.f.fl avomarginata and C.f. evelynae.
Another possible source for turtles and DNA samples are Japanese
zoos that unfortunately do not list their animal inventory on ISIS.
However, Ken Kawata, former General Curator of the Staten Is-
land Zoo, provided me with a copy of a paper that he published
in International Zoo News, Vol. 50, No. 5 (2003) entitled Reptiles
in Japanese Collections, Part 1: Chelonians, 1998. In this paper,
Ken reports that there are 15 institutions in Japan that have 104
Cuora fl avomarginata in their collections. I plan to ask Kens help
in providing a list of these institutions along with contact persons
that I can communicate with to discuss the status of C.f.evelynae
in Japan.
In closing, I would like to thank all of you for your excellent work
in rearing TSA C. fl avomarginata, and hope to see you all at the
TSA meeting in August. (Ray Farrell)
The TSA has been awarded a $19,000 grant from the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF) to conduct
community-based environmental education for turtle conservation in Cambodia. The fl ooded forests and
coastal regions of Cambodia are vitally important for turtle conservation, yet these habitats are largely
unrepresented in the existing protected area network. The coastal region contains the only known Cambodian
populations of the Mangrove Turtle, Batagur baska, listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The seasonally fl ooded forests and lowland marshes are also home to at least six other tortoise and turtle
species. This project aims to secure the long term conservation of wild, breeding populations of threatened turtles
by implementing environmental education activities in the 12 communes in and around primary turtle breeding
areas. Utilizing the experienced resources of the renowned Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) program, staff from the Cambodian
Department of Fisheries, the BP-funded Cambodian Turtle Conservation Project and community rangers from the WCS-managed
Batagur project will all be trained in environmental education techniques. This work will be undertaken by Doug Hendrie (Action Turtle
Conservation Network), David Emmett (CI) and the Cambodian Turtle Conservation Project (CTCP) team. (Rick Hudson)
TSA receives Disney grant for Cambodia
Preliminary investigations into the TSD research in C. fl avomarginata will be
refi ned this year through a TSA partner grant.
These backyard hibernacula at Ray Farrells house in Staten Island,
New York have proved remarkably successful over the years. En-
trances are closed off once turtles go dormant.
28
The Asian Scholarship Program for In-situ Chelonian
Conservation (ASP) is seated primarily at the Wetlands
Institute (WI) in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Begun in
2000, the ASP has funded the participation of 14 international
chelonian conservationists in the WIs Terrapin Recovery Program-
a community based conservation effort. This opportunity involves
field work designed to learn about, and to protect, the northern
diamondback terrapin, a salt marsh turtle that inhabits the eastern US
seaboard. To date, students have come from Bangladesh, Cambodia,
China, Indonesia, India, Lao, Madagascar, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Many other venues have contributed to the overall experience of ASP
participants. During the past two years these include time at Dr. Peter
Pritchards Chelonian Research Institute, field work with University of Southern Mississippi graduate student Tom
Morhman, and Dr. Tom Wilsons University of Tennessee at Chattanooga project focusing on riverine turtles in the
Tennessee River.
The ASP participants are enabled to develop and work with community-based conservation initiatives in their home
countries. They become a part of a network of turtle conservationists through relationships developed while in the
ASP. They also develop scientific expertise for chelonian research, build conservation leadership skills and participate
in conservation organization networking.
Pictured here is the 2006 ASP recipient Rajeev Chauhan, along the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. Rajeevs
home is Uttar Pradesh, a state in northern India that includes several rivers at the base of the Himalayan mountains.
Many species of freshwater turtles occur in this region. Rajeevs thesis concerns the impact of humans on turtles. He
has also published conservation papers about several groups of animals besides turtles, including cranes and other
birds, wolves, pangolins (scaly anteaters) and crocodiles. Rajeev is Secretary General for Society for Conservation of
Nature in Etawah, the community he lives in. His participation in the ASP for 2006 has been partially funded by the
Batchelor Foundation grant to the TSA.
The TSAs support of the ASP is in conjunction with many other sponsors including the AZAs Chelonian Advisory
Group, the Metro Toronto Zoo and numerous interested individuals. All communications for the ASP can be sent to
ASPin.situCC@gmail.com, the website for the ASP is in development, but can be seen at http://www.aspin-situcc.org.
(William Espenshade)
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Makes Major Commitment to
Turtle Conservation
Over the past six years, the Cleveland Zoological Society has quietly made a major and collective impact on global
turtle conservation efforts. Since 2000 they have awarded $142,518 to 35 projects (including workshops and profes-
sional development) in 11 countries. Of this, $50,000 went to fund the Asian Turtle Coordinators (Doug Hendrie)
salary over the past five years. These funds also supported the initial Fort Worth workshop that led to the formation
of TSA and funded its newsletter in early years. Many threatened species have benefited from these funds including
Batagur baska, Podocnemis lewyana, Testudo kleinmanni, Rafetus swinhoei, Manouria impressa, Sacalia quadrio-
cellata and sea turtles in at least four countries. (Hugh Quinn)
2006 Asian Scholarship Program
2006 ASP participant Rajeev Chauhan (India)
along the Tennessee River near Chattanooga.
29
The TSA will help fund a workshop in China to develop
a conservation strategy for the Yangtze giant soft-shell
(Rafetus swinhoei), recognized as the most critically
endangered freshwater turtle in the world. Native to large river
systems and associated wetlands and lakes in southern China and
northern Vietnam, there are no confi rmed localities where Rafetus
can be found in the wild today. Scientists have focused efforts on
identifying potential sites where Rafetus may still exist, following
up on evidence of past presence and reported sightings of large soft-
shell turtles. If sites are identifi ed, immediate and urgent conservation
measures will be put in place, aimed at securing these turtles and
their habitat in the wild. Although there have been some encouraging reports from Vietnam, positive confi rmation of the species in the
wild has yet to be made. Earlier this year, the TSA provided funds to conduct surveys at two potential locales in Vietnam.
