AUGUST 2003
An IUCN Partnership Network for Sustainable Captive Managment of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises
Preserving Options for the
Recovery of Wild Populations
The mission of TSA is to develop and maintain an inclusive, broad-based global network of collections
of living tortoises and freshwater turtles with the primary goal of maintaining chelonian species over
the long term to provide maximum future options for the recovery of wild populations.
www.turtlesurvival.com
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
First captive breeding of the Sulawesi forest turtle, Leucocephalon yuwonoi, by Dr Charlie Innis. See story inside.
In memory of Dr. Barbara Bonner
1957-2003
This issue is dedicated to Barb Bonner whose tireless commitment to turtle welfare was unmatched and whose dedication to turtle
conservation unwavering. Her contributions to chelonian medicine were pioneering and the void she leaves in our ranks is vast.
The turtle world has lost one of its most ardent supporters and passionate advocates. She will be sorely missed.
Publication supported by:
TCF Species Recovery Plans contain two integrated components. The Captive
Management Plan is dedicated to maintaining assurance colonies, and is
coordinated by the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA). With the ultimate goal
of reintroduction, it produces animals that the field component utilizes in
investigating methods to re-establish natural populations. The Field Action
Plan, in turn, defines the conservation research needs for the species in
nature and focuses on range country capacity building as it pertains to field
conservation efforts and formation of assurance colonies in range countries.
The Species Recovery Plan for the river terrapin, Batagur baska, illustrates
how captive management plans and field action plans are integrated. Both
components embrace zoos, private individuals, government organizations,
non-government organizations (NGOs) and other entities worldwide that
maintain Batagur. Future partners, to be added as the plan progresses, may
include such facilities as existing Asian government hatcheries and head start
facilities for Batagur.
The Captive Management Plan's purpose is to produce animals for
reintroduction. However, releases may not be feasible at many sites for years
to come until both the cause of decline has been rectified and successful
release techniques are developed. As a result, assurance colonies must
be sustained through time. For Batagur, the genetic goal of the captive
population is to retain 90% of gene diversity over 100 years. To facilitate this,
appropriate husbandry and veterinary care programs must be developed at
certain facilities. In Asia, where information that may be important to long
term captive management may not have reached all facilities, courses in
turtle husbandry and veterinary care will be taught in 2003 and 2004. The
actual number of captive animals in Asia is not known, so a census with
on-the-ground inspection of facilities is important. In addition, reproductive
techniques need to be developed, especially in North American facilities
where Batagur has only successfully reproduced at one institution. Similarly,
research is needed in temperature dependent sex determination (TDSD) for
this species, yielding critical information for egg incubation protocols.
The Field Action Plan addresses key conservation issues resulting in the decline
of Batagur in the wild. Primary threats include the removal of animals and
eggs from the wild for human consumption, destruction of nesting beaches
by sand mining, and the loss of mangrove forests that provide prime foraging
habitat for this species. Dam construction is another major threat in that they
alter downstream water levels, destroy nesting beaches, and block migration
routes. Conservation initiatives for Batagur should address these issues and
enforce existing protective measures for the species including; establishing
reserves that contain contiguous foraging and nesting areas; conducting
public education programming in and around such reserves and in non-
protected areas where Batagur populations exist and re-establishing selected
extirpated populations. Nesting beach restoration/protection should also be
an integral, emphasized part of protected areas.
Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) Species
Recovery Plans - Integrating Field and Captive
Management Plans: The Batagur model
Conservation team member repairing protective cage for Batagur nest,
Sre Ambel River, Cambodia
TCF SPECIES RECOVERY PLANS
Educational programming for children living near a Cambodian Batagur site.
2
TCF SPECIES RECOVERY PLANS
Additional aspects of the Batagur program illustrate the interdependence of
the captive and field components of the Species Recovery Plan. For example,
genetic research is needed to answer systematic questions: the northern
populations (India and Bangladesh) may be highly distinct from the others,
and the eastern and western Malay populations may be, to a lesser degree,
differentiated. If it is determined that genetic differences exist among natural
populations, it may be important to manage these populations separately in
captivity. In addition, it has recently been noticed that one of the Malaysian
hatcheries is producing a preponderance of female Batagur. Results of TDSD
research may show that hatcheries are producing a female biased population,
and adjustments in incubation temperatures may have a profound impact on
the field component's efforts in re-establishing natural populations.
