TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

Transcription

1 TSA AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE Transforming passion for turtles into effective conservation action through a global network of living collections and recovery programs The Northern Spider Tortoise, (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi) See Cover Story on p.5 Peter Praschag, Behler Chelonian Center 1

2 From the President's Desk Ability to respond rapidly is what sets TSA apart As I write this letter, we have just received news that the female Rafetus has laid her first clutch of 56 eggs at Suzhou Zoo for the 2009 season. After suffering last year s disappointing news, the TSA regrouped and is giving it 100%, addressing some of the problems seen in We hope to be able to report soon that the world s population of Rafetus has grown by fourteen-fold and to show the first photographs of a live hatchling R. swinhoei. When Dr. Gerald Kuchling s message arrived with this much-anticipated news, he requested that we try and find funding for a camcorder to mount over the Rafetus nesting beach that would make finding eggs easier. I forwarded the to the new TSA Board and almost immediately David Shapiro responded from Hong Kong, offering up the $1,400 requested. It struck me later what an amazing example this was of the TSA network s strength, and our ability to respond to turtle conservation issues around the globe. No other turtle conservation organization is positioned to respond as rapidly or effectively as the TSA. Another notable strength of the TSA is our global network of veterinarians that can mobilize quickly when situations demand. When a disease problem was identified in the only range country assurance colony for the endangered Philippine forest turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis), the TSA sent Dr. Nimal Fernando from Ocean Park Hong Kong to Palawan to investigate. Later in September, a TSA team will follow up with a site visit to help design a new filtration system to improve water quality for this important group of turtles. In August, a TSA team will visit Myanmar to begin designing new turtle rescue and assurance colony facilities, and then move on to Malaysia where plans for new turtle centers are taking shape. Expertise in captive management and facility design are well represented within the TSA partnership, and these skills are becoming more in demand as captive populations become integrated into species recovery plans. Looking back on the past year, we have witnessed some significant events and made serious progress towards protecting endangered species and populations in Asia as well as Madagascar. In January 2009, we organized Team Burma that conducted workshops in Myanmar, drafting a Plan for saving the Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata) and developing an improved strategy for handling confiscated turtles and tortoises. Just prior to our arrival, staff at Mandalay s Yadanabon Zoo found a 2008 hatched B. trivittata in the adult breeding pond, the first worldwide captive breeding of this rare turtle. From Myanmar, a subset of Team Burma proceeded on to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore a five country tour of duty in just over a month. Watch for future news as we initiate new programs and partnerships in these countries, particularly Malaysia where the Royal Turtle Institute is being planned near Terengganu, under the direction and watchful eye of longtime TSA collaborator Dr. Engheng Chan. TSA s new Madagascar Program is raising funds that will be directed toward protecting the last wild populations of the Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora). Collaboration with the Behler Chelonian Center and San Diego Zoo will direct much needed support to building a network of monitoring stations that can help guard against poachers. The TSA is also supporting captive enclosure improvements for spider tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides) at the Village des Tortues in Ifaty. This facility maintains sizeable groups of both radiated and spider tortoises (all three subspecies), and holds the largest group of the northern race - brygooi - the most imperiled of Madagascar s dwarf tortoises. We are developing a close working relationship with Mr. Bernard Devaux - the visionary behind the tortoise village concept and founder of this important facility and we look forward to a productive partnership as we join forces to address the needs of Madagascar s increasingly imperiled tortoises. Finally, the TSA underwent a major restructuring in 2009 and has emerged as a full-fledged non-profit conservation NGO that now operates outside of the IUCN structure. With a new Board of Directors and expanded committees that better reflect the global composition of TSA, our new structure is at once more corporate, more accountable to donors and supporters, and more responsive to the needs of our members and the challenges of turtle conservation. The Board s first major action was identifying funds to hire Heather Lowe full-time as TSA s Program Coordinator and she hit the ground running essentially doubling our membership numbers in the first two months. To those of you receiving this at home, or if you recently joined the TSA, we thank you for your continued support in these difficult economic times. If you are joining us in St. Louis, here s wishing you a productive and enjoyable conference. As you interact with your colleagues, and sit through presentations and workshops, take notice of how diverse the TSA network has become. This unique partnership the alliance continues to be our core strength that sets us apart from other organizations. We must maintain our shared vision and commitment to zero turtle extinctions and remember to always let our passion for turtles drive our work for their survival. Rick Hudson, President 2 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

3 In This Issue F E A T U R E S TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE BOARD Rick Hudson, President Dwight Lawson, PhD, Vice President Chuck Landrey, Secretary Walter Sedgwick, Treasurer Scott Davis, PhD, Executive Director Bill Holmstrom John Iverson, PhD Patricia Koval John Mitchell Colin Poole Hugh Quinn, PhD Anders Rhodin, MD David Shapiro Frank Slavens F. William Zeigler Advisory Committee Gary Ades Bernard Devaux Tomas Diagne Doug Hendrie Brian Horne Gerald Kuchling Sue Lieberman Bill Ninesling Jackie Litzgus Peter Praschag Maurice Rodrigues Peter Paul van Dijk Dick Vogt Henk Zwartepoorte Program Coordinator Heather Lowe A U G U S T T S A N E W S L E T T E R T S A 4 Introduction 5 Cover Story 13 Board of Directors 16 Staff 17 Membership 19 Animal Management 20 Significant Breedings 22 Golden Coin Box Turtle Genetics 24 TSA Partner News - Behler Chelonian Center 28 TSA Europe 38 TSA Africa 40 TSA Partner News TCF 42 North America R A N G E C O U N T R Y P R O G R A M S 56 Myanmar 66 India 76 Madagascar 78 China 82 Vietnam 90 Malaysia 94 Cambodia 96 Philippines E X C L U S I V E S, N E W S, & A N N O U N C E M E N T S 98 Medical 100 Behler Turtle Conservation Award 101 Donor Recognition For membership information, or to contact the TSA please visit: www. TurtleSurvival.org Or send your correspondence to: Turtle Survival Alliance 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth TX The northern spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi) was selected as the cover photo and story because it is emblematic of the TSA s multi-faceted conservation strategy for species ranked critically endangered, emphasizing both field research (in situ) and captive management (ex situ). The TSA helped fund Ryan Walker s 2009 Pyxis field surveys that revealed the precarious situation that this little tortoise faces in nature. In late 2008 the TSA funded new Pyxis (including brygooi) breeding enclosures at the Village des Tortues in Ifaty, home of a substantial range country assurance colony for this increasingly threatened tortoise. Finally the TSA purchased a long-term captive breeding group of 21 brygooi, thereby doubling the size of the U.S. assurance colony. See story p.5 DESIGN & LAYOUT: JOHN BINNS INTERNATIONAL REPTILE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION WWW. TURTLESURVIVAL.ORG TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

4 Introduction Reflections on the TSA Magazine Rick Hudson Call it what you will, but our once-little newsletter has grown into a full-fledged magazine. It also serves as the nearest thing the TSA has to an annual report and is a useful calling card for potential donors. But we see this publication as much more than that. The projects described herein are not simply the work of the TSA but reflect the work of the TSA network and our many partner organizations. Yes, it is heavy on articles written about TSA programs and projects for which TSA has provided financial support. However we also like to feature news and articles from our partner organizations such as TSA Europe, the Turtle Conservation Fund and the Behler Chelonian Center. We work closely and strategically with these organizations and consider them an integral part of the TSA Family. All of us share a common commitment to prevent turtle extinctions. We see the TSA magazine in a much broader sense than simply a TSA PR effort - that being one that serves the larger turtle conservation community and helps publicize the good work that people are accomplishing around the globe. This year we have added by-lines at the end of each article that describes the relationship between he TSA and a particular project or organization. We hope you will continue to view this publication in this light seen through a wide lens as one that is truly reflective of the remarkable and selfless work that so many dedicated people are doing to help save turtles. Because in the end, who gets credit for doing the work is far less important than getting the job done. 4 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

5 Cover Story Building Partnerships to Save Madagascar s Imperiled Tortoises Rick Hudson and Michael Ogle Southwestern Madagascar The 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. The facility holds several hundred radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) as well as approximately 1000 specimens of the Madagascar spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides). Having nearly 600 Northern spider tortoises (Pyxis a. brygooi), they maintain the largest collection of this, the rarest subspecies, anywhere in the world. In January 2008, we had the opportunity to tour this excellent facility and meet with Mami. This brief visit catalyzed a developing partnership between TSA and the Village, one that promises to grow stronger with time and bring much needed resources towards the protection of these species. The illegal trade in all Madagascan tortoises has grown dramatically in the last two decades, and countless populations have been decimated by over-collection for the food and pet trades. While only a small portion of the animals are confiscated by Malagasy authorities, it is clear that they need to be properly housed in a facility that met the needs of the species. Obviously, one within their natural range would be optimal. Bernard Devaux, the visionary who created the SOPTOM, or tortoise village, facilities in France and Senegal, brought his expertise and resources to Ifaty. The facility was opened in April 2005 and has needed to expand ever since. In a perfect congruence of circumstances, TSA inquired how we might help, and shortly thereafter we were planning new breeding enclosures for spider tortoises. Program SOKAPILA was born. Construction got underway in October 2008 and the facilities were completed in November. Bernard Devaux, founder of the Village des Tortues at Ifaty, with the new Pyxis facility funded by the TSA. Measuring 126 square meters (14 x 9 m), the facility is divided into three units for each of the three Pyxis subspecies, each with a 9 x 4 m space. Fifteen tortoises per subspecies were transferred to the new enclosures in mid-november, the beginning of the rainy season and the tortoise peak activity period. Inside looking out from one of the new Pyxis breeding enclosures at Ifaty. The new exhibit allows smaller groups to be maintained in each section, which more closely resembles the densities found in the wild. Another potential outcome is improved captive management for breeding and future release. ANTOINE CADI ANTOINE CADI TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

6 RICK HUDSON ANTOINE CADI All three subspecies of spider tortoises, Pyxis arachnoides, are managed at the Ifaty compound. From left to right, P. a. oblonga, P. a. arachnoides and P. a. brygooi. The TSA, with support from Roy Young and Nature s Own, Los Angeles Zoo, Knoxville Zoo and the sale of a lot of onyx tortoise sculptures, has been able to raise thousands of dollars to expand tortoise enclosures and security at the park. The Village des Tortues plays a critical role in protecting the Entrance to the Village des Tortues at Ifaty. tortoises of the Southwest, and large numbers have been brought here over the years from confiscations. At the time of our visit, the Village had recently taken in over 100 spider tortoises and 20 radiated tortoises. To better handle this responsibility, a new quarantine/ hospital facility is now under construction that will allow tortoises to be thoroughly checked for parasites and disease symptoms before being added to the colony. The TSA looks forward to building a strong working relationship with the management and staff of the Village that will benefit tortoises not only in captivity but also in the wild. To make this a reality Mr. Devaux recently announced Program SOKAKE that is being launched under the able leadership of Antoine Cadi with the goal of re-establishing wild populations of radiated tortoise in areas of former abundance. The first field project will be near the Lac Tsimanampetsotsa Reserve, 150 km to the south of Tulear, and will involve the relevant government agencies as well as French and Malagasy students. The TSA is committed to this ideal and will support the program as it develops. We have a difficult road ahead of us but we believe that strong collaborations and partnerships are the way forward and with perseverance, we can secure a future for the remarkable tortoises of the spiny deserts of southwest Madagascar. 6 AUGUST 2008 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

7 Ploughshare tortoises In recent years, poaching and smuggling for the international pet trade have posed an increasingly grave threat to the remaining wild populations of ploughshare tortoises, or angonoka (Astrochelys yniphora), and a disturbing number of illegal tortoises now appear on Chinese web sites, or are confiscated in Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong. A workshop - Turtles on the Brink - was held January 2008 in Antananarivo to devise a plan of action for Malagasy chelonians, with A. yniphora as the priority species. Among the priority recommendations from the workshop was to stop the poaching and illegal traffic of this species by improving local infrastructure and law enforcement. Specifically, to do so by establishing permanently manned bases close to wild populations, with more guards and better equipment. Presently there is insufficient infrastructure at the Baly Bay National Park to adequately protect against poaching, and smugglers are becoming increasing bold in their attempts. Since 1986, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) has led efforts to prevent the extinction of the angonoka, recognized as the one of world s rarest and most critically endangered tortoises with fewer than 400 adults in the wild. The captive breeding center at Amphijora has produced more than 200 captive born tortoises, 45 of which have been successfully released into natural habitat at Baly Bay. However, much of the progress MAURICE RODRIGUES Ploughshare tortoise or angonoka, Astrochelys yniphora In January 2009, TSA members Robert Krause (left) and John Bailey (far right) visited Madagascar and toured major tortoise sites. They also collected valuable GPS data on Pyxis distribution and installed data loggers in nests at Ifaty. Here, they are shown at Amphijora, presenting a set of calipers to the Durrell caretakers. made by DWCT and others over the past 20 years could be negated within the next five unless drastic and substantive measures are taken soon. The idea of developing monitoring camps, better surveillance capacity and an improved communications network near core tortoise areas in the National Park was first advanced in 2006 by the DWCT. In response to this, the TSA began fundraising to assist this process, and earmarked $15,000 in the 2007 Batchelor Foundation grant for this purpose. Those funds remain unspent. However, with the Ploughshare Tortoise Action Plan nearing completion (and hopefully, swift approval by government) the monitoring camp concept should be closer to becoming reality. Anticipating this, the TSA has again undertaken a fundraising campaign and enlisted the assistance of two partner organizations Behler Chelonian Center (BCC) and the San Diego Zoo (SDZ). The AZA Chelonian Advisory Group (ChAG) will also contribute funds ($10,000). With a $25,000 combined annual commitment over three years ($75,000 total) by BCC and SDZ, and with $15,000 in Year One from TSA and at least $10,000 per year after that, the overall minimal funding commitment equals roughly $50,000 in 2010 and $35,000 in 2011 and This is promising, but when one considers that a $50,000 powerboat to patrol the coast line will have to be purchased in Year One, it shows that we still have more funds to raise. The TSA and the BCC are also committed to other priority actions from the Action Plan including improving the captive breeding center, building separate quarantine facilities, and expanding the reintroduction program. The establishment of ex situ (outside Madagascar) captive breeding populations has also been recommended and is jointly supported by the TSA, BCC and AZA ChAG. These captive groups can be founded with confiscated tortoises that have been seized illegally outside of Madagascar, with no impact to either the wild populations or in situ captive program. Aside from serving as a genetic reservoir, captive yniphora can be utilized to raise funds and generate publicity. Recently, the TSA coordinated the filing of two CITES import permits for yniphora being held in Hong Kong and Singapore in order to be prepared if and when specimens become available for placement. BCC and SDZ would be the first U.S. recipients of these illegally seized tortoises. The TSA began funding construction of new Pyxis enclosures at Bernard Devaux's Village des Tortues facility at Ifaty in 2008, and looks forward to a long future of successful collaboration with this important operation. JOHN BAILEY TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

8 Cover Story Comprehensive survey of Spider tortoise distribution in Madagascar gets underway in the north Ryan CJ Walker 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 2008, the species IUCN Red List status was changed to Critically Endangered following the Red Listing and Action Planning Turtle Workshop organized in Madagascar by the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG), the TSA and a number of other international conservation NGOs and local Malagasy agencies. Delegates at the meeting also agreed, as part of the Conservation Action Plan for Madagascar s four threatened, endemic tortoise species, that reliable data be collected on the exact population densities and extent of the remaining ranges of these rare animals. To date, most population predictions of Madagascar s chelonian, with a few exceptions, have been made on dated information, or as in the case of P. arachnoides spp., nothing more than an educated guess! With the sustained threats of poaching for food and the illegal export trade, in addition to pressure from habitat destruction, the remaining wild populations of these four species are thought to have declined greatly during recent times. So for effective conservation to be implemented, we really need to know how many individuals we are dealing with and where these populations now still exist. Historically, P. arachnoides spp. was through to inhabit a continuous strip of coastal dry forest; covering approximately 560 km of south western Madagascar s coast line. P. arachnoides spp. is divided into three subspecies with P.a. brygooi inhabiting the northern extent of the range between Morombe and the Manombo River. P. a. arachnoides can be found further south as Riana Rakotondrainy taking morphometic data on a spider tortoise. A young Northern Spider Tortoise, (Pyxis a. byrgooi). RYAN WALKER RYAN WALKER 8 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

