Frequently Asked Questions
Click the Plus Sign (+) for answers
General
With a family tree that is 300 million years old, turtles have roamed the earth virtually unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. Unfortunately, these remarkable reptiles are now facing extinction. Within the next 20 years, as many as one-third of the world‘s 300 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles may be gone due to poaching for the international black market. At least ten species are now extinct in the wild and exist only in captive breeding programs. Turtles play a critical ecological role in the environments in which they occur. For example, freshwater turtles help control aquatic vegetation, serve as scavengers and help maintain rivers and lakes in a healthy condition. In addition, turtles occupy a significant role in the cultures of many people around the world.
The TSA focuses on critically endangered species and employs a two-pronged approach to prevent extinction and promote recovery. We work in range countries - especially those considered to be turtle diversity hotspots - to support field research and conservation programs while at the same time securing the species in captivity as a guard against extinction in the wild. The TSA also develops captive breeding programs outside the range countries as an extra measure of protection against extinction. Today, the TSA supports and manages recovery programs for endangered turtles and tortoises around the world. Our model is successful because of partnerships, and we believe strongly in building capacity for saving turtles in the countries where they live. We identify individuals and facilities that are already involved in turtle conservation and work to help them get better at what they do. Because in the end, the battle to save species will be won or lost in the countries where they live.
Several factors set TSA apart from other turtle conservation organizations. First, the TSA is action oriented and works proactively to develop conservation strategies for those species most in need. We identify species in need of assistance, put "boots on the ground" and start developing a program. Second, we respond rapidly when situations arise (trade confiscations for example) that demand urgent attention. Finally, the TSA believes in a strong programmatic approach. That is, we develop comprehensive, multi-species programs and commit to long-term funding support. For example, our India program has been underway for five years, targeting several turtle diversity hotspots with a program that includes poaching control, community education, nest protection, captive breeding and release.
Several factors set TSA apart from other turtle conservation organizations. First, the TSA is action oriented and works proactively to develop conservation strategies for those species most in need. We identify species in need of assistance, put "boots on the ground" and start developing a program. Second, we respond rapidly when situations arise (trade confiscations for example) that demand urgent attention. Finally, the TSA believes in a strong programmatic approach. That is, we develop comprehensive, multi-species programs and commit to long-term funding support. For example, our India program has been underway for five years, targeting several turtle diversity hotspots with a program that includes poaching control, community education, nest protection, captive breeding and release.
The TSA works in countries where critically endangered species exist. For example, our work in the Philippines is focused on just one species. However we devote more resources to those countries considered turtle diversity hotspots, where a single program can protect multiple species. By looking at factors such as species richness (number of species), percent endemism (number that are found only in that country), and degree of endangerment, we can determine which countries are most important overall. In Asia, when all these factors are considered, the most important countries are China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. Today the TSA has programs in three of these countries, and supports projects in the other two.
Membership
There is no longer a log in required to renew your membership online. Your username and password are no longer needed. To renew, simply click on "Join the TSA" and complete the membership form. There, you can indicate that you are renewing your membership, rather than joining as a new member. If you have your membership number (on your membership card) it's helpful, but not necessary.
Keeping your contact information current is very helpful, as it helps us reduce our mailing expenses. To update your address or other information, please email Janet Fincannon, Program Assistant.
Your membership expiration date can be found on your membership card. If you don't have your card, you can email us to find out.
Our newsletter is sent out bi-weekly via e-mail and is the best way for you to stay up-to-date on all TSA news and announcements. Members receive these e-mails automatically, as a membership benefit. If you are not currently receiving the newsletter, contact Janet Fincannon to make sure that we have your current e-mail address in our database. To ensure that messages from the TSA do not get diverted to your junk mail or spam folder, please addjgray@turtlesurvival.org to your address book or safe list. You can also become a fan of the Turtle Survival Alliance on Facebook!
Animal Management
Yes, the TSA currently owns and manages more than 2000 turtles and tortoises representing more than 50 species. Currently, these 2000+ animals reside with 93 private individuals, 33 zoos and aquariums and five educational institutions (i.e., universities and veterinary schools).
We have been working to implement a revised and simplified animal acquisition and placement process. Unless there is a point person and plan in place for a particular species, all confiscations or surplus offspring are advertised to the entire TSA membership via the e-newsletter. Animals are either placed on a first-come basis with members, or, in the case where long-term management is needed, potential volunteer holders are screened and vetted by the Animal Management Committee. Watch the e-newsletter carefully for specimens that are available, and please don't hesitate to contactCris Hagen (Director of Animal Management) with updates or questions. We need everyone's help in making TSA's living collection an integral part of our overall conservation efforts.
Captive breeding and ex situ conservation is a key component of the TSA's conservation strategy, especially for species ranked critically endangered. Many species are disappearing at such an alarming rate from the wild, that a captive assurance colony is a necessary layer of protection against extinction. In fact, ten species are now considered extinct in the wild and exist only in captivity! TSA holdings include hundreds of specimens of endangered and critically endangered species, as well as a substantial number of species of lesser concern. The goals for TSA's animal collection in 2010 and beyond is to both maximize the conservation potential of the animals that we hold and to begin returning offspring to their home countries.