Equally important and interdependent, the two components of a Species
Recovery Plan are designed to bring together specialists from many
disciplines and parts of the world to ensure the survival of these magnificent
animals. It is only through the integrated actions of many individuals across a
wide range of disciplines that the Species Recovery Plan for Batagur, or any
species of turtle, can truly be effective.
For detailed information, please contact the Batagur Species Recovery Plan
authors Hugh Quinn, Ph.D. (hrq@clevelandmetroparks.com) and John
Behler (jbehler@wcs.org).
TSA partner Bill Ninesling with a male Batagur he received from the
Bronx Zoo to pair with his female.
3
In the summer of 2002, the TSA received a request from Jonathan Murray of the
Dusit Zoo in Bangkok for medical assistance with a large number of Burmese
star tortoises, Geochelone platynota, that had recently been confiscated. The
70+ tortoises had been distributed throughout the five zoos in the Thai zoo
system and, due to high morbidity and mortality, required medical treatment.
He also requested a workshop on reptile medicine for the zoo and wildlife
staff and local university personnel. Recognizing the importance of this group
of star tortoises and the potential for building capacity in Thailand that this
training opportunity presented, the TSA sent Dr. Chris Tabaka to Thailand in
August 2002. Chris is one of the founding members of the TSA and one of the
group's strongest supporters.
In addition to performing evaluations on all the platynota, Chris conducted
a series of lectures and hands-on workshops on chelonian medicine for
curators, vets and university personnel, covering a wide range of topics. Chris
found the students to be extremely talented and enthusiastically tackled this
new aspect of medicine and preventative care.
The other focus of this trip involved a visit to the Chitra chitra (striped narrow-
headed softshell turtle) breeding center. This facility was very progressively
managed and impressive in the fact that just under 300 babies had hatched
that year and were being successfully raised. This project is managed by the
Thai Fisheries Department, a government-run program designed to bolster
the numbers of this depleted species. In-range or near-range efforts such
as the Thailand Chitra facility and the local zoos working with the Burmese
star tortoises are a large part of the solution for preventing the extinction of a
number of Southeast Asian species. Both of these species are ranked as Critical
by the IUCN and in danger of extinction in nature. The Turtle Survival Alliance
is uniquely positioned to be able to offer technical assistance and support
for such efforts thus helping all of us achieve our common goal of chelonian
species preservation.
VETERINARY TRAINING
Veterinary Training Workshop in Thailand
4
As all Turtle Survival Alliance partners are aware, turtle and tortoise
populations around the world are in crisis due to unsustainable collection
for food markets and habitat loss. Without the establishment of ex situ
captive colonies, and in situ conservation efforts, some of the world's
chelonians may be extinct within a few years. Many of the critically
endangered and threatened chelonians in captivity are held in private
collections. Specifically, a number of major private collectors in the US
and Europe have established significant groups of these species. As many
of these species are decimated in the wild through years of unsustainable
exploitation, the individuals surviving in private collections represent an
invaluable and irreplaceable resource.
In August, 2002, the Tewksbury Institute of Herpetology (TIH) was
organized to establish a large assurance colony complex of endangered
turtles and tortoises as an international center for chelonian conservation,
reproduction, research, education and public awareness. The TIH is located
on a 50-acre conservation easement in the rolling farmland and horse
country of Tewksbury, New Jersey. The site is approximately 15 minutes from
Princeton University, 20 minutes from Rutgers University and 55 minutes
from New York City. The property includes 20 acres of cleared meadow, 30
acres of forest, two streams, three artesian wells and a historic dairy barn
complex.
The TIH, a non-profit corporation, is in partnership with many of the world's
leading chelonian conservation organizations, including the IUCN's Turtle
Survival Alliance, the Turtle Conservation Fund and the World Chelonian
Trust. A major focus of TIH will be education projects involving Rutgers
University, the local school systems and a sister school project with Chengdu,
China. The TIH staff, project directors
and advisors represent the leading
edge in chelonian nutrition, veterinary
medicine, husbandry,
reproductive
physiology and captive breeding.