9 far as the Menarandra River, then the extreme southern reaches of the range is inhabited by P. a. oblonga. The question this project hopes to answer is just how many spider tortoises does Madagascar have left in the wild and where are the last remaining strong holds across this species historical range? With financial support from the TSA, Turtle Conservation Fund, the UK s Royal Geographic Society and the British Chelonia Group, a small team was assembled, comprised of both British and Malagasy field biologists, with the aim of traversing the coastal dry forest range of P. arachnoides spp. After three field seasons we hope to have sufficient data to answer this question. In addition to this we hope to revisit an old survey site close to the coastal fishing community of Anakoa and monitor the population that was first studied in P. arachnoides spp. is probably one of the more difficult tortoise species to study in the wild. The cryptic coloration and behavior of the animal make it quite difficult to find, in addition to this the species is only really active for a limited period of the year during the region s short wet season, which makes driving in the region impossible for all but the most skilled local drivers. The extreme heat of the southern Madagascan summer means the species has adopted crepuscular behavior and is only active in the early morning and late afternoon, plus the thick spiny vegetation can be a punishing environment to work in, in particular the thick Mikea forests of the north. Despite this, the team has just completed a successful first field season (January-March 2009), surveying the range of the northern spider tortoise (P. a. brygooi). We traversed the range of the subspecies on foot and by 4x4 concentrating our survey effort across areas of good forest habitat between Toliara and GIS map showing suspected area of occurrence of Pyxis arachnoides brygooi within the coastal Mikea Forests of southwest Madagascar as described in the current literature (green), compared to areas where tortoises were actually found during this study (purple). Note there is an approximately 50% reduction in what was thought to be the range of P. a. brygooi and tortoises were found up to 38km south of their suspected area of occurrence. Morombe. Sadly, the subspecies seem to be confined to just three isolated areas now, and is far from inhabiting all of what was through to be its historical range. The first population was discovered around the forests of Ifaty and Mangily, with sparse numbers stretching north to the Manombo River area. This population supported some individuals which displayed interesting morphological characteristics, not consistent with either P. a. brygooi or P. a. arachnoides, whereby some animals had the less domed shell of P. a. arachnoides but the ridged plastron hinge of P. a. brygooi. This small sub-group was also noticed by Rick Hudson and Michael Ogle of TSA during their visit to the region in January In addition to this population, a concentrated population was detected north of the Baie de Fanamotra, in an interesting marginal habitat that was a mixture of typical coastal dry scrub interspersed with mangroves. Finally a small population was recorded around the forests east of Morombe at the northern extremity of P. a. brygooi s range. The further north we traveled, the more communities we passed where people collect the tortoise for food. Until several hundred years ago the larger radiated tortoise (Astrocheys radiata), a species sympatric in its range with some of the more southern populations of P. arachnoides spp., was through to have been present in these more northern forests. However, the species demise in these areas was probably brought about by the Mikea tribe who has hunted the species to extinction within this area. Nowadays it appears that the local communities within this area have directed their collection efforts to the smaller spider tortoises. Our return to the 2002 P. a. arachnoides study site in Anakao revealed a worrying decline in numbers, with a recorded decline of about 25% in the local population. However, the numbers and population size and structure was still in a healthier state than many of the populations of P. a. brygooi that we were encountering in the north. The tortoises in this area appeared not to be under pressure by local communities exploiting them for food, but instead the habitat had become more fragmented since my field trip to the area six years previously, as a result of charcoal production and livestock grazing. The results of this work have already brought about some positive outcomes for the conservation of the species. This work has come at a time when Madagascar has been TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

10 the boundaries slightly of at least one of the areas or introducing some kind of adaptive management to accommodate the nearby population of northern spider tortoises that we discovered. RYAN WALKER Typical coastal spiny forest of southwestern Madagascar inhabited by Pyxis. These data will also be incorporated into the TSA s GIS database. This database is creating a real time map of the current distribution of the remaining spider tortoise populations. Our recent field work is to date, the only comprehensive survey of the distribution and population size for the northern spider tortoise that has ever been undertaken. But we still have a long way to go in understanding the current range and distribution of the whole species. This project aims to undertake a further two field seasons repeating this detailed survey for both P. a. arachnoides and P. a. oblonga. The project has made a positive start but we still have a lot of work to do. The TSA will continue fundraising efforts to support this range wide survey. Spider tortoises are considered a keystone of the TSA s Madagascar program, both in and ex situ. Ryan CJ Walker Nautilus Ecology Department of Life Sciences Open University Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom ryan@nautilusecology.org Professional affiliation: RW is a freelance ecologist, conservation biologist and the founder of Nautilus Ecology. He is also a part time herpetology PhD candidate registered at Open University in the United Kingdom. RYAN WALKER A Northern Spider Tortoise, (Pyxis a. byrgooi). attempting to increase its protected area coverage to three times its current total area, as the government has realized that Madagascar must protect its unique natural resources if it is to develop its fledgling tourism industry. Currently P. a. brygooi s historical range failed to fall inside any formally recognized protected areas. However, there are two new protected areas proposed for the region; Ranobe PK32 and Northern Mikea Protected Areas. However, due to the now fragmented nature of the subspecies range none of the remaining populations fall within the boundaries of these newly proposed protected areas. But, the results of this work have stimulated discussion with World Wildlife Fund (WWF); the agency charged with gazetting and implementing the protected area expansion program. Currently, WWF are considering altering The TSA helped sponsor Ryan s fieldwork in 2009 and is committed to helping complete the three year survey. GPS data collected during this project is being compiled into a GIS mapping program by TSA and Fort Worth Zoo affiliate Brian Jones. 10 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

11 RYAN WALKER Northern Spider Tortoise, (Pyxis a. byrgooi) TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

12 Recent TSA acquisition of Northern Spider tortoises (Pyxis a. brygooi) Rick Hudson and Michael Ogle 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 Population Management Plan (PMP) managed population of brygooi in the U.S. and the specimens were placed with three institutions (Cleveland Metroparks, San Diego and Knoxville Zoos) and one private facility (Matt Frankel), each of which helped to cover the cost of acquisition. Recent field surveys by Ryan Walker (see related article) have documented dramatic declines of brygooi across their range, primarily due to agricultural conversion and hunting for food, so significant that this subspecies is now considered the most endangered of One of 21 Northern spider tortoises, Pyxis a. brygooi, acquired by the TSA from a private breeder, nearly doubling the PMP managed population of this critically endangered tortoise. Madagascar s dwarf tortoises. These new specimens will go to further strengthen our managed population and will contribute to the fine work already being done at our other facilities working on breeding this subspecies, namely Dan Pearson, Behler Chelonian Center, James Badman, and the St. Louis Zoo. PHIL COLCLOUGH TSA members raise funds for Madagascar program Rick Hudson TSA members are beginning to come up with innovative ways to generate funds for TSA s Madagascar program. Lisa Weiss is offering some of her 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 $ each, $ of which will be donated to the TSA. Knoxville Zoo is offering captive hatched Spider tortoises (Pyxis a. arachnoids) to TSA members in exchange for a $200 donation to the TSA. The tortoises are on longterm loan from the TSA and are considered surplus to the Population Management Plan (PMP) for this species. To date, this program has generated $4,000 for Spider tortoise conservation in Madagascar. (see p.5) 100% of sales of these carved onyx tortoise sculptures support the TSA Madagascar Program. Roy Young of Nature s Own continues to support our efforts in Madagascar by providing free shipments of carved onyx tortoises of various sizes. TSA member Sheena Koeth (see member profile) has been exceptionally generous with her time and has sold thousands of dollars worth of these tortoises at special events and fundraisers. The sculptures sold well at the TSA conference in 2008 so look for them again in St. Louis. These are also available to zoo gift shops, with free shipping, providing they track the sales and return a designated portion to the TSA. Special thanks to the Fort Worth Zoo for being the first institution to partner with the TSA in this capacity. 12 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

13 Meet the Board TSA Foundation Board Holds Inaugural Meeting Scott Davis The first meeting of the expanded TSA Foundation Board of Directors was hosted by Eric Goode and Maurice Rodrigues at the Maritime Hotel in New York on March 6, This meeting marked the official transition of the TSA from a task force of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group into an independent conservation NGO. The new Board will oversee major aspects of fund-raising and administration and will be responsible for strategic planning and decision making that will insure the long-term viability and future of the TSA. The new Board shares the vision of the TSA as the Go To organization for turtle and tortoise conservation. We expect exciting developments, including major new fundraising, a new look for the TSA website, field blogs from some of our leading range country programs, and a major marketing initiative and membership drive. Look for our Board members at the Annual Meeting in St. Louis. Rick Hudson, President Rick Hudson was a Curator in the Fort Worth Zoo s renown Department of Herpetology for twenty years, before moving to the zoo s Conservation & Science Department in 2000 as Conservation Biologist. Rick has organized numerous conservation workshops, including the IUCN Asian Turtle Workshop - Developing Conservation Strategies Through Captive Management - that led to the formation of the TSA. Rick served as the co-chair of the TSA from 2001 to 2009 and under his leadership the TSA grew into an independent NGO that supports or manages turtle research and conservation programs in Madagascar, Brazil, Mexico and throughout Asia. Dwight Lawson, Vice President Dwight Lawson is the Senior Vice President of Collections, Education and Conservation at Zoo Atlanta, overseeing the animal and plant collections as well as the zoo s education, research and conservation programs. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Biology at Georgia State University where he regularly teaches. Dwight helped found the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and has served as co-chair of the TSA, President of the TSA Foundation and chair of the TSA s Animal Management Committee. Chuck Landrey, Secretary and Marketing Committee Chair Chuck Landrey is founder of the Turtle Conservation Project and the New England Turtle Atlas. He runs the Thai Turtle Trust, a conservation initiative of the food brand A Taste of Thai. Chuck is past Chair of NE-PARC s Box Turtle Working Group and organized the 2008 Diamondback Terrapin Conference on Cape Cod. He is currently filming a documentary about New England s turtles. Walter Sedgwick, Treasurer and Development Committee Chair Walter Sedgwick has served on the Boards of a diverse range of conservation NGO s, including the National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy - Florida, Bat Conservation International, Island Conservation, the Pacific Forest Trust and the Wildlife Conservation Society. He helped to found the Turtle Conservation Fund in 2002 and has been a driving force behind the TSA's strategic fundraising efforts for many years. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

14 Scott Davis, Executive Director Scott Davis was a Genetics professor at Texas A&M University for fourteen years and served two years as Chairman. As a professor, he studied the forces impacting genetic variation in wild and captive animal populations. In 2000, Scott left the University environment to found Biotech companies. At home, he focuses on the captive breeding of giant Asian softshell turtles in the genera Chitra and Pelochelys. In the fall of 2008, Scott assumed the position of Executive Director of the Turtle Survival Alliance. Bill Holmstrom Bill Holmstrom served as the Department of Herpetology Collection manager at the Wildlife Conservation Society s (WCS) Bronx Zoo until his retirement in He was Species Coordinator and Studbook Keeper for the AZA s Radiated Tortoise Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Studbook Keeper and Co-coordinator for the Burmese Star Tortoise SSP. Bill has served as an instructor in a number of WCS and TSA sponsored workshops in SE Asia, and he maintains and breeds a group of pancake tortoises for TSA at his home. John Iverson John B. Iverson is Professor of Biology and Director of the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. He is Deputy Chair of the IUCN/SSC Iguana Specialist Group, and on the Steering Committee of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. He has been on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Turtle Survival Alliance since its inception in Pat Koval, Governance Committee Chair Pat Koval is a partner of Torys LLP, a business law firm based in Toronto, Ontario and New York, New York. She practices in the area of corporate and commercial law, with primary emphasis on corporate finance, securities regulation and mergers and acquisitions. Pat has had a long history of involvement with, and support for, Canadian charitable organizations focused on conservation. She has served as a Director of World Wildlife Fund (Canada) for nine years and is currently the Chairman of the Board of WWF. Colin Poole Colin Poole is currently the Director of the Asia Program for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) based out of the Bronx Zoo and works closely with the TSA on turtle conservation programs in Cambodia, Myanmar, China and Indonesia. He has worked in Southeast and East Asia since 1988 and founded WCS s Cambodia Program where he spent seven years. He has published widely on conservation issues in Cambodia and also serves on the board of the Turtle Conservation Fund. Hugh Quinn Hugh Quinn holds a PhD in Biology and has spent his career at the Fort Worth Zoo, the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Houston Zoo, Director at the Topeka Zoo, and finally as General Curator at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (retired). He is Co-Chair of the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) and serves on the Steering Committee of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG). 14 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

15 Anders Rhodin Dr. Anders G.J. Rhodin, M.D., is Founder and Director of Chelonian Research Foundation. He is Chair of the IUCN/ SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and a member of the IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group. He is also Co-Chair of the Turtle Conservation Fund and Editor of Chelonian Conservation and Biology and Chelonian Research Monographs. He is an orthopedic surgeon and maintains an active private medical practice. David Shapiro David Shapiro lives in Hong Kong and acts as director for It s Academic international operations in Asia. The company manufactures school supplies which are sold throughout North America and Europe. David cares for a Leopard Tortoise named Finn. He is passionate about turtle conservation and the TSA, and has been a generous supporter over the years. Frank Slavens Frank Slavens retired in 2001 as Curator of Reptiles from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. The editions of his book, Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity, were definitive inventories of the world's reptiles and amphibians in captive collections. In 1990, he started the Western Pond Turtle Headstart and Recovery program in cooperation with the Washington Deptment of Fish and Wildlife. After retirement, Frank and his wife Kate moved to their field site to continue their work with pond turtles. Bill Zeigler F. William (Bill) Zeigler is President of Zeigler & Zeigler, Inc. a consulting firm for zoos, aquariums, and wildlife organizations. He served as General Curator for the Miami Metrozoo and as Vice President of Animal Science for Ogden Entertainment. Bill still lecturers for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on exhibit design and husbandry. He is a member of IUCN/SSC Crocodilian Specialist Group, Development Coordinator for the Gharial Conservation Alliance and a member of the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

16 Meet the Program Coordinator Program Coordinator: Heather Lowe Rick Hudson Heather Lowe joined the TSA this April in a full-time capacity as Program Coordinator. Heather began her career at the Fort Worth Zoo in 1995 and worked in both Operations and Animal Nutrition before moving to the Conservation Science department in During that time, she earned her B.S. in Biology (2000) and was able to work on a wide variety of projects at the Zoo that ranged from research, writing and messaging for the eight-acre Texas Wild! exhibit to a grant-funded urban forestry project. At the same time, she also began to support the Turtle Survival Alliance with a variety of administrative tasks. This support grew into the management of the TSA s membership program and a position on the group s Steering Committee. While working at the Zoo, Heather and other members of her department volunteered for Meals on Wheels. That experience inspired her to return to school and she obtained her Master s degree in Social Work in August of The following October, she was offered a job with Meals on Wheels and left the Zoo, but continued to work for the TSA on a volunteer basis. During her time at Meals on Wheels, Heather spearheaded a grant-funded project in several areas of Tarrant County, working with local officials and community stakeholders to develop long-term plans to reduce senior isolation in the community. In February 2009, the TSA s new Board of Directors met and approved the creation of the organization s first funded position. The general feeling was that the organization had reached the capacity of what could be done relying on only volunteer support and that it was critical to hire someone to help the organization continue to grow. Heather was offered the position, based on her previous work for the group, and accepted immediately. She is extremely excited to see what she can do for the TSA, given the opportunity to dedicate herself to the cause full-time. Her time in social work gave her valuable experience in grants administration and non-profit management that will bolster her abilities as she embarks in this new role. Heather Lowe 16 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

17 Membership Members Make A Difference Heather Lowe Our members are the driving force behind the success of the TSA and we d like to take this opportunity to say thanks. Funds generated by membership dues help to offset the operating costs of the TSA and also allow access to non-restricted funds that can be used in the event of unexpected costs related to conservation projects around the world. In essence, your support is essential to our success. This year, the membership has grown considerably both in numbers and diversity. We currently have members representing 25 countries from around the globe (up from 12 last year!). However, we d like for that growth to continue. Please consider forwarding your next e-newsletter to your family and friends along with a personal note encouraging them to join and help the TSA move into 2010 bigger and better than ever. The TSA is truly a grassroots organization and our most powerful recruitment tool is word of mouth from members just like you. As an organization, we believe that anyone can contribute to turtle conservation, regardless of background or experience. Each and every member has the ability to become an advocate for turtle conservation in their local community, increasing the TSA s presence around the world. In this issue, we are highlighting two truly exceptional members Lonnie McCaskill and Sheena Koeth. Lonnie has been involved with the TSA since its inception in 2001 and is instrumental in the success of the annual conference each year shake his hand and say thank you if you see him in St. Louis! Sheena shows her support for the TSA by working tirelessly to raise funds for conservation programs in a variety of ways. Her fundraising efforts include making and selling her own t-shirts, holding raffles at events and selling TSA merchandise. We hope that you enjoy getting to know them and encourage you to respond to future appeals to introduce yourself through our Member Spotlight feature in the e-newsletter. We want to meet you! Member Spotlight: Lonnie McCaskill Hometown: Dallas, Texas Occupation: Zoological Manager, Disney s Animal Kingdom What are some of your hobbies? I would say passions would be the word to best describe my hobbies. My wife, Kathi, would probably call them obsessions! I have a passion for collecting exotic plants, reptiles, fishing, folk art, cooking and traveling around the world to see animals, foreign cultures and environments. I really love to learn about different cultures and ways of life. I feel it gives you a good perspective of where we all fit in this world together. I also love to collect fossils and artifacts. Tell us about your family. My mom, dad and brothers all live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of north Texas. My wife and I left for Florida in 1994 and I was part of the opening team for Disney s Animal Kingdom. The support that my parents and grandparents gave me growing up with all of my collecting habits (passions) pointed me toward the career that I have today. Beyond that, a wife that has supported me through both the tough times and the good times has made life great! Do you have any pets? We have two Jack Russell terrorists, I mean terriers. I think! Do you keep turtles at your home? I have groups of leopard, star, red foot, pancake and elongated tortoises and one rescued Manouria emys emys that is more of a pet and friend than anything else. What first sparked your interest in turtles and tortoises? I used to do a lot of night exploring in the creeks where I grew up and thought it was fascinating to watch turtles at night. If the water was clear and you didn t create much disturbance they totally either ignored or did not notice the light on them. I would watch common snapping and softshell turtles exhibit all kinds of behavior that I never saw during the day when they are so shy. At night I could be standing in the water right next to them and they did not seem to notice. Lonnie McCaskill works year-round to make the TSA s annual conference a success and also regularly offers his expertise to TSA range country programs. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

