Atlas of Turtle Genomes for Conservation (ATGC)

Conservation Genetics Project

Atlas of Turtle Genomes for Conservation (ATGC)

Using genomics to combat wildlife trafficking

Turtles and tortoises are among the world’s most threatened vertebrates, and illegal trafficking continues to accelerate their decline. In the United States—home to more turtle species than any other country—millions of native turtles have been exported over the past two decades, and many that are confiscated from illegal trade arrive in poor health and with no information about where they were taken from. Returning these animals to the wild is often challenging, because releasing them in the wrong location can harm both the turtles and the ecosystems that receive them.

The Atlas of Turtle Genomes for Conservation (ATGC) is a nationwide initiative led by the Turtle Survival Alliance and The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to address this challenge.

By generating detailed genetic maps for turtle species across their entire native ranges, ATGC provides a new way to pinpoint the geographic origin of confiscated turtles. This genomic “roadmap” not only helps guide safe, scientifically informed repatriation efforts—it also reveals where poaching is most concentrated, allowing law enforcement and conservation agencies to focus their actions where they are needed most. Together, these advances strengthen efforts to combat trafficking and support the recovery of wild turtle populations.

Key Innovations of ATGC

ATGC brings together cutting-edge science, broad collaboration, and practical conservation tools to overcome long-standing limitations in turtle genetic research.

ATGC unites researchers, agencies, and conservation partners across the country to create the most complete, range-wide sample collection ever assembled. This coordinated effort fills geographic gaps that previously reduced assignment accuracy.
ATGC standardizes all data using whole-genome sequencing—the highest-resolution genetic method available. Unlike past approaches, which relied on fragmented or incompatible datasets, whole-genome reference maps ensure that new samples, new species, and new technologies can be integrated seamlessly as the field evolves.
ATGC pioneers faster, more flexible laboratory protocols, allowing a wider network of labs to process confiscated samples and dramatically reducing turnaround times.
ATGC uses advanced machine-learning tools to detect subtle genetic differences across landscapes, offering precise, confidence-based predictions of where each turtle originated.
ATGC will deliver all results through a secure, user-friendly digital platform, giving wildlife agencies immediate access to clear, actionable information that supports enforcement, repatriation, and long-term species recovery.