Eight major
private
collections,
holding several thousand chelonians
representing more than one-third of
the world's species, are included in
our collection management plan. The TIH is currently relocating over 1,000
turtles and tortoises from these collections and international confiscations
to our facility that will include outdoor enclosures, a greenhouse complex
and a veterinary/quarantine clinic. Through combining these private
collections, the TIH now holds many of the largest groups of the world's
most endangered species of turtles. These groups will be the focus of
intensive research projects to ensure the species' continued survival.
TIH presents a unique opportunity to educate New Jersey and the larger
community about the world's vanishing biodiversity and the massive efforts
and scientific advances needed to preserve it.
TIH's Executive Director Richard Ogust and his collection were recently
featured in a front page story of the Washington Post, followed by coverage
from ABC and NBC National News, CNN, the BBC and Reuters International.
This type of media attention has been very positive in emphasizing the role
that private collections play in the global turtle conservation picture.
ASSURANCE COLONY DEVELOPMENT
Tewksbury Institute of Herpetology
5
The TIH Groundbreaking Crew gets ready to begin construction of the perimeter fence in June 2002.
In a unanimous vote, the TSA Steering Committee recently committed funds
to support the Turtle Conservation and Ecology Program (TCEP) in Vietnam.
TSA will fund TCEP's Coordinator for the next year. This position, held by a
Vietnamese national, will coordinate ranger training, gather trade statistics
and participate in TCEP's public awareness and education initiatives from the
Hanoi office.
Established largely through the efforts of Doug Hendrie and his involvement
with Cuc Phong National Park, TCEP has a five-pronged approach to
conserving turtles. They aim to raise awareness and educate the public about
the Asian turtle crisis, train local wildlife authorities, rescue and rehabilitate
confiscated turtles, build the capacity, interest, and expertise of Vietnamese
nationals in turtles and their conservation and conduct research on the
ecology and trade of turtles in Vietnam
TCEP is most noted for the Turtle Conservation Center (TCC) developed at
Cuc Phuong National Park. The TCC is now managed by Cuc Phuong National
Park, with TCEP providing funding and technical assistance to integrate the
Center with regional conservation needs. Although the TCC remains the most
visible component of TCEP, the most valuable advances in turtle conservation
have related to progress in the public awareness, education and training of
wildlife protection authorities activities for which the new Coordinator will
be integral.
The importance of Vietnam, the TCEP and Cuc Phong to turtle conservation
is reflected in their history of international support. The TSA joins a growing
community of conservation organizations in supporting the efforts of TCEP
and the TCC.
In the last two years, the Conservation Endowment Fund of the American
Zoo and Aquarium Association has funded collaborative projects by TSA
partners from the Tennessee Aquarium, the Wildlife Conservation Society
and the Cleveland Zoo to support husbandry and veterinary training and
facility development at Cuc Phong. These efforts join with those of the
Allwetter Muenster Zoo, the Auckland Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Conservation
International, WWF and others to conserve turtles at Cuc Phong and raise
awareness throughout Vietnam.
Vietnam remains a hub of the Asian turtle crisis. The grass-roots nature of
the TCEP projects and collaboration with government are one of the regions
models for a sustainable range-state turtle conservation program. The actions
encompass habitat protection, research and field surveys, capacity building as
well as captive assurance colonies.
Despite the TCEP's progress, conservation needs remain great as pointed
out by recent confiscations in Vietnam. A recent confiscation at Hanoi's
International Airport resulted in the seizure of nearly 5 tons of wildlife labeled
as soft-shell turtles, including 3.4 tons of pangolins, and an assortment of
hard-shell turtles including Heosemys grandis, Hieremys annandalii,
Siebenrockiella crassicollis and Cuora amboinensis. The animals were
transferred to Soc Son Rescue Center outside Hanoi until a determination
could be made on what to do with the confiscated animals. The TSA offered
veterinary and husbandry support for the confiscated animals and was on
standby to receive the Hieremys and Heosemys, most of them large adults.