18 What do you enjoy about being a member of the TSA? I enjoy the opportunity to interact with people that really care about turtles and tortoises - not just how to care for them, but their conservation in the wild as well. How did you first learn about the TSA? I was at the founding meeting in Fort Worth in How would you describe your personal conservation philosophy? Every living thing has the right to survive and we as humans have the responsibility to ensure that right. Member Spotlight: Sheena Koeth Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Occupation: Registered Veterinary Technician What are some of your hobbies? I love to travel, read, drink wine, care for and train a variety of animals, and raise money for reptile conservation. Tell us about your family. I m married to TSA member Brad Poynter; we live in a small house with four dogs, five cats, and an everchanging number of displaced reptiles in need of care. What is your most memorable encounter with a turtle in the wild? Definitely getting up close to a wild Galapagos tortoise on my honeymoon. What do you enjoy about being a member of the TSA? TSA is doing great work globally. Representing the group and raising funds for worldwide turtle conservation is its own reward. In the future, I also plan to house and breed endangered turtles for TSA. How would you describe your personal conservation philosophy? We should all take responsibility for conservation, and take initiative as individuals to do as much as we can. Since everyone can t do everything, I m a big believer in picking a few causes to which you can dedicate yourself. Mine are turtles and crocodiles. Tell us about your job. I m a veterinary technician at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where I ve been for nine years. While reptiles are my favorite, I provide medical care for all of the zoo s animals. The zoo supports my travel for conservation initiatives, as well as continuing education, which is great. I was recently able to help with some of TSA s headstart animals from the Chambal River in India while there for gharial conservation. Heather Lowe Program Coordinator Turtle Survival Alliance 817/ HLowe@turtlesurvival.org Membership FAQs What is my username and password? Your username can be found on your membership card. However, your password is not included on your card, in the interest of protecting your privacy. You can visit the website and click on the Forgot Password link, and enter your Member ID (also printed on your membership card) to have your password sent to you via at any time. Or, just contact Heather Lowe at 817/ or HLowe@turtlesurvival.org and she can send you that information. How do I update my contact info? While exploring the TSA website, you are encouraged to log in and visit your account page. On this page, you can update your contact information to ensure that you continue to receive both electronic and mailed correspondence. A current mailing address is very important, since it helps reduce postage costs and resources when publications like this one are sent out as a membership benefit. How do I know when my membership expires? Your membership expiration date can be found on your membership card or by logging into your member page on the TSA website. Can I renew for more than one year at a time? Memberships can be renewed for up to three years at a time. Individual membership dues are $50 per year. Organizational and Institutional membership dues are $150 per year. Sheena Koeth (shown here holding a Batagur from TSA India s headstart program) promotes the TSA in a variety of venues throughout the year, raising funds for conservation programs. How can I keep current on TSA conservation news and activities? Our e-newsletter is sent out bi-weekly and is the best way for you to stay up-to-date on all TSA news and announcements. Members receive these s automatically, as a membership benefit. If you are not currently receiving the e-newsletter, contact Heather Lowe to make sure that we have your current address in our database. To make sure that messages from the TSA do not get diverted to your junk mail or spam folder, please add HLowe@ turtlesurvival.org to your address book or safe list. 18 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

19 Animal Management TSA Animal Management: New Vision and New Process Dwight Lawson Did you know that the TSA currently owns and manages more than 2000 turtles and tortoises representing more than 50 species? In 2009, the Animal Management Committee has been working behind the scenes to refine processes and develop a new approach to managing this living collection. A major challenge in this effort is that these animals are spread throughout the US in a variety of situations. Currently, these animals reside with 93 private individuals, 33 zoos and aquariums, and 5 educational institutions (i.e., universities and veterinary schools). Our ability to effectively manage a large, diverse and dispersed collection can only be as good as the quality of information about that collection. And, in 2009, we have spent most of our time working to update the TSA's database of turtle and tortoise holdings. We need to know who has what, how it's doing and any developments (i.e., breeding, determination of sex, etc.). TSA's new records manager, Debbie Forde, has been sending out requests for updates to everyone holding TSA animals. If you haven't heard from her yet, you will, and, if you haven't responded, please do! We need this basic information to be able to focus on the important tasks ahead as we work toward the long-term goal of developing assurance colonies of as many tortoises and freshwater turtles as possible. TSA holdings include a few hundred specimens of endangered and critically endangered species, but also a substantial number of species of lesser concern. The opportunity for TSA s animal collection in 2010 and beyond is to maximize both the conservation potential of the overall collection and use the collection when ethically appropriate to generate revenue to support field and captive conservation efforts. We have already seen TSA members be creative in turning their turtle offspring into support for TSA field programs, and we believe the TSA collection can operate in the same way. As we update the database, we will begin to focus management activities on priority taxa by outlining basic plans and moving animals to form logical breeding groups. We have already found with the initial update responses that there are many single animals and groups that are heavily biased to one sex or the other. We will need every individual's and institution's help in reenergizing TSA's animal management efforts. By reviewing TSA holdings, we have also found a number of gaps in the collection that need to be filled. Certain groups, such as the species of Cuora, are widely recognized as needing captive breeding efforts to ensure their survival. However, this group in particular is poorly represented in the TSA's holdings. We will be looking to obtain specimens of important but missing taxa and placing these animals with dedicated TSA members who have the experience and history with the organization to contribute to these programs. As an example, the TSA obtained a group of six McCord's Box Turtles (C. mccordi) that are placed with various members. These animals turned out to all be female, so we are working with European members to swap specimens to form breeding groups here and there. To help us focus on priority taxa, we may also divest some TSA holdings that have little conservation potential. Maintaining records and requesting updates takes considerable time and effort - rare resources in this volunteer organization that could be better spent on species of greatest concern. We have also 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, first-served basis with members, or, in the case where long-term This Cuora mccordi is one of several destined to be traded with TSA Europe, which is an excellent example of the international cooperation needed to save this critically endangered species 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 contact Debbie or myself with updates or questions. We need everyone's help in making TSA's living collection an integral part of our overall conservation efforts. Dwight Lawson, Ph.D. Senior Vice President Collections, Education and Conservation Zoo Atlanta dlawson@zooatlanta.org TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

20 Significant Breedings The Next Generation TThe Behler Chelonian Center announces the first captive breeding of the Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis). Courtship and mating were observed September-October 2008 and six eggs were dropped into the water on March The eggs were split into three boxes and bedded in chunky vermiculite. In the wild, P. sylhetensis nests on sand banks in the cooler season with nighttime temperatures close to 0 C that heat up greatly during the day. In previous years, eggs were placed directly into an incubator and did not develop. In 2009, the eggs were exposed to different ranges of day/ night temperature fluctuation. One box (hit by sun in the greenhouse) reached temperatures above 40 C, which caused shrinking of the eggs. However, two of the three eggs recovered in the incubator. The first hatchling from these eggs emerged on 28 May (73 days), the second on 2 June (78 days). Another egg (not exposed to high temperatures early on) began developing after late exposure to temperatures close to 40 C, but died during incubation.. PETER PRASCHAG The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo produced one Northern Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi) on 22 March 2009, the third in two years. All were hatched in March from eggs laid in October. The first two eggs were incubated at 28 C for 35 days, followed by 35 days of diapause at 20 C, followed by four months of incubation at 28 C. They were set up in wax worm containers with 1:1 vermiculite to water by weight, and misted once a week. An egg monitor ( Buddy by Avitronics) was used to monitor development. Less than a week before hatching, the egg monitor registers movement and the hatchling will emerge within a few days. The last egg that hatched was set up as the others but incubated at 30 C for 35 days, followed by a 70 day diapause at 20 C, then back to incubation at 3 C. Interestingly, the egg hatched after three months (a shorter incubation period most likely to higher temperatures) but having a two month diapause caused the egg to hatch in roughly the same time frame. BRAD POYNTER The Palm Beach Zoo produced four Yellow-Spotted River Turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) hatchlings in On 15 November 2008, a single clutch of 23 eggs was laid. The eggs were incubated at a temperature of 29 C and hatchlings emerged after 74 days. Hatchling are being raised on a diet of Mazuri aquatic turtle pellets, crickets, mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, as well as fruit, kale, dandelion and collard. MARK HALVORSEN 20 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

21 Kurt Edwards reports one Black Spiny-necked Swamp Turtle (Acanthochelys spixii) hatched at his facility on 10 June The total incubation/diapause process took just over eleven months. The egg reached 3-4 C during diapause and was held at roughly 28 C during incubation. A TSA Arakan Forest Turtle (Heosemys depressa) maintained by Dwight Lawson produced her first viable clutch of five eggs in The eggs began hatching just as this newsletter went to press and four of five eggs had hatched by deadline. The eggs were incubated at 29 C and began pipping at 141 days saw additional successes with the once enigmatic Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa). New founder animals began producing offspring at the Behler Chelonian Center and proven pairs continued to produce eggs in Atlanta where forty eggs from two clutches were laid in June. A pair maintained by Dwight Lawson has produced hatchlings for the last three years. Note the onset of adult coloration between one and two years of age. A TSD pattern is beginning to emerge from incubation studies over the past two years; females are produced at 29 C, whereas 27 C results in mostly males. DWIGHT LAWSON DWIGHT LAWSON KURT EDWARDS TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

22 Animal Management Golden Coin box turtle genetics and implications for captive management in the U.S. Peter Praschag The Asian box turtles (genus Cuora), including not less than nine critically endangered taxa, are the illustrative model of a species complex of high conservation concern. The ongoing over-exploitation for the Asian turtle trade is continuing to cause a crushing decline of wild populations. Several species have been decimated to such an extent that it is almost impossible to get enough specimens with known locality data for population genetic and phylogeographic analyses. Nevertheless, a stable and sound taxonomy, especially for such rare turtles, is absolutely essential, as species-level taxonomy is key to understanding and protecting biodiversity (Turtle Taxonomy Working Group, 2007). The systematics of the Asian box turtles of the genus Cuora and most of all the Golden Coin Box Turtle (Cuora trifasciata sensu lato) has been extensively studied in recent years. However, the taxonomy of these turtles is very complex and still under debate. Blanck et al. (2006) found the somehow lost type specimen of C. trifasciata (Bell, 1825) and based on morphology and mitochondrial (mt-) DNA split the species into three different taxa, describing a new species C. cyclornata with the two subspecies C. c. cyclornata and C. c. meieri. Genetic variation within C. trifasciata is confirmed by Spinks & Shaffer (2007) and Spinks et al. (2009), but in contrast to Blanck et al. (2006) the authors explain this variation by mt- introgression coupled with hybridization and/or clinal variation and not by the presence of a previously unrecognized species. Haplotypes are shared between C. trifasciata, C. aurocapitata, C. pani, C. mccordi and C. zhoui as well. Thus, by looking only into the mt-dna, a C. trifasciata identified only by morphology can appear as one of the other species in the cladogram. Since the studies based on morphology and mt- DNA apparently cannot explain the complex situation, the ongoing studies focus on microsatellites and different nuclear genes. It is important that the genetics of the captive PETER PRASCHAG / BCC Female C. trifasciata sharing the ND1 mt-gene with C. zhoui (clade 2A). 22 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

23 populations of Golden Coin box turtles are sorted out now while the wild-caught founders are still alive and reproducing. Wild populations have been decimated and fragmented over the years, and most are considered functionally extinct. We must try to construct a meaningful cladogram for this species group so that genetically compatible pairs are formed, and captive hatched progeny bear as much semblance to ancestral wild populations as possible. The Europeans took the first serious step in this direction recently. Following the studies on specimens in EAZA institutions, the TSA coordinated with Dr. Phil Spinks at University of California at Davis to conduct a genetic screening of 118 specimens to identify the various genetic lineages present in the primary U.S. breeding collections. These included 50 turtles originating from the Tennessee Aquarium, Buffalo Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Behler Chelonian Center and Dennis Uhrig, perhaps the most successful breeder of Golden Coin box turtles in the U.S. Looking into the ND1 mt-gene four different clades were detected. One clade represents what Blanck et al. described as C. cyclornata. As with the European specimens, most of the analyzed specimens belong to the clade with C. aurocapitata and C. pani introgression (clade 3A, in the European version clade A) and clade 1A, which is in Europe clade B. A few specimens with just one founder male share mt-genes with C. zhoui, but not a single living specimen of the 4A clade (according to Blanck et al C. cyclornata) could be detected in AZA institutions. Unfortunately like in European collections different genetic clades were kept and bred together producing a number of crossbreeds. Because of the unsatisfying informative value of mt-dna studies, it is advisable to wait for recommendations to relocate or exchange specimens to round up breeding groups until the ongoing studies draw a clearer picture of the complex situation. A revised studbook and breeding program should be accordingly initiated. Close international collaboration with European partners has already gotten underway by exchanging specimens beyond borders. Literature Blanck, T., McCord, W. P., and Le, M. (2006): On the variability of Cuora trifasciata (Bell, 1825). Frankfurt am Main: Edition Chimaira. Spinks, Phillip Q., Robert C. Thomson, and H. Bradley Shaffer (2009): A reassessment Some the different mt- clades of C. trifasciata cannot be distinguished morphologically. The specimen on the left is from clade 2A and the one on the right is from clade 3A (with C. aurocapitata/pani introgression ). of Cuora cyclornata Blanck, McCord and Le, 2006 (Testudines, Geoemydidae) and a plea for taxonomic stability. Zootaxa 2018: Spinks, P.Q. and H. B. Shaffer (2007): Conservation phylogenetics of the Asian box turtles (Geoemydidae, Cuora): mitochondrial introgression, numts, and inferences from multiple nuclear loci. Conservation Genetics 8: Turtle Taxonomy Working Group (2007): Turtle Taxonomy: Methodology, Recommendations, and Guidlines. In: J. W. Bickham, J. F. Parham, H. Philippen, A. G. J. Rhodin, H. B. Shaffer, P. Q. Spinks & P. P. van Dijk (Eds), Defining Turtle Diversity: Proceedings of a Workshop on Genetics, Ethics, and Taxonomy of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises. Chelonian Research Monographs, pp Peter Praschag, PhD Curator and Field Research Biologist Behler Chelonian Center peter@turtleconservancy.org Peter is the Curator for the Behler Chelonian Center (BCC), one of TSA s partner organizations that we work closely with on a number of fronts. See the related article to learn more about the BCC. PETER PRASCHAG / BCC TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

24 Partner News Behler Chelonian Center and Turtle Conservancy Report Ross Kiester and Peter Praschag In the year, The Behler Chelonian Center (BCC) reached the culmination of its growth phase with the addition of over a dozen new taxa. These new species originated from Peter Praschag s extensive chelonian collection in Austria, and were relocated to the BCC (primarily for the area s ideal climate). The additions are mostly comprised of turtles, with an emphasis on south Asian species and softshell turtles including all four species of Pangshura, Morenia petersi, Chitra indica, Lissemys punctata andersonsi, Nilssonia formosa, and Erymnochelys madagascariensis. The center now manages a total of 37 taxa. The BCC hit its stride in producing 152 hatchlings. We were especially successful with three of our flagship species: 37 Astrochelys radiata, 46 Geochelone platynota, and 29 Manouria impressa. Ten other taxa produced 40 offspring. A highlight was the first captive breeding of the Assamese Roofed Turtle, Pangshura sylhetensis. As of June 1 we had over 40 clutches incubating, including more than 100 eggs of Manouria emys phayrei, so we expect the next year to be even more productive. Male Burmese peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia formosa), a species endemic to Myanmar. The transition to managing such large numbers of adults and hatchlings presents challenges to the most mundane part of our efforts: recordkeeping and identification. We have developed a web-based database system that manages all of our data including photographs of each animal. This system allows easy interaction from any computer connected to the internet. For institutional compatibility we also keep our data in the AZA ARKS4 system. We are looking forward to the AZA ZIMS system that should combine the advantages of both of the systems. The large numbers of small hatchlings created the requirement for an effective individual marking system. After much investigation, we settled on the use of a system of small numbered and colored plastic dots originally developed for marking queen bees. We attach these using tissue cement to the areola of the last vertebral. To date our experience with this system has been very positive. PETER PRASCHAG / BCC PETER PRASCHAG / BCC All 18 Manouria impressa hatchlings of one clutch emerged on the same day. We are now facing the fortunate problem of determining what to do with these hatchlings. This problem has become our greatest challenge: how do we build conservation success on the foundation of captive breeding success? There is no single answer because each species and range country presents 24 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