At present, there are fi ve known living individuals of Rafetus swinhoei anywhere in the world. Four of these are in captivity in China
(in three locations) and the fi fth is in a man-made lake in the center of Hanoi, Vietnam. In addition to efforts to fi nd and secure wild
populations of this species in its habitat, urgent efforts are needed to establish a captive breeding program involving all four captive
individuals maintained in Chinese institutions. Rafetus is the single-most important species priority for conservation action and a
sense of urgency prevails. The stakes could not be higher, and without heroic and miraculous intervention (and a ton of luck) Rafetus
swinhoei could be the fi rst extinction on "our watch."
WCSs offi ce in Beijing is organizing this workshop and getting the holders of the four captive specimens in China to participate will be
essential. $7,500 will be needed to bring Chinese delegates to the workshop and we have funding commitments from Walter Sedgwick,
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and TSA. (Rick Hudson)
Rafetus Workshop in China
Knoxville Zoological Gardens
Temperature Dependent
Sex Determination Study
Of the worlds 44 recognized species of tortoises, less then 25%
have been studied to see if they use Temperature Dependent Sex
Determination (TSD) or Genetic Sex Determination (GSD).
Thanks to the Partner grant received from the TSA in August
2005, the Knoxville Zoo is hopeful that they will contribute to a
better understanding of TSD in tortoises over the next few years.
The grant enabled us to purchase three Lyon RL-1 incubators. The
fi rst year of the study has just come to an end. Twenty-one Pyxis a. arachnoides, one P. plani-
cauda, and two Geochelone elegans hatched this year. There is still some refi nement needed with
our P. planicauda program, but the 21 P. a. arachnoides produced have put us at a great starting
point for this subspecies. Next season should be just as exciting since we have added a fourth
incubator (thanks to our Knoxville Zoo AAZK chapter) and created breeding groups of the other
two subspecies of spider tortoise. (Michael Ogle)
British Chelonia Group, Central Illinois Herp Society, Columbus Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Dallas Zoo,
Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo AAZK Chapter, Houston Zoo, Tim McLaughlin,
Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Zoo AAZK Chapter, Pueblo Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, San Diego Zoo, David Shapiro,
Walter Sedgwick, Woodland Park Zoo
The TSA gratefully acknowledges the following supporters for their generous
contributions of $200 or more
Richard Ayres, Aquarium Innovations - Jay Allen, Brett and Nancy Stearns, Chelonian Research Foundation, Chelonian Research
Institute, Conservation International, CTTC Turtle & Tortoise Care Society, Disneys Animal Kingdom, ECO, National Aquarium in
Baltimore, Ponds and Plants - Dave Manser , Petraworks - Gregory George , Online Hobbyist - Jeff Barringer, Purina Mills / Mazuri,
Reptiles Magazine, St. Louis Zoo, Zoo Med Laboratories
2006 TSA Conference Support
Thank You for Your Support!
Our special thanks to Lisa Lowell and Mike Forstner for making the arrangements for the February 2006 TSA U.S. Steering Committee
meeting in Austin. Mike and Josie Duval graciously hosted the group for dinner and an evening with turtles at their San Marcos ranch.
With short notice to prepare they laid out an amazing spread and everyone was amply fed; Phil and Lisa Lowell were designated drivers
and safely chauffeured us that evening.
Very special thanks go to Jeff Ettling, Mark Wanner, Tom Barry and the staff at the St Louis Zoo for their exceptional generosity in hosting the
TSAs 2006 annual conference and first joint meeting with the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. The St. Louis group has
been great to work with and have enthusiastically tried to meet all our needs. We anticipate that this conference will be a watershed event, and
that this meeting will grow each year to become the premiere gathering of turtle biologists and enthusiasts. We also gratefully acknowledge the
contributions of Lonnie McCaskill, TSA Conference Chairman, and his team at Disney, and Chuck Schaffer, TSA Conference Program
Chairman. Both tasks require considerable organizational skills and time commitment. Good job Lonnie and Chuck!
We owe a special debt of gratitude to a dedicated group of volunteers whose time and commitment mean so much to TSAs continued
success: Darrell Senneke (web site and communications), Bill Ninesling (animal management), Annabel Ross (records and permits),
Heather Lowe (membership), Meg Bommarito (newsletter), Rose Tremblay (conference support), Lisa Lowell (partnership applications),
Bill Ziegler (TMG Facilitator) and the many veterinarians who give tirelessly to care for TSA turtles. Special thanks are extended to the
Fort Worth Zoo for their generous institutional support and for allowing staff members the time to pursue TSA activities.

The TSA was founded on partnerships and today those collaborations represent our core strength.
The following is a list of some of the strategic partnerships that have contributed to
the success of the TSA in the past year:
Special Thanks
Asian Turtle Conservation Network
California Turtle & Tortoise Club
Chelonia Enterprises
Chelonian Research Foundation
Chelonian Research Institute
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Conservation International
Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation & Ecology Program
Disneys Animal Kingdom
Fort Worth Zoo
Intl. Reptile Conservation Foundation
John L. Behler Chelonian Conservation Center
Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden
KUSTEM - Malaysia College of
Science & Technology
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
Ohio University
Petraworks, Inc.
Purina Mills / Mazuri
Reptiles Magazine
Savannah River Ecology Lab
St. Louis Zoo
Taste of Thai Foods
Wildlife Conservation Society
World Chelonian Trust
Zeigler and Zeigler, Inc.