Despite clearing a number of official hurdles, in the end the CITES paperwork
could not be obtained in time to rescue the turtles.
This case represents an emerging trend where Vietnamese companies are
playing a part in trade, coming from Malaysia and Thailand and perhaps
Indonesia. Although some of the wildlife may be consumed in Vietnam, the
market remains focused on China. The TSA will continue to work with the
TCEP and Vietnamese authorities to aid in the care and placement of future
confiscations.
TSA Supports Turtle Conservation Center at Cuc Phong
THE RANGE COUNTRY CONNECTION
Paul Calle (WCS) and Henk Zwarteporte (Rotterdam Zoo) instruct Cuc Phong
staff on tubing an Elongated tortoise
Group of confiscated Yellow-headed Temple turtles as the Soc San animal
rescue center
6
In the beautiful Hill Country of central Texas plans are beginning to take shape for a new facility dedicated
to Asian softshell turtles. One of the TSA founding partners just broke ground on a 3000 sq. ft. building
that will contain five circular aquaculture ponds measuring 20 ft in diameter, each with a central island
for nesting. Few facilities in the U.S. offer the space necessary to effectively house and reproduce giant
softshells, and this could prove to be a model of its kind. Filtration and water flow will be set up to create
a flowing stream effect, and each tank can be partitioned to separate aggressive animals. Five species are
currently targeted for management including two narrow-headed softshells (Chitra chitra and C. indica)
and three taxa of Pelochelys (P. cantori, P. bibroni and the recently described P. signifera). One of the
primary goals of this facility is to provide an innovative and space-efficient method for managing large
softshell turtles, a group that can be extremely challenging in captive situations. These techniques need
to be developed soon, while stocks are still available, as softshells are one of the most highly sought and
over-exploited groups of Asian turtles.
New Facility Dedicated to
Softshell Turtle Conservation
Detroit Zoo
Announces Plans
for Turtle
Conservation Center
The Detroit Zoological Institute (DZI) is embarking
upon a new and exciting venture, the construction
of a dedicated chelonian conservation facility.
Currently in the planning stages, this facility will
concentrate on endangered and threatened turtles
and tortoises from around the world. Building
upon the success of the National Amphibian
Conservation Center, which opened at the DZI
in 2000, the new chelonian building will be the
third dedicated herp facility located at the zoo.
A final budget and opening date has yet to be
determined, but it is expected to open sometime
in 2005/2006.
Zoos Find Creative
Solutions for
Supporting TSA
Hard economic times have resulted in some
major belt-tightening by most zoos. Despite these
conditions, two zoos have stepped up and found
creative ways to channel much-needed financial
support to the TSA. The highly successful breeding
program for Chelodina reinmanni at the Denver
Zoo produced so many surplus offspring that
the breeding had to be suspended until they
could be placed. Due to increased interest in
this taxa (which is no longer available through
importations), Denver reactivated the program
and now captive hatched reinmanni are available
for a $100 donation to the TSA. The Columbus Zoo
acquired a group of 20 captive hatched Chitra
chitra from Malaysia in 2002. These species are
the founding nucleus for a breeding program for
this critically endangered softshell. Specimens are
now being offered to other facilities and all proceeds
will be donated to the TSA.
7
MORE NEWS
THE NEXT GENERATION
Successful captive reproduction is the goal of every TSA partner. Fortunately, while much of
the news on the turtle front is discouraging, many TSA partners have experienced phenomenal
breeding success. In the next few pages, we highlight a few of the myriad species that have been
bred in captivity by TSA partners in the last year.
Chelodina reinmanni
Hatchlings are slow growing, hesitant feeders. It
can often take these slow strikers three attempts
to catch a meal and are probably nocturnal,
bottom feeders, feeding on crustaceans, mol-
lusks and insects. The two Chelodina on this
page were hatched at Chapman University,
photos courtesy of Dr. Fred Caporaso.
Chelodina mccordi
One week old Roti Island
snake-necked turtle hatchling
(27 mm carapace length).
Egg incubated at 82 F. and
hatched 11/27/02.