25 PETER PRASCHAG / BCC By changing the diet of South African tortoises to mainly succulents all three maintained species produced double clutches. Here, a Chersina angulata is hatching. unique difficulties and opportunities. We are considering at least three broad approaches: 1.) Release animals into their original range to supplement native populations. This approach is problematic for most of the species we manage because the causes of the species decline have not been eliminated. 2.) Release into ecological niches left vacant by the extinction of native, analog species. This newer approach ( putting the wrong turtle in the right place ) holds promise and we are investigating the possibility of putting animals onto islands in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 3.) Sale of animals to directly fund in situ conservation efforts. Following all CITES and AZA policies, we have begun this option for some species. All of the funds that we raise through such sales will be used directly for field conservation work (see our website chelonianconservation.org for details). Also, the availability of captive hatched animals may well reduce collecting pressure on wild populations. The BCC continued to host international visitors including scientists and conservationists from Australia, Myanmar, Madagascar, Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. We have begun a collaborative effort with the Taipei Zoo on Geochelone platynota and plan to reciprocate their visit this year. Onsite research at the Center this year focused on climatology and aggressive behavior, both relevant to husbandry issues. We installed an automatic climate data center that will record complete climatic data for our Center which has a microclimate that is not always reflected by data stations even a short distance away. These data are parallel to data we are collecting in Madagascar, Argentina and Mexico and will help us understand the details of the climatic needs of our species. We have retrieved the first data loggers from Madagascar from both Ampijoroa and Baly Bay. These data will be use to design husbandry regimes for the management of ex situ populations of Ploughshare Tortoises. We have also begun a research project on vocalizations and aggressive behavior in tortoises including Manouria emys phayrei and M. impressa. We are using small video cameras mounted on the shell to give us a tortoise-eye view of interactions with other tortoises. As many tortoise keepers know, relentless, aggressive interactions between males of some species of tortoise can present severe husbandry problems. We hope to learn A captive reared Homopus areolatus female laid her first two eggs (two clutches). PETER PRASCHAG / BCC TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

26 Partner News Continued: Behler Chelonian Center and Turtle Conservancy Report Manouria emys phayrei female raking leaves to build her nest. The eggs are already laid at the base of the nest. PETER PRASCHAG / BCC more about such interactions to better help us manage the contact between tortoises using more complex arrays of pens. Along with managing assurance colonies, the center has taken steps to protect chelonians in their natural habitats around the world. In 2008, the Turtle Conservancy (TC) was founded for this purpose. The TC will act as the umbrella organization for the BCC. The mission of the TC (alongside the BCC s commitment to manage ex situ assurance colonies) will be to place more emphasis on in situ conservation initiatives. BCC/TC continued our in situ work on Astrochelys yniphora and Gopherus flavomarginatus. Efforts to help A. yniphora centered on participating in the international effort, headed up by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, to produce and implement an Action Plan for this species. Political uncertainty in Madagascar has made the plight of this most rare species even worse and poaching appears to be on the increase. Working with Durrell, the TSA and other organizations, we are taking a global view of its conservation and are working to implement both in situ and ex situ solutions. None of them will be easy. We are planning a trip to Madagascar in September and October of this year, to begin implementing the critical initiatives laid out in the action plan. In Mexico, the BCC/TC, in collaboration with the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation and Josiah and Valery Austin, are continuing our ongoing efforts to protect G. flavomarginatus in its native range by helping to protect its habitat. Myles Traphagen and Eric Goode visited with scientists at the Instituto de Ecologia in Jalapa, Veracruz to further our understanding of the biological and human environment to which this species is restricted. The Center began two new in situ efforts. We are funding a project to provide a nesting beach for a population of Nilssonia nigricans in India that currently is unable to breed. We are also supporting surveys for Batagur baska and continue our commitment to the conservation of the turtles of northeast India, one of the richest faunas in the world. Every year, the BCC/TC produces an educational video, documenting our recent work on turtle and tortoise conservation and research around the world. Last year s video was dedicated to the endemic Malagasy turtle and tortoises, with an emphasis on 26 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

27 PETER PRASCHAG / BCC Lukasz Pogorzelski, Collection Manager, marking M. impressa hatchlings with the bee marks. Hwa-Ching Lin, Chun-Fu Chen, Shih Chih-Chin and Yuling Lu from Taipei Zoo visiting the BCC for a collaboration in captive management of Geochelone platynota. PETER PRASCHAG / BCC the plight of the Ploughshare tortoise. This year s video focuses on the Argentine tortoise, (Chelonoidis chilensis). In December of 2008, the BCC/TC organized a trip to Argentina to better understand the distribution, status, ecology, and biology of this little studied tortoise. The BCC/TC will be screening this 40-minute film at this year s TSA conference in St Louis. Miye McCullough, Peter Praschag, Eric Goode and Maurice Rodriguez in the Chaco of north Argentina, the habitat of the Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis). ALAN FARIAS Ross Kiester, Chief Scientist rkiester@gmail.com Peter Praschag, Curator and Field Research Biologist peter@praschag.at John L. Behler Chelonian Center The Behler Chelonian Center is a valued strategic partner of the TSA, collaborating for turtle conservation in both India and Madagascar. Anders Rhodin, Russell Mittermeier, Peter Paul van Dijk and Richard Lewis (from left to right) in Baly Bay region with a A. yniphora. MAURICE RODRIGUES TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

28 TSA Europe European Turtle Breeding Reports 2008/2009 Martina Raffel and Henk Zwartepoorte In recent years, the interest among European zoos and privates regarding breeding Asian turtles, with an emphasis on species of the genus Cuora, has been increasing (see also the TSA Newsletter 2008). This is due to the conservation status of a number of species (classified into the highest IUCN threat categories) and thus also the difficulty or impossibility of obtaining specimens. Cuora trifasciata 2008/2009 results The DNA research started in 2007 and 2008 on several captive European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Cuora trifasciata specimens resulted in a revitalization of the European Studbook Foundation (ESF) studbook, managed by Torsten Blanck and Elmar Meier. The number of EAZA participants in this studbook increased and in the meantime DNA sampling has been carried out on 40 studbook specimens. This progress has resulted in more extensive DNA research on the genus Cuora, carried out by the Universities of Potsdam and Hamburg in Germany. A proposal was sent to several grant-making organizations, amongst them the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) who approved funding in the amount of $6,500 for this project. Sample collection is already ongoing and laboratory work to detect microsatellites has started. Based on this genetics research, the first European specimen is planned to be sent to the C. trifasciata studbook program in the USA (see related article by Praschag, this edition). Some other results within this framework include the loan of a C. trifasciata male from Rotterdam Zoo to Münster Zoo that resulted in six offspring at both Münster (4) and Rotterdam (2). Three hatchlings have also been reported by Cologne Zoo. In addition, a private ESF studbook participant paired his female at Rotterdam Zoo resulting in three fertile eggs laid in May Several recommendations were made by the ESF studbook keeper resulting in the establishment of genetically compatible breeding groups in several EAZA institutions as well as private breeders. In general, cooperation between EAZA and ESF is improving. Cuora mccordi progress For many years, four captive born females had been held at Rotterdam Zoo. Through mediation by Elmar Meier, an exchange with a private German breeder was arranged resulting in Rotterdam now finally having a male. Additionally, the proposed exchange of captive born specimens between the USA and Europe is looking very positive and the permit process is underway. Hopefully these transfers will be carried out this year, providing an excellent example of the type of HENK ZWARTEPOORTE HENK ZWARTEPOORTE The Cuora trifasciata group complex has been the subject of intensive genetic analyses in Europe and subsequent repairing of breeding stock to create compatible pairs. Munster Zoo. The first Sulawesi forest turtle to hatch and survive in Europe was from the IZS Muenster Zoo. 28 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

29 HENK ZWARTEPOORTE international cooperation that is sometimes necessary to effectively manage critically endangered species. International Centre for Turtle Conservation (IZS/ICCT) at Münster Zoo report As announced in the last TSA Annual Newsletter, several fertile eggs of the various endangered Cuora species had been laid through autumn Last year turned out to be indeed the most successful in the short history of the IZS/ICCT breeding station. Currently, there are 22 species being maintained here and all but two regularly produce eggs. In 2008, offspring were produced by 12 species (see table). Remarkable is the first breeding success in Meier s three-striped box turtle (Cuora cyclornata meieri) and the first hatchlings of Kwangtung River turtles breed readily in captivity but institutions such as the IZS Muenster Zoo have shut down reproduction due to problems placing offspring. Number offspring Scientific Name - Chinemys nigricans Eggs not incubated* 8 Cuora aurocapitata 1 Cuora galbinifrons bourreti first-ever hatchling at IZS 8 Cuora mccordi 4 Cuora trifasciata southern Chinese form Remarks 6 Cuora cyclornata ssp. Subpopulation of southern North Vietnam 1 Cuora cyclornata meieri North Vietnamese form of C. cyclornata 1 Cuora flavomarginata evelynae 1 Cuora zhoui 1 Heosemys depressa died immediately after hatching 1 Leucocephalon yuwonoi 13 Mauremys annamensis Only part of eggs incubated* 3 Mauremys pritchardi Hybrid form (removed from project 2008) 1 Mauremy iversoni Hybrid form (removed from project 2008) Breeding success at the IZS Münster in 2008 the subpopulation from the southern part of North Vietnam (Cuora cyclornata ssp.). Especially significant is the first surviving hatchling of a Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi), the first-ever successful rearing in Europe. Hatchlings from the past two years died after three months and one week, respectively, due to feeding problems. The 2008 hatchling, however, proved to be less delicate and feeds well upon a broad dietary spectrum, gaining weight continuously. Altogether, 49 turtles hatched at the IZS in 2008, 30 of those belonging to the genus Cuora. Eggs of Chinemys nigricans had not been incubated due to lack of interest in this species by other institutions, so that the placement of the eventual hatchlings was not guaranteed. Also, only a portion of the eggs of the Vietnam pond turtles (Mauremys annamensis) were incubated. The Arakan forest turtle (Heosemys depressa) still proves to be difficult. Despite the hatching of one single offspring, the immediate death of the young shows that nutrition of the females still needs to be * due to lack of interest optimized to result in ultimate breeding success. Dr. Martina Raffel Kuratorin für in situ Artenschutz raffel@allwetterzoo.de Allwetterzoo Münster, Westfälischer Zoologischer Garten Münster GmbH Sentruper Str. 315, D Münster Henk Zwartepoorte, Chair TSA Europe, Chair European Studbook Foundation, Assistant Curator Reptiles and Amphibians, Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Captive management of the genus Cuora and the IZS/ICCT at Muenster Zoo are two of the premier programs of TSA Europe and provide excellent examples of the strength of cooperation and collaboration for species survival. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

30 TSA Europe Breeding Research project EHAP: Exchanging Experiences on Keeping and Breeding the Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda) Viktor Mislin and Gabriela Eberling The goal of Project EHAP is to conduct research on optimal breeding and husbandry conditions as a contribution to the conservation of the critically endangered Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda). Husbandry of this species is not well documented or understood, as until recently, this species has rarely been kept outside of Madagascar. This project seeks to develop and document techniques which can be used to successfully keep and breed this species. It was the discovery of a hatchling in the adult enclosure in 2003 that provided the inspiration for more intensive work with this species. The hatchling had been produced from an egg laid in September 2002 and hatched during the summer of It turned out that the biggest problem with successfully hatching P. planicauda previously here, and at other institutions, had to do with the temperatures used during incubation. Between 2000 and 2003, all of the eggs produced died at various stages during the incubation process. It was discovered that by using a one-month cool down period (13-15 C), after the first month of incubation, the hatch rate could be significantly increased. Temperatures were increased again at the beginning of month three. In 2006, after producing six hatchlings, it was decided to start intensifying the breeding project with P. planicauda. After being delayed for almost a year by permitting challenges, the researchers partnered with the Zoological Institute of Basel University (Professor Dr. Dieter Ebert), an official project was initiated and a cooperation contract was developed. In March 2008, six juveniles were exported from Basel to Germany; a process which was complicated by CITES and border regulations. That same year, 17 of the 22 hatchlings were transferred to six different Indoor set up showing metal halide lights and ultrasound misting system at work. locations in Europe where they would be kept to rear to adulthood. The keepers at each location are asked to keep and report records on growth and photograph the animals on a regular basis. Although there has not been any mortality with the offspring sent out, in some cases the hatchlings have required an adjustment period of up to a year before completely settling in and growing at the same rate as before the move. Weight increase either stopped completely within this period or was just marginal. The hatchlings are kept in protected outdoor enclosures in order to supply them with sufficient UV light during the warmer seasons. These animals are to be held and maintained at their current facilities until The following year tortoises will be moved around for breeding purposes. Terrarium selection for P. planicauda is based on the Minimum requirements for keeping reptiles, dated January 10, Terrarium sizes are chosen as follows: length equals four times carapace length and width equals half of terrarium length. Carapace length is based on the largest tortoise kept in the cage. The average enclosure size is for two tortoises. To add either a third or fourth tortoise in the VIKTOR MISLIN VIKTOR MISLIN 30 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

31 VIKTOR MISLIN The hatchlings are kept in protected outdoor enclosures in order to supply them with sufficient UV light during the warmer seasons. same terrarium, 10 % ground surface must be added to these measurements. 20% ground surface must be added for a fifth tortoise. Beginning in March 2009, metal halide spots and Reptistar FL UV A+B Sylvania tubes were used as the main lighting source while the animals are indoors. In April, these spot lights were swapped for metal halide Bright Sun UV Desert spots, which were sponsored by the Lucky Reptile Company. In order to increase the humidity, the researchers developed a special ultrasound misting system directly connected to the central distilled water supply system. Juvenile Pyxis planicauda, 2003 VIKTOR MISLIN TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

32 TSA Europe Continued: Breeding Research project EHAP: Exchanging Experiences on Keeping and Breeding the Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda) Several small incubators were constructed for egg incubation, each equipped with a thermostat capable of allowing a nighttime drop in temperature. VIKTOR MISLIN The adult breeding groups are composed as follows: Group 1: 1.2 specimens, Group 2: 1.2 specimens, Group 3: 1.1 specimens, and Group 4: 1.1 specimens. The first animal that was hatched at our facility turned out to be a male and is now paired with a subadult female that was legally imported into Switzerland. The tortoises are kept at the same temperature and humidity levels as what they would experience in the wild, thanks to data available from western Madagascar. Both juvenile and adult tortoises have periods of inactivity, just as they would in nature. This dormancy period often lasts six months. During this period, the air humidity and day length are reduced. When the animals become active again, the day length is adjusted and the humidity is increased by adding the ultrasound humidifier. The humidifier is switched on seven times per day at 15-minute intervals during their active period. By doing so, an ideal micro-climate can be reached in which the tortoises thrive. Several small incubators were constructed for the incubation of the eggs produced, each equipped with a thermostat capable of allowing a nighttime drop in temperature. Vermiculite is used as the incubation substrate. Regarding incubation, a number of questions still remain to be answered completely. One of the most frustrating challenges in the beginning of this experiment was the length of time required to see which incubation protocol was the most successful with this species. On 32 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

33 average, only ten eggs are produced each year and the incubation period ranges from 200 to 300 days. However, out of eleven tested incubation methods, a suitable method has been selected which is now used for the majority of the eggs Project EHAP is supported by the scientific counsel of Henk Zwartepoorte (The Netherlands), Dipl.-Biol. Matthias Goetz (British Channel Islands) and Dr. Gerald Kuchling (Australia). Each was selected based on their herpetological experience, specifically with Pyxis reproduction or research. The members of the EHAP Project communicate on a regular basis in order to discuss problems and find solutions. It would be an advantage for the project if additional Pyxis planicauda keepers contacted the researchers in order to exchange experiences and skills. VIKTOR MISLIN Copulation between Pyxis planicauda Viktor Mislin Viktor.mislin@unibas.ch Viktor.mislin@bluewin.ch Zoologisches Institut Vesalgasse 1 Evolutionsbiologie CH-4051 Basel Universitat Basel, Switzerland Tel. +41 (0) Gabriela Eberling Projekt EHAP schildi1806@gmx.de Ahornstr. 23 D Kremmen Germany Tel. +49 (0) Note: EHAP is a German acronym for a phrase that translates to Exchanging Experiences on Keeping and Breeding the Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda) VIKTOR MISLIN Metal halide spotlights and the humidifier in the outdoor enclosure. This is one of the many captive breeding programs being carried out under the TSA Europe banner. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

