Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, President and CEO of Turtle Survival Alliance, is a conservation biologist and a leader with a passion for creating long-term solutions to protect endangered wildlife and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Marc joined Turtle Survival Alliance in 2023 with the goal of greatly expanding its global reach by partnering with stakeholders worldwide to end the threat of turtle extinctions and ensure that turtle populations thrive in the wild.
His research includes studying tortoise and freshwater turtle communities, demographics, and ways to ensure their long-term survival and in 2021 discovered a new population of critically endangered Pancake Tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) in Kenya. He has also worked with community leaders in Canada and in Kenya to organize community-science efforts to monitor turtle nesting and reduce human-caused mortality. Marc has also led projects aimed at protecting mammals and birds. He has worked closely with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy where he studied predator-prey behavior, and ways to ensure their co-existence with people.
Marc holds a Ph.D. in Biology (Conservation Biology), a Master of Environmental Studies (Wildlife Conservation), a Master of Business Administration (Finance) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance). He lectured in ecology and conservation at York University’s Glendon College. Marc volunteers on the boards of several organizations dedicated to turtle and wildlife conservation, including the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. He has also served on the boards of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Canadian Herpetological Society and is a member of multiple scientific societies, including the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, and an International Fellow of The Explorers Club.
Why Turtles?
Found around the world in rivers, deserts, jungles, and our own backyards, it’s easy to assume tortoises and freshwater turtles will always be here. But the very traits that once helped them survive render them vulnerable to extinction today.
Our Initiatives
Our Programs
Protecting the world’s most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles
We All Play a Role.
To save turtles, we all play a role. Every day, tortoises and freshwater turtles around the globe face pressing threats. Your support equips us to support species where and how they need us most.
Turtles are ancient and remarkable creatures who deserve a champion. When you stand with us, you help ensure their continued survival. Together, we can create a world with zero turtle extinctions.