Flapshell turtle hatches at Baltimore Zoo
The Baltimore Zoo announces the hatching of a flapshell turtle,
Lissemys p. andersoni, in what is believed to be a first breed-
ing in captivity, at least in the U.S. Two hatchlings emerged on
28 June and 7 July 2003 from a clutch of eggs laid 8 December
2002. Another clutch of five was subsequently deposited on
1 June. The breeding group consists of 3.3 adults but all egg
production has been from one female.
First captive breeding of the Sulawesi forest turtle
On July 25, TSA Partner Dr. Charlie Innis discovered this hatchling L. yuwonoi
in with its mother, having hatched in the enclosure from an undetected egg.
The egg was deposited in a nest under a rock and apparently incubated on
dry sphagnum peat moss and hatched at ambient temperature (75-82F). The
mother was imported in 1998, has laid eggs previously, and there are two
possible sires. The baby weighed 33 grams upon discovery with a straight line
carapace length of 50 mm. This hatchling is believed to represent the first
worldwide captive breeding for this critically endangered turtle.
Malacochersus tornieri
Pancake tortoise hatchlings are as
communal as the adults and are
excellent climbers. After 1-2 weeks
hiding in the substrate without eating,
neonates will emerge to feed and
eventually start seeking shelter under
the low stone shelves. Courtesy of
Paula Morris.
8
THE NEXT GENERATION
Cuora mccordi
Extinct in the wild? Fortunately, mccordi is very hardy
and a prolific breeder. Incubated at 84F, the eggs
hatch in 75 days and large fully mature females can
quadruple clutch.
Pyxis arachnoides brygooi
Despite large numbers being exported
to the trade markets, successful cap-
tive reproduction of spider tortoises is
still uncommon.
Cuora aurocapitata
Female aurocapitata dig nests 1.5 times
longer than their carapace length. A large
adult female is typically only 6" long, yet
their nests can be a pit as wide as 12"
and as deep as 9".
Forsten's tortoise and Flat-tailed tortoise at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta announces the successful hatching of a Forsten's tortoise, Indotestudo
forstenii. The first two of six eggs, deposited in three clutches from early January to late
February 2002, hatched in mid-May after a 4 12 month incubation period at 86-88F.
Prone to a range of health problems in captivity, captive reproduction is still uncommon
in this endangered tortoise. We learn more about their medical management this trend
should reverse. Note the pronounced serrations on the rear carapace marginals.
Also at Zoo Atlanta, two Pyxis planicauda eggs, each from a different pairing, were de-
posited in November 2002. These were incubated in the mid 70s for one month, dropped
to the upper 60s for a month, then back to the mid 70s for an additional month after
which the temperature was gradually raised to the upper 80s for three more months until
the eggs hatched in late May. The temperature diapause intervals required to successfully
incubate eggs from this critically endangered tortoise are just now beginning to become
understood. Captive breeding has now occurred in at least three private collections and
two zoos (all TSA Partners).
9
THE NEXT GENERATION
Geochelone denticulata
This captive-bred yellowfoot tortoise is at risk for
abnormal scute formation as it grows from hatch-
ling to young adult. The syndrome, sometimes
referred to as reverse pyramiding, is currently
under study as Walkabout Farm. Photo courtesy
of Susan Donohue, Walkabout Farm.
Cuora flavomarginata
Ray Ferrell's observations of nesting C.
flavomaginata began in 1981. His turtles
live in two large outdoor pens. Between
1981-1983 he observed the females nest-
ing on high ground with good drainage.
Since 1984 they have chosen to lay in
damp shaded areas under bushes. It's
possible that suitable shaded areas may
not have existed in the pen causing them
to nest on higher ground. Nesting occurs
in late June and early July. Clutch size
ranges from 1-5 eggs, averaging 2.5 eggs.
The spring weather plays a key role in the development of the eggs in the females and the time of
nesting. Size and weight of the female determines the number of eggs. On two occasions, a female
double clutched. The incubation period varies depending on temperature. Incubation is from 75
to 116 days at temperatures ranging from 70F to 78F.
Cuora serrata
This one-year-old is from a clutch of three, all surviving
today. Great confusion persists as to the origin and
taxonomy of serrata and it seems that more extensive
genetic analysis will be required to resolve this issue.