34 TSA Europe Seized Turtles in the EU as a Source for Conservation Alessandro Fornetti and Henk Zwarteporte The European Union has traditionally been a very important market for the reptile trade. As the EU and National regulations became tighter (an on-going process), the illegal trade in turtles has grown, calling higher attention from several Law Enforcement Agencies throughout Europe. This has resulted in a number of seizures: although a complete picture is difficult to put together, information gathered by the writer point to an average of specimens per year from 2005 to However, this is surely a broadly underestimated figure. We can split the European illegal turtle trade in two main typologies: 1) high-volume smuggling of low-valued species (mainly Testudo ssp.), and 2) smaller batches of highly-prized tortoises and turtles. A typical 1) case involves the shipping of tortoises (T. graeca sensu latu, T. hermanni, T. kleinmanni at times) from circum-mediterranean countries through Italy, France or Spain, destined for fairs and little markets with a final selling price ranging from 30 to 150. A typical 2) case involves very small batches (single animals at times) of high-profile species clearly destined for the discerning collector. Offers known to the writer in recent times have included A. yniphora, S. leytensis and several Cuora ssp. (including an alleged yunnanensis). These animals travel mainly from southeast Asia and enter the EU through Balkan countries, being then moved by road to the final destination. In between, we have all possible variations, such as Astrochelys radiata, Stigmochelys pardalis, Kinyxis ssp., Malacochersus tornieri etc. European Law Enforcement Agencies are now succeeding in stopping a significant part of this trade, but what happens to the seized turtles? There s no rule here, and the situation is more complicated than it would seem at first. The main problem is that Government Officials apply laws which seldom if ever A package containing juvenile pancake tortoises being mailed from Tanzania to an address in Belgium. determine what to do following the seizure. So the batches are treated singly, and their survival and future often becomes a matter of chance and luck. Apart from any moral or ethical consideration, turtles which might prove useful for reintroduction or ex-situ projects are simply lost to The Cause for sheer lack of communication and coordination between authorities and the conservation world. So here we are, with a few hundred valuable tortoises potentially ready to be involved in some project: but who can we put at the receiving end? The first answer is quick and logical: those zoos and aquaria which have a growing attitude towards conservation. The problem is that the total housing capability of these facilities will never come close to matching the number of animals offered. Answer number two points to rescue centers: there are a few throughout Europe, but none at present - seems to have the resources to successfully deal with the yearly volume of seizures. Other problems include the traditional and not always fully justified diffidence A wildlife inspector in Croatia examines a shipment of European tortoises seized in Croatia. of officials towards private breeders; breeders which have shown a remarkable success rate in any aspect of turtle keeping, often exceeding the results achieved by institutions. Another key factor is the apparent complete lack of understanding that the time frame between the seizure and disposal is critical to the survival of the turtles: putting together a mix of T. graeca, T. hermanni and T. kleinmanni for months (or years!) in some enclosure - while waiting for the CITES papers allowing reallocation to be issued - invariably means all kinds of trouble, and most likely death for a high percentage of the turtles involved. There s a serious question we have to pose to the government authorities: what did the legislator have in mind when they wrote the rules? Was the aim to create excessive paper work, overload police and custom officials with additional work, or did he think of animal welfare and wildlife conservation? There seems to be a disconnect between the regulations and the actual needs of confiscated animals. Simply classifying them as seized, and leaving them TRAFFIC CROATIA 34 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

35 TRAFFIC CROATIA A package containing juvenile pancake tortoises being mailed from Tanzania to an address in Belgium. packed away as cargo is not practical, as the people who have to apply these laws on a daily basis know. So much for the problems; but what solutions can we provide, or hope for? The first need is to get a clearer picture of the seizures. Several EU countries maintain a seizure database, and/or take part in the EU-TWIX project: these sources should be coordinated as much as possible to allow info to become available to conservationists in real time. Second, national authorities should recognize the need to establish standardized procedures allowing seized turtles to be quickly transferred to the receiving subjects. Papers can wait, turtles can t. Third, conservation NGOs such as the TSA and the European Studbook Foundation should act as an interface between the authorities and the receiving subjects; this is especially needed whenever private breeders are involved. The NGO not only creates the contact and coordinates the operation but, thanks to a very strict code of conduct imposed on members, prevents animals from going into improper hands once assigned to privates. The benefits of an organized studbook are well-known, and will not be discussed further here.fourth, appeals should be sent to, and contacts made with all those European Institutions (EAZA or not), rescue centers etc. that have a potential interest in housing and caring for seized turtles. A database of potential receivers would greatly ease and quicken our job. Fifth, and perhaps the most difficult and important: every effort should be made to organize and create a highprofile European Turtle Rescue Centre. The Centre would be located in the southern part of the continent, be within the distribution area of several Testudo ssp., be near the illegal trade hotspots, be recognized by the Authorities and especially fully capable of dealing with a few thousand turtles a year, thus minimizing the risks of transit times and diseases due to neglect and poor husbandry. The practical implementation of these few guidelines will remove many unneeded paper folders from officials desks, will offer conservationists much precious material and, finally, will give many smuggled turtles a better future than what they face today. Alessandro Fornetti IUCN/TFTSG TSA Europe Via Flaminia Roma, Italy alenf@libero.it Henk Zwartepoorte Chair TSA Europe Chair European Studbook Foundation Assistant Curator Reptiles & Amphibians Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Alessandro is a TSA member that wrote last year on Egyptian tortoises confiscated in Italy and efforts to manage them under the EAZA program. He is a generous supporter of the TSA s Rafetus program in China. Henk chairs TSA Europe. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

36 TSA Europe The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) - latest news on the 2005 confiscated shipment in Italy Henk Zwartepoorte and Alessandro Fornetti 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 housed at the Rome Zoo Bioparco, were properly cared for and from this group about 35 offspring can be reported. Eventually, during the second half of 2008 and the first half of 2009, a constructive communication arose between TSA Europe and the Italian CITES authorities. During a WWF/TRAFFIC/EU-Twix workshop in Tarvisio/Italy in February 2009, Alessandro and Henk positively discussed this issue with CITES Italy representatives. After this meeting, the settlement of the CITES procedures was sped up. In the background, a vital role was also played by Bioparco curator reptiles Stefano Micarelli. In June 2009, CITES certificates were suddenly issued for transfer of 150 tortoises to eight European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) institutions and two privately-managed turtle centers. By the end of June/early July these 150 tortoises will be transferred to the EAZA zoos of London, Whipsnade, Chester, Bristol in the UK, Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic, Terrariet Vissenbjerg in Denmark, Antwerp Zoo in Belgium and Parken Zoo in Sweden. The private institutions are ARCO Spain in Tabernas/Almeria in Spain and the Centre pour Recuperation des Tortues in Switzerland. Thanks to this transfer, the breeding programs in Europe will get a big boost. The Libyan specimens will be separately managed within the EAZA European Endangered species Programme (EEP). Obviously, the long period of three and a half years after confiscation is not an ideal situation. Zoos are often not well equipped to Part of a large group of confiscated Egyptian tortoises placed at the Rome Bioparco in house large numbers of confiscated animals. Nevertheless, the Bioparco Zoo managed to keep the majority of the originally confiscated 280 tortoises in good condition and with limited mortality. At the same time, approximately 35 births were reported. Thanks to this situation, the communication and cooperation between the parties involved (CITES Italy, Corpo Forestale, Bioparco and TSA Europe) finally improved and hopefully this will be a basis for future confiscations. Henk Zwartepoorte Chair TSA Europe Chair European Studbook Foundation Assistant Curator Reptiles and Amphibians, Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Alessandro Fornetti IUCN/TFTSG TSA Europe Via Flaminia Roma, Italy alenf@libero.it The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni). 36 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

37 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

38 TSA Africa Building a network to better understand the conservation status of the tortoises and freshwater turtles of a vast continent - TSA Africa is born Tomas Diagne The African division of the Turtle Survival Alliance has been created and is based in Senegal, a small country in West Africa. The chairman of the group is Tomas Diagne, an agronomist who is also member of IUCN Turtle and Freshwater Tortoise Specialist Group (TFTSG). TSA Africa s main objective is the study and conservation of land tortoises and freshwater turtles and their natural habitats in Africa. The office of TSA Africa is composed of two vice-presidents and 11 members, who are regional advisers or nationals of almost all the areas of this vast continent, which has a surface area of 30 million square kilometers. Africa is the second largest continent in the world and accounts for 50 species of land tortoises and freshwater turtles in four families. To achieve its goals, TSA Africa hopes initially to rely on the support of its members, partners and other participants. The production and dissemination of identification and evaluation handbooks (in three languages: French, English and Portuguese) for the known African species has already begun. In October and November 2008, the author conducted an assessment of the presence of the tortoises and freshwater turtles throughout Ghana, Togo, and Benin, three Western African countries. The results of this work made it possible to confirm the presence of four species of land tortoises (Kinixys erosa, Kinixys belliana, Kinixys homeana and Geochelone sulcata) and seven species of freshwater turtles (Pelomedusa subrufa, Pelusios castaneus, Pelusios adansonii, Pelusios niger, Cyclanorbis elegans, Cyclanorbis senegalensis and Trionyx tringuis). Rarest of all the species identified in this zone of West Africa is undoubtedly the Giant Nubian softshell turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans), which requires urgent measures of conservation and restoration of its natural habitat. Tomas Diagne (TSA Africa chair) with male (Geochelone sulcata) at the Senegalese Chelonian Breeding and Education Center. TOMAS DIAGNE 38 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

39 It is also priority to carry out a comprehensive assessment which will allow a correct classification of the African species of tortoises and freshwater turtles on the IUCN Red List. The next meeting of TSA Africa members will be organized soon, to be held in Nigeria with the collaboration of the IUCN/TFTSG group. At this meeting it is envisaged to develop an action plan to be carried out the over next several years and to identify the priority species and habitats to preserve. Tomas Diagne fondsdev@yahoo.fr TSA Africa C/O Nature Tropicale Senegal Po Box: 657 Rufisque, Senegal, West Africa TSA AFRICA STAFF: Chair, Tomas Diagne, Senegal fondsdev@yahoo.fr Vice-Chair, Patrick Baker, Ghana patrick.baker17@gmail.com Vice-Chair, Josea D. Bodjirénou, Benin josea_bj@yahoo.co.uk ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Dr. Tahar Slimani, Morocco slimani@ucam.ac.ma Phil Allman, Ghana ghanaturtles@animail.net Dr Edem Eniang, Nigeria eniangedem@yahoo.co.uk Franck Makoundi, Republic of Congo franckwyclef@yahoo.fr Fidéle B. Egalenzibo, Democratic Republic of Congo kerenatya@yahoo.fr Reginald Mwaya, Tanzania rmwaya@yahoo.com Aurele Andre, Mauritius arpege@intnet.mu Leon Rafindrazakoto, Madagascar ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE BY TOMAS DIAGNE Staff members take measurements of a large adult male (Geochelona sulcata) at the Senegalese breeding facility. Female mud terrapin (Pelusios adansonii adanson) in captivity with young villagers near Guiers Lake, Senegal. Kinixys homeana Geochelone sulcata laying eggs in the Thioump Reserve of northeast Senegal. Patrick Baker (TSA Africa vice-chair) with a Nubian softshell turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans) from Ghana. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

40 TSA TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE PARTNER NEWS A Global Tour of Strategic Turtle Conservation Initiatives Supported by the Turtle Conservation Fund Hugh R. Quinn and Anders G.J. Rhodin The Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) is a strategizing and funding consortium of leading turtle conservation organizations and individuals focused on ensuring the long-term survival of tortoises and freshwater turtles. Its impact is global, supporting those front-line conservationists and organizations whose efforts help implement TCF strategy. Current partnering organizations include Conservation International, International Union for Conservation of Nature / Species Survival Commission / Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Survival Alliance, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Shellshock Campaign, Chelonian Research Foundation, Chester Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Asian Turtle Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Behler Chelonian Center / Turtle Conservancy, Chelonian Research Institute, World Wildlife Fund, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, SOPTOM, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Rotterdam Zoo, European Studbook Foundation, and International Center for Conservation of Turtles / Allwetter Zoo. Since its formation in 2002, TCF has awarded $344,912 in grants to 77 conservation initiatives representing 35 nations. TCF has two funding cycles a year, with the most recent round of grant proposals evaluated in May 2009, awarding $52,458 to 12 worthy projects. This latest round of grant recipients is representative of this organization s global perspective. Grants were given for work with Endangered and Critically Endangered tortoise and freshwater turtle species in the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, Belize, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Madagascar. Philippines TCF funds were awarded to Sabine Schoppe of the Katala Foundation Inc. to assess the conservation status and population size changes of the Critically Endangered Philippine forest turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis) on Palawan. Information from this work will help assess population stability and provide key information in designing recovery plans. Diverlie Acosta, turtle researcher for the Katala Foundation, measures a juvenile Philippine forest turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis). Myanmar Funding for two initiatives was awarded to the Wildlife Conservation Society s (WCS) Myanmar Program turtle team of Win Ko Ko, Khin Myo Myo, and Kaw Moe. One, led by Win Ko Ko, focuses on surveying the Sittoung River for the Endangered Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata) which has yet to be documented from this river. This work is critical, as a hydro-electric dam has already been completed in one of the two rivers known to be currently inhabited by this species, and another such dam is proposed for the other. Such impoundments destroy KATALA FOUNDATION nesting areas for this species and decimate populations. Finding and appropriately managing additional populations may be the only hope of survival for this species in nature. The other Myanmar initiative, led by Khin Myo Myo, focuses on conducting a survey for the Endangered Arakan Forest turtle (Heosemys depressa) to update its current population status and define any threats that may impact its survival. Cambodia In Cambodia, TCF support was provided to Heng Sovannara of the Royal Government of Cambodia Fisheries Administration and the WCS Cambodia Program for a project involving Batagur baska, the Critically Endangered river terrapin, found here only in the Sre Ambel and Kaong Rivers. Personnel with this project have been monitoring and protecting nesting beaches since 2002, but in 2008 were unable to locate any nests. This sobering turn of events prompted a request to TCF for funding to expand the search along these rivers as well as neighboring systems for nests. Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala TCF provided support for two projects regarding the Critically Endangered Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii). One project, led by Gracia Syed of the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, seeks to identify any evolutionary lineages of this species in Mexico and Belize natural populations in an effort to better design captive breeding programs for animals residing in existing captive facilities there. The other, with Rony Garcia, Roan McNab, and Gabriela Ponce of the WCS Guatemala Program, and José Moreira of Asociación Balam, will define habitat use patterns of this species in Guatemala to better define the needs of wild populations in establishing appropriate conservation management plans. 40 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

41 Vietnam The Vietnamese pond turtle (Mauremys annamensis) was for years thought extinct in the wild, but was recently rediscovered. Tim McCormack, Doug Hendrie, Van Ha Hoang, and Chi Nhan Nguyen with the Asian Turtle Program and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, approached TCF for support to produce posters that will improve local knowledge about the significance of this species and its protection status. The Asian Turtle Program s Mauremys annamensis Project (MAP) provides training to Q. Ngai Province rangers about the plight of the Vietnamese pond turtle. Six pond turtles were confiscated in this province in January and now reside at the Asian Turtle Program s Turtle Conservation Center. Colombia and Peru TCF supported two projects in South America. One, lead by Adriana González- Zárate, Olga Lucia Montenegro Diez, and Olga Victoria Castaño-Mora of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, involves the impact of impoundments (dams) along rivers on the Endangered Colombian endemic river turtle (Podocnemis lewyana). The outcome of this investigation will be critical, both locally and globally, as impoundments are common around the world, and knowing the influence of dams on large river turtles is essential to their conservation. The other South American initiative, lead by Fernando Arbeláez and Mario Vargas-Ramírez of Fundación BioDiversa Colombia, involves capacity building in four communities TIM MCCORMACK in Colombian and Peruvian indigenous communities of the Santa Sofia Indigenous Reserve along the Amazon. This program will provide training for selected individuals in these communities to protect turtle nesting beaches, to build artificial beaches, and to translocate eggs from non-protected to protected areas. Torichiga: A turtle conservation-oriented stage play written and performed by the young people of the Nuevo Jardin indigenous community, Colombia and Peru. To see a video of this highly acclaimed production, go to id= Madagascar Two programs were supported in Madagascar. One, lead by Riana Rakotondrainy of the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar, Christina Castellano and J. Sean Doody of the University of Canberra, Australia, and Herilala Randriamahazo of WCS Madagascar, involves the demography, spatial attributes, and nesting ecology of the Critically Endangered Madagascar spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides). The information gained from this study will be extremely valuable in designing conservation strategies, both in nature and in captivity. TCF support of the other Madagascar project, led by Juliette Velosoa of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Madagascar, will enable the second release of head-started, Critically Endangered Madagascar side-necked turtles (Erymnochelys madagascariensis) in Ankarafantsika National Park. Captive Management of Asian Box Turtles The European Studbook Foundation designs captive breeding programs for key species. Among these are Cuora trifasciata and C. aurocapitata, which present confusing taxonomic issues. To assure that captive breeding programs produce pure lineages of evolutionarily significant units, TCF provided funds for molecular genetic analysis of captive populations to Jens Poschadel of the University of Hamburg, Germany, Torsten Blanck of the European Studbook Foundation, Martina Raffel and Elmar Meier of the Allwetter Zoo, Münster, Germany, Martin Plath and Ralph Tiedemann of the University of Potsdam, Germany, and Henk Zwartepoorte of the Rotterdam Zoo, Netherlands. Summary These projects exemplify TCF s holistic approach to turtle conservation, which involves both ex situ and in situ approaches. Such efforts can only be possible through partnerships with the various organizations, institutions and individuals who create and conduct the above supported programs. These partnerships form a coordinated, effective, global network with a mission to conserve the world s tortoises and freshwater turtles so that no species becomes extinct in our lifetime. Hugh R. Quinn (DoubleHQ@aol.com) Anders G.J. Rhodin (RhodinCRF@aol. com) Turtle Conservation Fund Co-Chairs The TSA is one of the founding partners in the TCF and is joined by a host of other turtle conservation groups that comprise this organization. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

