TSA and WCS sponsored workshop provides blueprint for turtle conservation in Myanmar
From 7 ‚Äì 10 January 2009 the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in conjunction with the Myanmar Forestry Department, conducted two workshops in Mandalay. A Species Recovery Plan (SRP) workshop for the Myanmar roof turtle, Kachuga (Batagur) trivittata, was followed by a comprehensive trade workshop entitled “Developing an Integrative Strategy for […]
Chambal River Sanctuary Program Protects Two Species of Sympatric Batagur
Large batagurid turtles of the genus Batagur are probably the most threatened freshwater turtles in India. Their populations have been immensely reduced due to multiple factors such as poaching, accidental drowning in fishing gear, and habitat destruction. They have all but disappeared from most of the Ganges river system, one of the world’s largest watersheds. […]
Comprehensive survey of Spider tortoise distribution in Madagascar gets underway in the north
The Madagascar spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides spp.), or Kapila as the species is referred to locally, has a carapace size of around 15cm, making it one of the world’s smaller tortoise species. With its intricate spider web type patterning on the carapace, it is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful and charismatic chelonia. During […]
New Chitra Conservation Program Off to an Impressive Start
In the fall of 2008, we initiated a status assessment and experimental hatch-and-release program for the endangered Indian Narrow Headed Softshell turtle (Chitra indica). This is an extensively hunted species in north India, mostly for its outer cartilaginous rim or “calipee.” Although its dried calipee is considered to be sub-standard in comparison to the other […]
The Egyptian Tortoise – latest news on the 2005 confiscated shipment in Italy
Alessandro Fornetti reported extensively on the confiscated shipments of tortoises that originated in Libya in the 2008 TSA Newsletter. At that time, the legal situation regarding the shipments was uncertain and even after almost three years, almost no progress could be reported. However, the condition of the first 2005 confiscation is stable. The animals were […]
Update on the captive breeding of the red-crowned roof turtle at the MCBT
For the 5th year the critically endangered red-crowned roof turtle (Batagur kachuga) has reproduced in captivity at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT). The 2009 season saw a maximum production of hatchlings – 29 in all – and these are all doing well, with one month old animals having increased in weight by 50% compared […]
Burmese Roof Turtle Field Report
The field research and conservation program for the endemic Burmese roofed turtle, Batagur trivittata, continues under the WCS Myanmar Program, and is based on the Upper Chindwin River. The primary goal is to study the remnant nesting population, protect nests, and collect hatchlings for headstarting at the Yadanabon Zoo. The eventual goal is to begin […]
Building Partnerships to Save Madagascar’s Imperiled Tortoises
Southwestern MadagascarThe tortoises of southwestern Madagascar are in serious trouble, but fortunately a remarkable duo of devoted tortoise conservationists are working on their behalf through the Village des Tortues at Ifaty. Bernard Devaux and Olivier Razandrimamilafiniarivo (Mami, for short) are running the largest tortoise facility in the south specifically created for these critically endangered tortoises. […]
Recent Acquisition of Northern Spider Tortoises
On the captive management side of things, the TSA is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of 9.12 Northern spider tortoises (Pyxis a. brygooi) from a private breeder. This nearly doubled the PMP managed population of brygooi in the U.S. and the specimens were placed with three institutions (Cleveland Metroparks, San Diego and Knoxville Zoos) […]
Preliminary results of community based monitoring of the Radiated Tortoise at Lavavolo Classified Forest, Madagascar
The radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) inhabits the dry spiny forests of southern and southwestern Madagascar. Regarded as a flagship species of the region, the existence of A. radiata is threatened by habitat destruction, illicit collection for local consumption and illegal trade in international markets. Poaching of the tortoises is continuous year-round but predominantly occurs in […]
The Sunderban Batagur
After obtaining a six-month permit from the West Bengal state forestry department, we began our conservation efforts for the critically endangered river terrapin, Batagur baska. The recent phylogenetic work by Peter Praschag and colleagues identified the Indian populations of Batagur baska to be genetically distinct from other populations in Southeast Asia. Peter’s findings made it […]
TSA Members Raise Funds for Madagascar
TSA members are beginning to come up with innovative ways to generate funds for TSA’s Madagascar program. Lisa Weiss is offering some of here 2009-hatched Furrowed wood turtles (Rhinoclemmys areolata) for sale to TSA members, with the majority of proceeds going to support TSA’s Madagascar tortoise program. The turtles are priced at $250.00 each, $150.00 […]