Many adults' carapaces bear very old scars, environ-
mental indicators of a long natural life.
Geoemyda japonica
This hatchling was incubated
at 83F, a higher temperature
than its more widely known
congener Geoemyda spengleri.
Japonica possesses very similar
behavior patterns to spengleri,
but is larger, more robust and
decidedly more colorful.
Kinyixis belliana
Siblings from two seasons.
The largest is photo-
graphed at 19 months,
the two smaller are one
year of age. All three
appear to be females and
were incubated at 86.6F,
although Paula Morris has
produced both males and
females at this temperature.
10
THE NEXT GENERATION
Manouria impressa
A rehabilitation program for rescued market
specimens yielded a few fertile eggs which hatched.
Six years later, this 9" female exhibits very natural
grouth patterns. The experience to date with
captive hatched impressa indicates they respond
to captivity extremely well and are proving quite
adaptable and undemanding.
Cuora galbinifrons picturata
This species will lay 1-2 eggs per clutch and will double clutch
in January/February and June/July. These gregarious hatchlings
consume predominately insects, worms, crickets, dead mice
and fruit.
Burmese Star tortoise at SCI
The Wildlife Conservation Society's Wildlife Survival Center
announces the first two hatchings of the Burmese Star Tortoise,
Geochelone platynota, at their St. Catherines Island tortoise
facility. Three eggs were laid between 9-17 January 2003 and
incubated on dry vermiculite at room temperature (70F) for the
first 38-40 days. The eggs were then moved to an incubator at
84F and lightly misted weekly. Blood vessels where evident by the
second week of incubation. Two hatchlings pipped between 9-17
June 2003 after an incubation period of 108-116 days.
Building Captive Populations
Through Confiscations
The TSA's working relationship with the USFWS continues
to grow stronger and, increasingly, we are called on to
help place confiscated turtles. Since July 2002, the TSA
has received and processed 537 turtles and tortoises including 290 Geochelone elegans, 87
Testudo graeca, 57 Kninxys, 3 Leucocephalon yuwonoi, 1 Heosemys spinosa, 2 Geochelone
denticulata, 17 Cuora amboinensis, 80 Podocnemis unifilis, 38 Pelomedusa subrufa and 2
Batagur baska. These actions are possible largely due to the dedicated work of TSA Registrar,
Annabel Ross, and a "ready and willing" group of supporting veterinarians. The processing fees
charged for most of these turtles has generated a fund that is used to reimburse these vets and
caretakers for medical and diagnostic expenses. The TSA is also extremely grateful to Partner Bill
Ninesling who gives tirelessly of his time and facilities to help us with confiscated turtles.
11
What can you do to help the TSA save turtles?
The TSA has developed some crucial global partnerships and is well positioned to have a major impact on turtle conservation in a
number of range countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Madagascar and Myanmar. We will only be successful if we can
raise the necessary funds to support these grassroots conservation initiatives. We need your help!!
YES! I want to help the TSA become a global force for turtle conservation.
My contribution will make a difference. For example:
$25 helps the TSA keep you informed of our international efforts in conservation
$50 can help the staff from Cuc Phong Turtle Conservation Center in Vietnam conduct field trips to locate potential release sites
for the critically endangered Vietnam pond turtle, Mauremys annamensis.
$100 can pay the monthly salary for five local villagers to monitor and protect nesting beaches for the mangrove terrapin
Batagur baska, in Cambodia.
$300 can pay the annual salary of a Malagasy biologist to monitor tortoise populations in southern Madagascar.
$500 can help train aspiring young Asian turtle biologists in conservation methods.
$1000 can help to develop a captive-breeding program for the critically endangered Kachuga trivittata at the Yadanabon Zoo in
Mandalay, Myanmar.
$2500 can fund the Turtle Conservation & Ecology Project coordinator position in Vietnam for one year!
For tax purposes, please send me an invoice for the following amount .
Name
Address
City State Zip
Home phone ( ) Work ( )
q My check or money order is enclosed (payable to Turtle Survival Alliance)
Mail to:
Rick Hudson, co-chair
Turtle Survival Alliance
1989 Colonial Pkwy.
Fort Worth, TX 76110