42 North America Ecology and Conservation of the Yellow-blotched Sawback, an Endemic River Turtle of the Pascagoula River System, Mississippi, USA Will Selman The conservation of quality habitat worldwide is regarded as one of the most important aspects for species conservation. To this end, the Pascagoula River system of southeastern Mississippi is considered one of the most pristine and the least impacted major river system of the Lower 48 United States. This river system is also the habitat for an endemic river turtle, the yellowblotched sawback (Graptemys flavimaculata). Observed population declines in the 1980 s led this species to be listed as Federally Threatened in 1991 and Endangered in Mississippi. Following listing, populations within the Lower Pascagoula River were studied by Bob Jones (Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, MMNS) and by researchers out of Southeastern Louisiana, including the master s thesis work of Brian Horne (TSA Advisory Committee). Studies found that turtles had complex seasonal movements and restricted home ranges, as well as extremely low reproductive output and high rates of nest predation/mortality. This species is threatened primarily by destruction/modification to riverine habitat, but other threats include humans shooting turtles as target practice, collisions with boats, collection for the pet trade, by-catch by fishermen, and the destruction of nests on sandbars by recreational ATV riding. Over the last 4 years, funding has been awarded to conduct research on Graptemys flavimaculata by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); and the Chelonian Research Foundation s Linnaeus Fund. This funding has gone to MARY PEREZ An adult yellow-blotched sawback from the Pascagoula River system 42 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

43 WILL SELMAN A juvenile yellow-blotched sawback captured from the Escatawpa River system (Jackson County, MS) displays an abnormal pattern for this species. The patterning resembles the ringed-sawback of the Pearl River system (Mississippi and Louisiana, USA). research a variety of topics of this imperiled turtle: assessing populations post-hurricane Katrina, determining the impact of recreational boating on basking behavior and physiology, understanding the distribution/ abundance throughout the Pascagoula River system, and conducting research on the conservation genetics of this species. Lower Pascagoula River populations were found to be negatively impacted following Hurricane Katrina (declines of ~50%), but no impact was observed with upstream populations. Distribution surveys indicated no range contraction and these surveys also documented populations in new river/ creek systems. Results from other topics are forthcoming. Currently, the TSA and the Batchelor Foundation have provided funding to continue the conservation genetics work and to establish a public outreach initiative for this species. This year, sampling for the conservation genetics project (i.e. tissue collection) was completed at multiple sites throughout the Pascagoula River system of southeastern Mississippi, including the Chickasawhay, Leaf, Pascagoula, and Escatawpa rivers. The latter site contains a geographically isolated population that was first documented in the 1990 s by Pete Floyd and Tom Mann (MMNS). Along with documenting the presence of this population, they reported unique pleural scute patterning with individuals exhibiting a high level of rings which is unusual for this species. Genetic analysis is ongoing and should be completed by the end of Another goal of this project is to design public outreach materials outlining turtle conservation in cooperation with MDWFP and USFWS. These materials will provide general information regarding turtle conservation, as well as outline proper recreational policies on protected nesting sandbars on Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area (Jackson County, MS). The results from our work will add to the knowledge of this species, as well as provide informative material to educate the public. Hopefully this will ensure sound conservation decisions that will allow wild populations to persist within the Pascagoula River system. Will Selman The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Biological Sciences will.selman@usm.edu WILL SELMAN The TSA provided partial support for this project with funds from the 2007 Batchelor Foundation grant. The Pascagoula River system is the least impacted major river system of the Lower 48 United States. Pictured here is the Leaf River (Covington County, MS) which is a tributary of the Pascagoula River system and habitat for the yellow-blotched sawback. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

44 North America Egg-harvesting, Hatching, and Release: A Population Augmentation Tool for Bog Turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) in Tennessee Bern Tryon The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) was first discovered in Tennessee in May, 1986 from two wetland sites within one large valley in the northeastern tip of the state. These captures documented the last known state to be included in the 12-state range of this species in the eastern United States, and the fifth state within what has become known as the Southern Population. Work in these five states has determined that the species is restricted to spring-fed wetlands, called Mountain Bogs, in the Blue Ridge and upper Piedmont regions, and North Carolina serves as the stronghold for this species in the south. Bog turtles appear to be largely peripheral in the other states, and searching to date has not identified the occurrence of additional populations in Tennessee. The discovery of bog turtles in Tennessee began what has become known as The Tennessee Bog Turtle Program, an effort combining 11 primary components involving both in situ and ex situ priorities and a partnership between the Knoxville Zoological Gardens, The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and numerous private landowners. Radio-telemetry within the study valley documented the presence of two additional, satellite wetlands with turtles adjacent (by one-half mile each) to the historic sites in 2002 and 2003, and turtles are known to have moved between these sites. Based on mark-recapture studies, a total of 89 turtles are currently thought to comprise the marked turtle population of this valley meta-population. Population estimates from 1986 to1996 provided numbers of 46 and 39 respectively for the two historic sites, but turtles are known to have changed sites, and eight deaths of mostly telemetry turtles have been documented since At the two historic sites, sub-adult turtles were found, albeit infrequently, but those found at 3-6 years of age were not only located with some regularity, but they appeared to be the only turtles in their respective age classes residing in these sites. At one site, the last two juveniles were found in 1995 and 1997, and at the other site, a six year old male was found in In addition, since 2001, predators eliminated 12 known turtle nests in these two sites. In some cases, shredded eggshells indicated a mammalian predator, but many times the entire clutches simply disappeared from the nest cavity without visual disturbance of the nesting area. The predator in these cases is thought to be a snake, mole, or perhaps even a bird, but no traces of shell or egg-slime was apparent. The eggs were just gone. Based on this and the lack of apparent reproductive recruitment in the two historic turtle sites, the component of Egg-harvesting, Hatching, and Release was initiated in In addition to those turtles radio-tracked season-long, all other females found in each spring were tracked short-term to determine reproductive status. Reproductive success varied in each study season, for example at one site, ten of eleven females produced eggs Bog turtle nesting tub in secured area. in 2006, while in 2008, only three of eight laid eggs. From both sites, of eleven females tracked in all three seasons, four produced clutches in each of the three years, two in two years, one in one of the three seasons, and only one turtle did not lay eggs. In the threeyear period for 21 turtles, 47 female tracking periods were documented, and of these, 30 clutches of eggs (64%) were produced. Of these, 18 clutches (51 eggs) were harvested and incubated in a secured and remote situation within the study valley. Prior to the 2006 egg-laying period, a simple outdoor facility was constructed which would serve as a holding station for the incubation of the eggs. It became readily apparent that despite best efforts, egg-laying was missed, nests could not be found, or if found the identity of the female could not be accurately determined. Currently, this 2.4 x 6.0 m area contains two oval 220-liter Rubbermaid tubs for female nesting, and once eggs are laid, the clutches are transferred to one of two 176-liter incubation tubs which correspond to respective sites. Two additional tubs are TESSA BICKHART 44 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

45 B.W. TRYON B.W. TRYON Incubating bog turtle eggs in secured tub. Hatchling bog turtle with Queen Bee Marker ID tag. available for nesting as needed. The tubs are mostly sunken into the ground and overflow plumbing is installed. Substrate is comprised of sphagnum peat in which a matrix of small branches are placed which support plugs of natural nesting vegetation such as sphagnum moss and small sedges. Each tub has a domed lid of 3.2 cm mesh or chicken wire and each is hinged and latched. The tubs are surrounded by portable electric livestock fencing of six-inch metal mesh, and the entire area, since it also contains a garden, is backed up with additional electric fencing. During the hottest periods, fresh water is flushed through each tub daily, and the substrate is lightly misted in mornings when rainfall is sparse. Based on the prevailing weather in mountainous terrain, incubation periods have been highly variable ( days). Some degree of infertility has routinely been documented in the field throughout this study, and of the harvested eggs, 16 (32%) were infertile. Of the 35 fertile eggs, six had died at some point during incubation, and 29 successfully hatched. For identification purposes, hatchlings were marked with a Queen Marker (bee dot) which was glued with epoxy to one costal scute. Release took place within one week after hatching at respective sites. In July 2007, one 2006-hatched juvenile with the bee dot still firmly attached, was found and represented the first new subadult found at either historic site in over 10 years. Based on the degree of habitat destruction documented over the past 30-plus years in the south, plus the fact that minimally 85% of all viable turtle habitat is found on privatelyowned land, meaningful conservation programs for bog turtles remain difficult and tenuous. Population augmentation remains highly controversial but it seems that some techniques such as the one described herein may provide a safe, reliable, relatively inexpensive, and potentially successful conservation tool for the enhancement of some declining turtle populations. Bern W. Tryon Director of Animal Collections and Herpetology Knoxville Zoological Gardens P.O. Box 6040 Knoxville, TN btryon@knoxville-zoo.org The TSA provided support to the habitat enhancement component of the Tennessee Bog Turtle Project in Both Bern Tryon and the Knoxville Zoo are long time supporters of the TSA. Committed to Zero Turtle Extinction TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

46 North America Alligator Snapper Translocation Day Ligon and Daren Riedle Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) conservation has received substantial attention in Oklahoma for over a decade, starting with a state-wide survey of populations in the 1990s, the results of which triggered the inception of a captive propagation and reintroduction program by Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery and Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. This program is ongoing, and release of headstarted turtles began in Reestablishing populations of turtles by releasing juveniles is, by necessity, a long-term endeavor, in large part because of the long time many species take to reach sexual maturity. Thus, alligator snapper conservation in Oklahoma got a major boost in 2007 by the translocation of more than 250 confiscated adult turtles to the southern part of the state. It is expected that supplementing reintroduction efforts with translocation of these reproductively mature animals will dramatically decrease the time required to generate a stable, selfsufficient population. As is the case for any major conservation effort, it was important that we measure the long-term results of the release in order to determine its impact. Therefore, monitoring of the repatriated turtles was initiated soon after their release. Radio transmitters, purchased with assistance from the Turtle Survival Alliance and Delta Foundation, were affixed to a subset of the turtles. Dan Moore, a graduate student in Dr. Stanley Fox s lab at Oklahoma State University, used a combination of radio telemetry and traprelease techniques to keep tabs on the turtles seasonal movement and habitat association patterns as they acclimatized to the new environment. Additionally, springtime searches for evidence of nesting have been conducted in each of the last three years, and the results have been used as a proxy for condition of females in the population. Initially, many of the transmitter-equipped turtles moved significant distances from the Upper & Lower Images. Dan Moore conducted radio telemetry and trap-release research in 2008 and 2009 following the release of adult snapping turtles in southern Oklahoma. DAY LIGON KATHRYN KERKSIECK 46 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

47 DAY LIGON DAN MOORE This 42-kg male was one of more than 250 adult alligator snappers repatriated from an Arkansas turtle farm in Researchers uncovered an intact alligator snapping turtle nest in The hatchlings subsequently emerged in September of that year. point of release. However, within months nearly all of them had settled into home ranges similar in size to those seen in naturally occurring populations elsewhere in the state. Evidence of nesting, in the form of predated nests, was first observed in 2007 within two months following the release. However, the summer of 2007 saw some of the worst flooding in the region in decades and, as a result, we expect that high water claimed any nests that predators failed to uncover. Additional evidence of nesting was observed in 2008 and 2009, including an intact nest that was subsequently covered with a wire cage to prevent predation. In coming years, we plan to use a combination of intensive onthe-ground searching and strategically placed motion-sensitive cameras to identify turtle nests and their potential predators to ensure that some recruitment of hatchlings into the population occurs. This, in combination with continued release of headstarted juveniles elsewhere in the state, will guarantee alligator snappers a bright future in Oklahoma. Day Ligon Department of Biology, Missouri State University; Springfield, MO Day.Ligon@MissouriState.edu Daren Riedle Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, West Texas A&M University; Canyon, TX macrochelys@hotmail.com The TSA provided partial support for the reintroduction of alligator snappers in Oklahoma with funds from the 2007 Batchelor Foundation grant. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

48 North America The Globalization of the Turtle Trade Heather Lowe The Asian turtle crisis, driven largely by market demand from China, has decimated tortoise and freshwater turtle populations throughout Asia in recent decades. When wild populations were effectively exhausted locally, the trade expanded globally and began to put pressure on wild populations in the United States. Given the availability of shipment options, lax harvest regulations and other logistical conveniences, the trade of U.S. turtles to China quickly boomed, driven primarily by a small contingent of harvesters who tapped into a niche market. The insatiable demand for turtles as food, medicine or pets in China resulted in staggering export figures. As an example, 250,000 wild-caught turtles were shipped from a single airport in Texas from 2002 to A study by the World Chelonian Trust during that same period estimates that 31.8 million turtles, 97% farm-raised, were exported out of the U.S. With an improved infrastructure, harvests also supply a demand for turtles in stateside Asian markets (see the related article on Philadelphia s Chinatown). Given the long life-span and low reproduction rates of turtles (with some species not being reproductively viable until 20 years or older), harvests at these levels have the potential to cause devastating crashes in a wild population. When this trend caught the attention of biologists and outdoor enthusiasts, groups began to push for legislation to better regulate the commercial harvest of chelonians at the state level. However, in some cases, legislators faced a very unique challenge in that they were trying to evaluate a situation in which turtles were disappearing faster than wild populations could be studied. Classified as non-game wildlife or fisheries resources in many states, turtle surveys and research have historically been given a low priority at the state level and little data existed on which to base legislative decisions. Some states tried to stem the tide by putting temporary regulations in place, while giving their biologists time A portion of a flyer distributed at a turtle harvest co-op recruitment meeting in Texas in The organizer served as a middleman between his co-op members and the Asian markets, buying turtles by the pound from collectors throughout the state and then exporting them in bulk. to develop long-term harvest rules based on current population needs. However, in some places, this led to unexpected results. In 2006, Maryland s state wildlife agency imposed a diamondback terrapin trapping ban from November to July, but allowed turtles to be trapped throughout the rest of the year. In that same year, the number of reported turtles harvested jumped to more than 10,000, which represented a twentyfold increase from the previous year. The increase was indicative of increasing market demand, along with a response to the change in size limits that was a part of the change in regulation. In 2007, Maryland imposed a complete ban on diamondback terrapins. A variety of groups throughout the country including the Center for Biological Diversity, NGOs, IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, community organizations, zoos and aquariums, have mobilized and petitioned their state wildlife agencies to regulate turtle harvest in recent years. Many have been successful and states have responded. Recent hard-fought battles in South Carolina and Florida have resulted in some of the strictest regulations in the country. Undoubtedly, as changes are made throughout the country, states that still allow unregulated harvest of their nonprotected species can expect this debate to continue. Legislation protecting turtles from commercial harvest varies widely from state to state. Obviously, most do not allow the harvest of species listed as protected (endangered, threatened, etc.) at either the federal or state level. However, when harvesting with nets and traps, even these protected species are at risk of being trapped and potentially misidentified or suffering catch-related mortality. It is very difficult for wildlife inspectors to catch these species during export, when they are mixed in with shipments of hundreds or thousands of other turtles. The biggest challenge facing states with legislation already in place is enforcement. Regulations vary widely and many states with a ban on commercial harvest share a border with states that do not, making the potential for poaching and false reporting (i.e. claiming that poached turtles were harvested legally in a neighboring state) very high. In addition, many state wildlife agencies do not have the manpower or capacity to enforce broad new regulations, especially for taxa that are widespread and harvested across hundreds of public and private ponds, streams, rivers and lakes. Nevertheless, outstanding enforcement 48 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

49 efforts occur, including the recent indictment of 17 people for reptile trade by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The summary that follows represents a snapshot of current turtle legislation across the eastern half of the United States, as it relates to commercial harvest turtles that are harvested and then sold. Details on harvest for personal use (as food, pets, etc.) are not included in this analysis. The full text of the applicable regulations can be obtained by contacting your state wildlife management agency. Some trends appear, such as the fact that many states (even those that have banned the commercial harvest of all other species) continue to allow limitless harvest of common snapping turtles. Many TSA members are actively working on this issue in their home states via research (see related article), advocacy or other means. You are encouraged to educate yourself on this issue, as it is one that hits home by reaching into the ponds and streams where many of you may have developed your interest in turtles as a child. Alabama Commercial harvest of common snappers and softshells permitted with free turtle catcher / dealer permit. Permit holders must comply with size limits and complete monthly reports regarding their catch and sales. No take or possession of more than 10 turtles per day from public waters for any reason. Arkansas Commercial harvest of all non-protected turtles, except alligator snapping, chicken and box turtles, is permitted with no limits. Licenses are required and harvests are to be reported to the state. Traps are to be checked regularly and equipment is to be tagged with identification. Connecticut Unlimited, unregulated commercial harvest of common snapping turtles allowed. No permit required, unless using a hook and line. Delaware Seasonal commercial harvest of common snapping turtle and diamondback terrapin allowed with a license. Common snappers are subject to size limits, and there are bag limits on diamondback terrapins. Traps should be checked every 48 hours; no tagging requirement on traps. Florida Commercial harvest by individuals prohibited in July Limited commercial take will be allowed (with special permit) by registered aquaculture facilities to increase their breeding stock. Regulations are still being finalized and are designed to encourage the state s turtle farms to become selfcontained (without a need for wild harvest) in the near future. Georgia Unlimited commercial harvest of nonprotected species allowed, as turtles are classified as nuisance animal along with rats, mice, coyotes, armadillos, venomous snakes, groundhogs, etc. No limit on the number of nets or traps to be used. Commercial fishing permit required only for harvest from public waters. Legislation was proposed in 2009 to regulate harvest, but it failed to pass. Illinois No commercial harvest allowed. Indiana No commercial harvest allowed. Iowa Commercial harvest of common snapping, softshell and painted turtles allowed with a permit. Possession limits equal 100 lb. of live turtles or 50 lb. of dressed turtles. Traps are to be tagged with identification and checked regularly. Kentucky Common snappers and softshells may be commercially harvested year-round with no limits. Some protected areas are outlined where harvesting is not permitted. Traps are to be checked regularly, but no tagging of traps is required. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