The TSA believes that captive populations should be developed for all turtle species ranked endangered or critically endangered. Some of these species have well-managed captive programs in the countries where they exist (Rafetus, for example); hence major ex situ programs are not a high priority. The species that emerge as high priorities for ex situ captive management are those that have no counterpart program in the range country, and that are ranked Critically Endangered, or appear to be headed in that direction. Species like the endemic Chinese box turtles (Cuora) and Indonesian endemics such as the Roti Island Snakeneck (Chelodina mccordi) and the Sulawesi Forest Turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi) are either extinct or seriously threatened in the wild. Underlying this is our belief that it is better to develop captive populations for species of concern before they reach the brink of extinction.
How Can I Help Turtles?
If you find turtles in a safe place, leave them there.
Turtles are very slow to mature and very few hatchlings live to adulthood. For these reasons, removing any individuals from the wild can greatly impact local populations.
Generally, wild turtles should be left where they are found. However, sometimes they end up on a road or in another unsafe place. If you find a turtle in the road, it's usually best to just help them across safely and release them in the direction that they were going. Being safe around traffic is always important for turtle rescuers as well!
If you see turtles on their backs at the side of the road, carefully turn them over and put them well away from the traffic. Gently put them on nice flat areas of grass or dirt facing in the same direction they were going; avoid rocky places and ditches.
Long-tailed turtles might be snapping turtles and they can bite. They can be safely moved out of the street with a long-handled shovel but be sure to be very gentle.
Keeping a turtle as a pet is a significant commitment. Here are some things to consider before buying one:
- Remember that wild turtles should never be taken home as pets.
- Be sure that you buy your turtle from a reputable store or breeder and that it is not wild caught.
- Turtles can live a long time – up to 80 years for some species! Be sure that you are ready for that kind of commitment.
- Research the diet, habitat and light requirements for the species that you are considering keeping as a pet. For most species, an aquarium is not sufficient.
Never release a pet turtle into the wild. Turtles kept in captivity may not have the important nutrients they need to survive through the cold winter. In addition, your turtle may not be native to your area and should not interbreed with wild turtles. Captive turtles may also carry diseases or parasites that could harm the local population. For these reasons, it is very important that if you no longer want a pet turtle and do not know where it was captured, you should try to find a capable new owner. For help, contact a local herpetology society, zoo or wildlife rehabber. Your state’s department of wildlife web page is a usually a great place to find lists of certified rehabbers.
Participate in local community or river cleanups. Healthy turtle populations start with a healthy habitat.
Don’t litter!
Leave fallen trees and branches in place along shorelines. Turtles use these as a platform for basking in the sun.
If you find injured or sick turtles, take them immediately to a turtle specialist. Call your local humane society, wildlife rehabber or zoo for the name of a turtle expert near you.
Don’t buy real tortoiseshell barrettes, brushes, ornaments or jewelry. Make sure it’s plastic before buying anything that looks like tortoiseshell.
Avoid restaurants with turtle soup, turtle eggs or turtle meat on the menu.
Don’t let your pet dog or cat run free where they can injure or kill wildlife. Keep them on a leash.
Become a member of the Turtle Survival Alliance.
Participate in Citizen Science Projects such as the Texas Turtle Watch.
Support local legislation protecting turtles from collection from the wild for the pet trade, food, or export to other countries.
Anal scutes: The scutes on the rear plastron; can be different shapes for male and female
Aquatic Turtle - a turtle that spends most of its time in the water.
Basking site or basking area: An area for a turtle or tortoise to absorb warmth from sunshine or another heat source.
Brackish water: Fresh water that receives some salt water from the ocean during high tides, making it more salty than fresh.
Carapace: The top shell covering the back.
Carnivore: A meat eater.
Carrion: Decaying flesh that may be used for food.
Chelonians: All turtles and tortoises.
Clutch: A nest of eggs.
Estivates: Hibernates in summer
Ex situ Conservation - conservation that takes place outside of a species' native range. Captive breeding of Asian turtles in the United States is an example of ex situ conservation.
Hatchlings: Baby turtles or tortoises
Headstarting - a conservation practice that involves raising hatchlings in captivity until they are large enough that they are less vulnerable to predation or other risks, at which time they are released
Herbivore: A plant eater
Herp: short for the word "Herpetology; the study of reptiles and amphibians
In situ Conservation - conservation that takes place in a species' range country or native habitat.
Keel: A ridge in the carapace, usually from front to rear so that it is over or parallels the spine
Omnivore: Eats both meat and plants
Plastron: The lower shell
Range Country - the country in which a species naturally occurs, or the location of its home range
Scute: A single surface section of the shell; each shell is made up of many scutes with underlying skeletal bone
Semi-aquatic turtle: A turtle that spends about half of its time in the water and half of its time on land
Semi-terrestrial turtle: A turtle that spends most of its time on land but also goes into the water once in a while
Side-necked turtle: When this type of turtle shelters its head, the neck folds to the side but does not disappear into the shell
Terrarium: An aquarium or cage that contains live plants, a higher humidity, and no swimming water
Terrestrial turtle: A turtle that lives on land but bathes or soaks in water or goes into the water to escape predators
Tortoise: A land-based chelonian that can’t swim and only goes into shallow water to drink or soak; a tortoise never voluntarily enters water over its head
Vent: Equivalent to an anal opening
Vivarium: An aquarium divided into two sections — one for water and one for land