News & Events

Webinar: Rescuing the Dahl’s Toad-headed Turtle

Welcome to La Carranchina Natural Reserve!

On Tuesday, December 17, at 11:00 AM EST, join us for an engaging and insightful webinar hosted by Jordan Gray, External Relations Manager, featuring special guest Dr. German Forero-Medina, Science Director at Wildlife Conservation Society Colombia. Together, they will explore the remarkable story behind the creation of La Carranchina Natural Reserve, the first reserve in Colombia dedicated to the conservation of a turtle species, the critically endangered Dahl’s Toad-Headed Turtle (Mesoclemmys dahli).

Register for free here!

What You’ll Learn About:

• The Turtle: Learn about the distinctive characteristics, habitat needs, and challenges facing Dahl’s Toad-Headed Turtle, one of Colombia’s most endangered reptiles.
• The Land Acquisition: Learn about the strategic 2019 purchase of a 297-acre parcel of land in Sucre and its critical role in safeguarding this endangered species.
• The Threats: Explore the role of habitat loss and the decline of Colombia’s tropical dry forests, with less than 8% of this critical ecosystem remaining.
• Our Genetic Research: Discover how groundbreaking genetic studies are informing conservation strategies like genetic rescue and habitat restoration.
• Habitat Restoration: Gain insights into the challenges and progress in restoring upland and riparian vegetation, rehabilitating wetlands, and creating new habitats.
• Community Engagement: Understand how local communities are key partners in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the long-term success of conservation programs.
• Innovative Conservation Measures: Learn about translocation programs and how they address inbreeding and genetic diversity in endangered turtle populations.
• Key Biodiversity Area Designation: Celebrate the recognition of the Reserve as a Key Biodiversity Area and its global significance for conservation.