50 Louisiana Traps must be checked daily and labeled turtle trap, but no identification tag is required. Commercial harvest of alligator snapping turtles and box turtles is prohibited. Commercial harvest of other non-protected species allowed with license. No limits on legally harvested species except for diamondback terrapins which cannot be taken by a trap and have a season and size limit imposed. Maine No commercial harvest allowed since Maryland Commercial harvest of common snapping turtles is permitted for license holders. Size limits are imposed and reports must be submitted annually. Regulations are reviewed annually. Massachusetts Commercial harvest of common snapping turtles is allowed year round with a special permit. Regulations include size limits, but no limits on the number of animals taken. State biologists are working on a proposal to end commercial harvest. Michigan Commercial harvest of all reptiles and amphibians is prohibited. Minnesota Seasonal commercial harvest allowed with proper licensing; license requirement waived for residents younger than 18 for turtle racing. Size and bag limits imposed. No new commercial licenses are being issued at this time; only renewals. Mississippi Commercial harvest of snapping turtles allowed with a permit and size limit. Missouri Turtle harvesting permitted under sport fishing permit (for personal consumption) and also under commercial fishing permit. For commercial turtle harvest on the three rivers in the state where it s permitted, there is no bag limit, size limit, or closed season. New Hampshire No commercial harvest allowed. New Jersey Seasonal commercial harvest of common snapping turtles allowed with special permit. No bag limits or size limits imposed. New York Commercial harvest of diamondback terrapin and common snapping turtles is allowed with the proper license; seasons, bag limits and size limits are imposed. Legal implements for harvest of diamondback terrapin include, dip nets, hand capture, seine nets and traps. Traps must be designed for live capture only, tagged with identification and checked daily. The only legal implement for taking snappers is a firearm or a bow; no reports are required for this species. North Carolina Commercial harvest of snapping, mud and musk turtles allowed with license; bag limits imposed. Ohio Seasonal commercial harvest of snapping and softshell turtles allowed with no limits. Records of sale must be maintained for five years and traps must be tagged with identification. Oklahoma A three-year moratorium on commercial harvest from public waters passed in May Commercial harvest of all terrestrial turtles and of alligator snapping, chicken and map turtles from private waters is prohibited. Commercial harvest from private waters of other non-protected species is allowed with a license, no limits are imposed. Pennsylvania Seasonal commercial harvest of common snapping turtles is allowed with a special permit. Regulations include bag limits, but no size limits. Traps must be tagged with identification. Rhode Island Commercial harvest of common snapping turtles is allowed with special permit. Traps must be tagged with identification. South Carolina A single vehicle cannot transport more than 10 turtles at a time or 20 total in a year, out of the state. An exception is in place for yellowbelly and common snapping turtles harvested from private waters under a special permit issued by the state. There is no restriction on the sale of turtles harvested under this permit. Tennessee Common snapping turtle may be harvested commercially year round with no bag limits, only size limits. All non-protected species may be harvested in the Reelfoot Wildlife Management Area. Reports are required on all harvests and traps must be tagged with identification and checked regularly. Texas Commercial turtle harvest is prohibited in public waters as of However, the commercial harvest of red-eared slider, common snapping and softshell turtles from private waters is allowed with no limits a harvest permit and trip tickets (reporting forms) are required. The challenge unique to this situation is that 97% of Texas lands are privately-owned. Vermont Commercial turtle harvest allowed with special permit, no bag limits or size limits imposed. Virginia Commercial harvest of snapping turtles is allowed with special permit. Seasons are outlined and harvest is subject to size limits, but no bag limits. Reports must be provided. West Virginia No commercial harvest allowed Wisconsin No commercial harvest is allowed. Commercial license required for commercial harvest from border waters with states that allow commercial harvest. Turtles with protected status, implying that harvest in most cases is prohibited. Heather Lowe Program Coordinator, TSA 817/ hlowe@turtlesurvival.org Heather Lowe works as the Program Coordinator for the Turtle Survival Alliance and has advocated for legislation regulating turtle harvest in Texas. 50 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

51 State Common name Scientific Name State Status Federal Status Alabama Gopher tortoise (range clarified) Gopherus polyphemus n/a Threatened Alabama red-belly turtle Pseudemys alabamensis n/a Endangered Flattened musk turtle (range clarified) Sternotherus depressus n/a Threatened Arkansas Chicken Turtle Deirochelys reticularia Special Concern Alligator snapping turtle Macrochelys temminckii Special Concern Eastern box turtle Terrapene c. carolina Special Concern Ornate Box Turtle Terrapene ornata Special Concern Connecticut Wood turtle Clemmys insculpta Special Concern Bog turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened Eastern box turtle Terrapene c. carolina Special Concern Delaware Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened Florida Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Threatened Barbour s map turtle Graptemys barbouri Special Concern Striped mud turtle Kinosternon baurii Endangered Alligator snapping turtle Macroclemys temminckii Special Concern Suwannee cooter Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis Special Concern Georgia Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Unusual Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened (SA)* Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Threatened Barbour s Map Turtle Graptemys barbouri Threatened Map Turtle Graptemys geographica Rare Alabama Map Turtle Graptemys pulchra Rare Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii Threatened Carolina Diamond-backed Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin centrata Unusual Illinois Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Endangered Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Threatened Illinois Mud Turtle Kinosternon flavescens Endangered Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii Endangered River Cooter Pseudemys concinna Endangered Indiana Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Endangered Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Endangered Eastern Mud Turlte Kinosternon subrubrum Endangered Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii Endangered Hieroglyphic River Cooter Pseudemys concinna Endangered Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Special Concern Ornate Box Turtle Terrapene ornata Endangered Iowa Wood Turtle Clemmys insculpta Endangered Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Threatened Yellow Mud Turtle Kinosternon flavescens Endangered Common Musk Turtle Sternotherus odoratus Threatened Ornate Box Turtle Terrapene ornata Threatened Kentucky None Louisiana Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Threatened Threatened Ringed Map Turtle Graptemys oculifera Threatened Threatened Maine Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Threatened Blanding s Turtle Emys blandingii Endangered Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta Special concern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Endangered Maryland Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera In need of conservation Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Threatened Threatened Map Turtle (range clarified) Graptemys geographica Endangered Massachusetts Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Threatened Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta Special Concern Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened Diamond-backed Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin Threatened Northern Red-bellied Cooter Pseudemys rubriventris Endangered Endangered Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Special Concern Michigan Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Threatened Minnesota Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica Special Concern Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina Special Concern Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Threatened Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta Threatened Mississippi Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Imperiled Threatened Yellow-blotched Map Turtle Graptemys flavimaculata Imperiled Threatened Black-knobbed Map Turtle Graptemys nigrinoda Imperiled Ringed Map Turtle Graptemys oculifera Imperiled Threatened Mississippi Redbelly Turtle Pseudemys Critically Imperiled TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

52 Missouri Western Chicken Turtle Deirochelys reticularia miaria Endangered Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Endangered Yellow Mud Turtle Kinosternon f. flavescens Endangered Illinois Mud Turtle Kinosternon f. spooneri Endangered New Hampshire Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Threatened Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Endangered New Jersey Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Special Concern Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta Threatened Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened Northern Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin terrapin Special Concern Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina carolina Special Concern New York Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera Special Concern Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Special Concern Wood Turtle Clemmys insculpta Special Concern Bog Turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Threatened Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum Endangered Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Special Concern North Carolina Eastern spiny softshell Apalone spinifera spinifera Special Concern Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Threatened Threatened (SA)* Diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin Special Concern Stripeneck musk turtle Sternotherus minor peltifer Special Concern Ohio Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Threatened Blanding s turtle Emydoidea blandingii Special Concern False map turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica Special Concern Eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina Special Concern Oklahoma Map Turtle Graptemys geographica Special Concern Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii Special Concern Pennsylvania Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Candidate Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened Red-bellied Turtle Pseudemys rubriventris Threatened Rhode Island Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Protected Wood Turtle Clemmys insculpta Protected/Concern Northern Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys t. terrapin Endangered/Protected Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Protected South Carolina Florida Softshell Apalone ferox Special Concern Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Threatened Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Threatened Threatened (SA)* Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Endangered Striped Mud Turtle Kinosternon baurii Special Concern Tennessee Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Threatened Threatened (SA)* Texas Texas Tortoise Gopherus berlandieri Threatened Cagle s Map Turtle Graptemys caglei Threatened Chihuahuan Mud Turtle Kinosternon hirtipes murrayi Threatened Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii Threatened Vermont Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera Threatened Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Endangered Wood Turtle Clemmys insculpta Special Concern Northern Map Turtle Graptemys geographica Special Concern Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus Special Concern Virginia Eastern Chicken Turtle Deirochelys reticularia reticularia Endangered Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Endangered Threatened (SA)* West Virginia None Wisconsin Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica Special Concern - take regulated by seasons * SA - due to similarity of appearance Wood Turtle Clemmys insculpta Threatened Blanding s Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Threatened False Map Turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica Special Concern - take regulated by seasons Ornate Box Turtle Terrapene ornata Endangered 52 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

53 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

54 North America A Market Survey and Growth Study of Turtles from Philadelphia s Chinatown Laura Del Collo and Scott P. McRobert, Ph.D. In recent years, a tremendous amount of attention has been paid to the state of turtles in Asian countries owing to their use in food, traditional medicines and the pet trade. While international and national regulations exist to control the trade in some species, recent market surveys have found endangered species in markets throughout Asia. In addition, many species not currently listed as threatened or endangered may soon be in peril from their collection for market trade. A decline in wild turtle populations in China has resulted in trade that now increasingly depends on turtles from other regions, including the United States. While much work is being conducted throughout Asia, we were interested in the use of turtles in Asian markets in the United States and thus initiated this study. In the fall of 2008, backed by funding from the Dietrich W. Botstiber Foundation (a group that typically funds efforts to foster ethical treatment of animals), we began a systematic survey of turtles in the markets of Chinatown in Philadelphia. Associated with this survey we began a program in which we will bring animals from Chinatown markets into our laboratory for an assessment of their health and as an effort to rescue some animals from the trade. This report represents a preliminary description of our efforts in the first year of the project, and a call for people interested in this work to join us in these efforts. In the initial phase of the survey, Chinatown markets were monitored weekly or biweekly for a period of seven months, beginning in September Four markets that sold turtles were identified and other markets were periodically visited to confirm that no turtles were being sold. Turtle quantities, estimated sizes, species, characteristics, and living environments were noted. Photographs were taken when possible and later analyzed in an attempt to identify species. It should be noted that our presence in the markets was not met with great favor. Shopkeepers appeared nervous when we arrived and the language Photos are taken whenever possible during market surveys, for species identification and documentation purposes. barrier made our attempts to discuss turtles with them very difficult. The markets that regularly sold turtles included a large grocery store that sold fresh and packaged food. The turtles here were held in large plastic containers on the floor, typically without water. The second Turtles in the markets surveyed are often held in tubs with no water. Softshell turtles are kept in plastic net bags. market was a small grocery store that sold fresh seafood and produce. Adult turtles were again held in large plastic containers without water, located on the floor in front of the seafood counters. This market also offered juvenile red-eared sliders in a small plastic pan on the floor underneath a produce shelf. Gutted small softshell turtles LAURA DEL COLLO LAURA DEL COLLO LAURA DEL COLLO 54 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

55 LAURA DEL COLLO One of the few turtle tanks in the surveyed area that contained water. LAURA DEL COLLO Red-eared slider juveniles (Trachemys scripta elegans). were occasionally found on ice along with the seafood. The third market sold only seafood and their turtles were housed in clear plastic tanks that lined the walls and usually contained 1-2 cm of water. In the fourth market, turtles were kept in two large tanks that were filled entirely with water. Over the first seven months we recorded 455 sightings of turtles in the markets (Note: These numbers do not represent the total number of actual turtles as many turtles were likely counted on multiple survey days). The 455 sightings included 188 smaller (< 30 cm) Florida and Chinese softshells (Apalone ferox and Pelodiscus sinensis), 31 large (> 30 cm) softshells (Apalone ferox), 175 juvenile, and four adult red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), and 57 diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), which were observed on only two occasions in February and March, As a measure of health in the Chinatown turtles, ten juvenile red-eared sliders were purchased and brought into the laboratory. Growth in these turtles was monitored over six months and compared to growth in a group of juvenile sliders obtained from a commercial breeder. All turtles were maintained in 76 l aquaria at approximately 26 o C, under a 12:12 light:dark cycle, and fed commercial food (Wardley s Reptile Premium Sticks). Over the six-month period, no differences were noted in growth between the two groups. However the Chinatown turtles experienced a 30% mortality rate while none of the breeder turtles died. In future years, we plan to bring in animals representing all species found in the markets for similar tests. This study represents the beginning of a longterm project to monitor the appearance of turtles in Asian markets within the United States. In the first year, weekly surveys of Philadelphia s Chinatown noted no illegal trade of endangered species (most likely due to the strict enforcement of U.S. regulations), although the sale of turtles with carapace lengths under 4 inches (like the juvenile red-eared sliders), has been banned since 1975 owing to concerns over salmonellosis. And while we found no protected species, the use of turtles in these markets represents harvesting of species that may well need protection soon. Indeed, legislation is being considered in a number of states to restrict, or ban, the harvesting of wild turtles (see related article). For example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) implemented a harvest limit of twenty turtles per day beginning in September However, despite this restriction, Florida softshells were consistently present in Philadelphia s Chinatown market throughout the survey period, and these markets represent only a small fraction of the national and international trade and demand. Florida is currently fine-tuning their legislation and similar discussions are being held in many states. It will be interesting to see if such restrictions change the quantity or variety of species found in the markets next year. Laura Del Collo and Scott P. McRobert, Ph.D. Department of Biology Saint Joseph s University Philadelphia, PA smcrober@sju.edu This research represents some of the great work being done by TSA members around the world. Dr. McRobert has been a member of the TSA since TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

56 RANGE COUNTRY: Myanmar TSA and WCS sponsored workshop provides blueprint for turtle conservation in Myanmar Rick Hudson, Win Ko Ko, Khin Myo Myo and Steve Platt From 7 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 (Batagur trivittata) was followed by a comprehensive trade workshop entitled Developing an Integrative Strategy for Handling Confiscated Turtles in Myanmar. Around 50 people participated in the four-day workshop including the Director General of the Forestry Department and representatives from universities, wildlife sanctuaries and captive chelonian facilities in Myanmar. A multinational contingent, or Team Burma, included representatives from TSA (Rick Hudson, Gerald Kuchling, and Brian Horne), Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) (Peter Paul van Dijk), WCS (Bill Holmstrom, Steve and Kalyar Platt, Bonnie Raphael) and the Asian Turtle Conservation Program (Tim McCormack). The workshop produced documents on potential release sites for confiscated chelonians, release strategies, prioritized list of species for assurance Female star tortoises at Lawkananda WS generally nest in a cluster, preferring sunny exposed locations at a high point in the enclosure. A group of well cared for Burmese star tortoises at the Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary facility in Bagan. colonies and special handling, recommended sites for assurance colonies and rescue facilities, captive and wild management strategies for Myanmar roof turtles (Batagur trivittata) and a captive management plan for Myanmar star tortoises (Geochelone platynota). Concurrent with the general workshop, a half-day training workshop on identification, husbandry and medical management of chelonians rescued from the trade was conducted at Yadanobon Zoo. A post-conference facility assessment tour was conducted January 2009 with site visits to at least eight sites that either maintain captive chelonians or have the potential to do so. The final report provides a clear strategy for turtle conservation in Myanmar for the next five years. Currently Myanmar is considered 56 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

57 This privately-run star tortoise breeding facility in Bagan maintains a large concentrated number of adults, outnumbering the combined breeding stock of all the government-run operations. This situation should be remedied by integrating the genetic contribution from more wild-caught founders into the managed population. Steve and Kalyar Platt conduct a workshop on handling confiscated chelonians in Mandalay in January Kalyar s ability to converse fluently in both Burmese and English was essential tothe success of the workshop. ground zero for turtle conservation in Asia, and the volume of turtles pouring across the border into China is staggering. Bordering five nations, and with porous borders lacking adequate enforcement capacity, Myanmar has become a prime trade route for illegal wildlife, particularly chelonians. Fortunately, Myanmar still has some healthy turtle populations remaining that can be saved but swift action is required. With 27 species of chelonians, seven of them endemic, Myanmar is a true turtle diversity hotspot and one of the highest priorities for turtle conservation globally. We believe that this workshop successfully launched a process to protect this important resource. This workshop was generously supported with grants from the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF), Andy Sabin and the Batchelor Foundation, and with major funding from TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

58 WCS and TSA. Following the workshop, Team Burma embarked on a ten-day tour to assess the needs and potential of the various chelonian facilities throughout Myanmar. Six Forestry Department-run facilities and two privately-owned ventures were inspected and the following recommendations made: Expansion of the Myanmar star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) facilities at Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary in Bagan and Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary Construction of new and expanded Myanmar roof turtle (Batagur trivittata) facilities at Yadanabon Zoo and Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary Development of three new turtle rescue facilities in Lashio, Myitkyina and Mandalay all along major trade routes into China Building three Asian mountain tortoise (Manouria emys) facilities to distribute the group of 60 that was rescued in August 2007 and still resides at Yadanabon Zoo Building two facilities for the Arakan forest turtle (Heosemys depressa) within the natural range of the species New grow-out facilities like these for juvenile Batagur trivittata must be expanded soon. Batagur grow rapidly and require much larger facilities within four years of hatching. New star tortoise facilities - such as this one at Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary - will be built in the coming years to provide improved security and husbandry conditions for captive groups. Such assurance colonies are necessary to guarantee the survival of this species, now considered functionally extinct in nature. This first round of recommended construction projects addresses immediate needs related to handling confiscations, and expands the size and scope of assurance colonies for several critically endangered chelonians. However, it fails to address the need to develop new facilities for managing both of Myanmar s endemic softshell species, Nilssonia formosa and Chitra vandijki. Softshell turtles present their own unique set of husbandry challenges, and we must plan this phase carefully. In addition to captive facility construction, the Myanmar turtle conservation strategy will require capacity building in the form of training workshops to be successful, along with hiring new dedicated staff positions. A full-time turtle conservation coordinator and a veterinarian will be required to effectively manage the diverse scope of 58 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

59 proposed activities. Within the next few months we will be receiving cost estimates on the construction work and start the prioritization process for funding. The price tag for this program will not be unreasonable estimated at $1.2 million over five years but it will require that the TSA launch a full-scale fundraising drive. For the strategy to be successful it will be necessary for Steve and Kalyar Platt to move to Myanmar and head up this program full-time. A five-year salary commitment is now being sought from private sources. Mobilizing this strategy is certainly one of the boldest and most ambitious ventures that TSA has embarked on to date, but one that is completely necessary if we are to avoid massive losses to Myanmar s remarkable turtle fauna. We will be meeting this challenge with a strong team approach composed of foreign NGOs, private donors and government, and we are confident that if we can find the funds for salaries, the rest of the pieces will fall into place. A young male Batagur trivittata at theyadanabon Zoo breeding / management facility. Within the first four years of the field program, over 240 hatchlings were collected for headstarting and the facility is already beyond maximum capacity. Trade seizures are becoming more commonplace in Myanmar, as increasing numbers of turtles are smuggled across the border into China. The January 2009 workshop produced a comprehensive strategy for handling confiscations that should greatly improve survival. Summary of Key Recommendations Kachuga trivittata Species Recovery Plan 1) Begin releasing 15% of K. trivittata hatchlings at the site where the nest was laid; 2) Begin releasing larger headstarted K. trivittata that have an improved chance of survival; males especially should be released in areas where females are laying infertile clutches; 3) Continue river surveys to search for surviving populations; 4) Establish fishing free or restricted zones within the core six-mile stretch of the upper Chindwin River where nesting in concentrated; 5) Initiate studies of the wild nesting ecology while the opportunity still exists. This is critical to understanding the sexdetermining temperature relationships; 6) Expand the carrying capacity of the captive population to 25 breeding pairs and 400 juveniles; 7) Expand the captive management TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

60 Summary of Key Recommendations (cont.) facilities for rearing juveniles at Yadanabon Zoo, and build two new facilities in different locations, the first priority being the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary - Homelin. Geochelone platynota Species Recovery Plan 1) Integrate all five of the Myanmar star tortoise breeding facilities four government-run and one private such that they are managed cooperatively and as a single assurance colony, with the goal of maintaining a disease-free and genetically diverse captive population for the long-term survival of the species; 2) Increase the number of potential founders (presumably unrelated, wildcaught animals) in the four government facilities to ~200 adult breeders, or 100 pairs. This will require that the disproportionate number of genetically valuable wild-caught founders at Griffin Enterprises be distributed more evenly among all facilities; 3) Improve record keeping in all facilities and individually identify all star tortoises with a PIT tag (microchip). A complete inventory of ALL captive star tortoises and their IDs should be maintained. No star tortoise should be moved out of the country without an ID; 4) Resolve the disparity in the process by which star tortoises are selected and transferred from the private Griffin Enterprises to the government. Improve colony management, record keeping and specimen accountability at Griffin Enterprises; 5) New and expanded star tortoise breeding facilities should be constructed at both Shwesettaw and Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuaries; 6) Quarantine areas should be designated for the new facilities at both Yadanabon Zoo and Minsontaung Wildlife Sanctuary; 7) Improvements to tortoise husbandry should be implemented at all facilities including better access to sunlight, improved nutrition, better nesting areas, provision of bedding materials to protect juveniles from cool weather, and provision of retreats and shade structures for adults; 8) Improving security measures at all facilities should become a high priority, such that the practice of moving tortoises to secure night enclosures will not be necessary; 9) All future releases of star tortoises should be carefully planned with respect to specimen selection (age, sex, parentage/genetics, value to captive program), identification, release site selection, follow up monitoring, protection and enforcement capacity at release site and pre-release health screening. Placement of Confiscated Turtles 1) Two first response turtle rescue centers should be constructed in Lashio and Myitkyina, both of which are situated along major trade routes into China. These facilities are where confiscated chelonians would be brought immediately following seizure for initial triage and treatment until decisions can be made regarding their disposition and placement. These facilities should be located on Forestry Department land, and staffed by Wildlife Sanctuary personnel; 2) A long-term turtle rehabilitation and treatment center should be built in Mandalay where priority species can receive extended care, prior to integration into assurance colonies, or release; 3) The process of obtaining facility designs and cost estimates should get underway in August A team from TSA should visit Myanmar to meet with architects and builders to discuss layout and specific design features; 4) For an effective process to be implemented for handling confiscated chelonians, an extensive training process will need to occur - at multiple levels - including enforcement, turtle husbandry and first response veterinary care and triage; 5) Hiring a full time Turtle Conservation Coordinator (TCC) will be necessary in order to implement an effective process for handling trade seizures. This position can be hired through the WCS Myanmar office in Yangon; 6) A full-time veterinarian should be hired and committed to the turtle confiscation and placement process. This position could also be hired through the WCS Myanmar office and supported by the TSA. Assurance Colonies 1) The following eight species were recommended for captive assurance colony development: Kachuga trivittata, Geochelone platynota, Nilssonia formosa, Chitra vandijki, Heosemys depressa, Manouria emys, M. impressa, Platysternon megacephalum and Melanochelys t. edeniana (endemic subspecies). Others include Cuora mouhotii, Batagur baska, and Indotestudo elongata. Specific recommendations for each species have been made. 2) Ten locations that are considered appropriate for assurance colonies include Hlawga Park, Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range, Htamanthi WS - Homelin, Minsontaung WS, Lawkananda WS, Kyaikhtiyow, Huakang Tiger Reserve, Lashio, Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary, and Yadanabon Zoo. Other sites should be evaluated for suitability. Specific recommendations for each site and facility have been made. 60 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

61 Other News from Myanmar First captive breeding of the Burmese roof turtle A high point of the January 2009 workshop was the announcement that a juvenile Batagur trivitatta had been pulled from the adult breeding pond at the Yadanabon Zoo just one week earlier. Apparently hatched in 2008 from an undetected nest, the specimen is in the same size class as a cohort of 2008 wild-hatched juveniles from the Upper Chindwin River. Robust and healthy, the hatchling had obviously fared well in the semi-natural adult breeding pond. The keeper reports that several others have been seen up basking in the adult pond, and a full inspection of the sand nest bank revealed a number of old nests with hatched egg shells. This is remarkable news and helps settle our concerns that something was missing in their captive diet or environment. At the time of this writing 17 new hatchlings from 2009 have recently been recovered. B. trivittata is one of the most threatened species of turtles on earth and was considered close to extinction when it was rediscovered in a temple pond in Mandalay in A dedicated captive breeding and management facility was opened in December 2006 which is already at maximum capacity with 163 young trivittata collected on the Chindwin from The B. trivittata Species Recovery Plan workshop in January 2009 recommended that two new facilities be built to allow captive population growth while suitable release sites are found. This juvenile Burmese roof turtle hatched in 2008 and is the first known captive breeding for this critically endangered species. Some of the adults have been in captivity since 2002 and the dedicated breeding facility opened in December Some of the 17 Batagur trivittata hatched at the Yadanabon Zoo in Yadanabon Zoo veterinarian Tint Lwin proudly displays a juvenile Batagur trivittata, the first known specimen to hatch at the captive breeding facility in Mandalay. We're Serious About Saving Turtles TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

62 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 restocking young adult B. trivittata to the river in areas that are part of their former range and that convey some measure of protection from the intensive fishing practices that are so prevalent there. The wild populations are drastically depleted, so much so that along one stretch of river female B. trivittata continue to lay infertile eggs, likely evidence that no males exist in that habitat. Releasing headstarted adult males in this area may provide a boost to the population, and would represent a stellar example of the wild and captive populations being managed as one, to augment and support one another. WCS and Forestry Department biologists Kyaw Moe and Win Ko Ko are in charge of this aspect of the field program and continue to survey the Chindwin for turtles. They report that 2009 was again a fairly good year for reproduction. However, due to gold mining activity, no nests were laid on one of the major sand banks where two females laid in Despite this disturbance, 80 hatchlings were collected from protected nest sites and transported to the Yadanabon Zoo for headstarting, bringing the total to 243 over the past four years ( ). Finally, captive work began on another Myanmar endemic, as eight hatchling Burmese peacock softshell turtles (Nilssonia formosa) were collected and taken to the Zoo for rearing. Local education efforts continued as WCS biologist Khin Myo Myo and Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary staff presented talks to teachers from 13 villages within the B. trivittata project area. These efforts are considered crucial to cultivate a culture of awareness of the importance of protecting this unique resource. This program will continue in July Committed to Zero Turtle Extinction WIN KO KO Left. Hatchling Burmese peacock softshell turtles (Nilssonia formosa) hatched on the Chindwin River and transferred to the Yadanobon Zoo for headstarting. Right. Some of the 80 hatchling Batagur trivittata collected on the Chindwin River and transported to the Yadanabon Zoo. Khin Myo Myo and her team visit village schools within the core project area to help develop conservation awareness for turtle protection. Protection of wild Batagur trivittata nests, or moving eggs to protected hatcheries such as this one, is one of the cornerstones of the Upper Chindwin field program. Hatchlings collected in this manner have allowed the numbers of this heavily depleted species to increase exponentially since WIN KO KO 62 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

63 With the threat still looming that the Upper Chindwin river will be dammed, inundating all known B. trivittata nesting beaches, it is critical that the field team learn as much as possible now to help direct recovery efforts in future years. Areas of the river that will not be affected by the proposed dam must be surveyed to determine if they provide suitable habitat and nesting sites so that new populations might be started with headstarted turtles. From February to April, a team led by Win Ko Ko began surveying potential areas for releasing B. trivittata in the Hukaung Tiger Reserve (HTR), in the Kachin State. This was followed up in May 2009 when Brian Horne and Win Ko Ko, working with HTR staff, surveyed three headwater rivers of the Chindwin (Tarong, Tanai, and Tawanga) for their suitability for releasing headstarted turtles as well as interviewing fisherman concerning the historical presence of B. trivittata in the region. Villagers within the Hukaung Tiger Reserve are shown shells from various Myanmar species to determine if they have seen them in the area. Traveling by elephant is often necessary in the Huakaung Valley. WIN KO KO BRIAN HORNE TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

64 The Tawanga River is a shallow braided river that has relatively little suitable habitat for B. trivittata, and only Amyda cartilingea and Cyclemys sp. were documented. The Tanai River may have the best habitat of the three rivers but has high levels of commercial fishing as well as boat traffic (the river is the main transportation corridor to the downstream villages and goldmines). Interestingly, a lone fisherman informed Brian and Win Ko Ko that four years ago he caught a single 30 cm B. trivittata in an oxbow lake adjacent to the main channel. This was the only historical record of the turtle within the region that was revealed during their interviews. The Tarong River is a transportation corridor for rattan harvesters (a palm used in furniture making) to send their products upstream for export to China, but commercial fishing is relatively limited within the region. Furthermore, the river s numerous backwaters may provide excellent habitat for juvenile B. trivittata. It is our hope that we can begin a region-wide awareness program and start experimentally releasing a select number of turtles shortly. Brian Horne is shown here interviewing local villagers to determine the presence or absence of key species within their particular area. The Huakaung Tiger Reserve turtle survey team in May WIN KO KO WIN KO KO 64 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

65 Arakan Forest turtle surveys The Arakan forest turtle (Heosemys depressa) is endemic to the Arakan Hills of western Myanmar, and considered one of the least known turtles in the world. Heosemys depressa is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to continuing over-exploitation and its limited distribution. To gain a better understanding of the biology of this poorly known species, Steven Platt (Sul Ross State University) led a field team into the Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range (RYER) of western Myanmar from 25 May through 10 June to conduct a preliminary survey. RYER is a sanctuary designed to protect Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and encompasses over 175,000 hectares of steep mountains cloaked in dense bamboo forest. Few trails penetrate the sanctuary and access is difficult, especially during the wet season. The survey team included WCS Biologist Khin Myo Myo and members of the Myanmar Forest Department stationed at RYER. The primary objectives of this survey were to assess the conservation status of H. depressa in the RYER, and train the team in basic survey and data collection techniques so they can return and conduct a more intensive survey later in the wet season. The team found five H. depressa, including two very small juveniles in the dense bamboo forest at elevations ranging from 180 to 240 m. Each turtle was measured, permanently marked, and its location noted before being released at the point of capture. Feces collected from several of the turtles contained unidentified vegetation, bamboo flowers, and immature bamboo seeds. These are the first observations biologists have ever made of H. depressa in the wild. Additionally, thirteen Indotestudo elongata and a single Cyclemys sp. were found during the survey. Given the size of the RYER, the limited area surveyed, the lack of access and human presence in the sanctuary, and the number of turtles found during the relatively brief survey period, RYER appears to offer excellent prospects for the future conservation of wild populations of H. depressa. Acknowledgements The TSA would be unable to develop a turtle conservation program in Myanmar without the support of the WCS Myanmar Program and the close collaboration of the Myanmar Government s Yadanabon Zoological Garden, Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division Left. Two juvenile Heosemys depressa were found during the survey in dense bamboo forest. Right. Steve Platt (center) and Khin Myo Myo (right) collect data on a Heosemys depressa captured during turtle surveys of Yoma Rakhine Elephant Range. (NWCD), Forest Department and Ministry of Forestry. We are genuinely appreciative of the support and encouragement of U Tin Tun, NWCD Director, and U Than Myint, WCS Myanmar Director, both of who make working in Myanmar a rewarding endeavor. The TSA wishes to graciously acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for their generous and steadfast support: Pat Koval and WWF Canada, Nature s Own, Detroit Zoological Institute, Batchelor Foundation, British Chelonia Group, Frank and Kate Slavens, and EAZA Shellshock. The Arakan Forest turtle work is funded by a 2009 grant from the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) and with a grant from Andy Sabin to WCS. The Upper Chindwin B. trivittata project was funded with support from the TCF, WCS and Andy Sabin. Brian Horne s surveys in the Hukaung Tiger Reserve were funded with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation to WCS. Committed to Zero Turtle Extinction Rick Hudson President, Turtle Survival Alliance rhudson@fortworthzoo.org Win Ko Ko WCS Myanmar Turtle Conservation Program Khin Myo Myo WCS Myanmar Turtle Conservation Program winkoko_wcs@myanmar.com.mm kmyomyo_wcs@myanmar.com.mm Steve Platt, PhD Biology Department Sul Ross University, Alpine, Texas splatt@sulross.edu The TSA is heavily invested in the conservation of Myanmar s endemic chelonians, partnering with the WCS Myanmar Program on key species initiatives. A major fundraising campaign is in the works to expand this program and to implement a comprehensive strategy for protecting this important turtle fauna. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

66 RANGE COUNTRY: India TSA India - A Comprehensive Approach to Saving an Imperiled Turtle Fauna Shailendra Singh and Brian D. Horne Introduction The TSA India Program now in its sixth year had humble origins as essentially a single species conservation initiative to aid the recovery of the critically endangered red-crowned roof turtle (Batagur kachuga). Managed initially under the auspices of the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, the program gained momentum when San Diego Zoo s Institute for Conservation Research (then CRES) came on as a partner in Today, this program is truly comprehensive in nature, with multiple species initiatives, all with a multi-faceted approach. As you read some of the exciting news in this story, take note of the remarkable efforts being made to consider the social factor and the needs of local people. Poverty and lack of alternative sources of income (other than catching turtles) are the root cause of turtle declines in India and must be addressed. The challenge now is for those trained in the biological sciences to also become familiar with local politics and socioeconomics, and to recruit people that can work in this arena to help our cause. New Chitra Conservation Project off to an Impressive Start In the fall of 2008, we initiated a status assessment and experimental hatch-andrelease 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 sympatric softshell turtle species due to a relative high fat content, it is still unsustainably exported for traditional Chinese medicine and as a luxury food (the base for a gelatinous soup). This species is now only found in limited numbers outside protected wetlands and rivers of north India due to the above Ashutosh Tripathi (right) marks Chitra indica nests at a communal site along a steep bank. A nylon mesh barrier is erected to contain hatchlings. Hatchling Chitra either released or retained for headstarting. mentioned hunting as well as unprecedented changes in the riverine habitats (e.g., river linkages, impoundments, and high levels of water pollution). Over a hundred wetlands in twenty districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh were surveyed from We found that C. indica currently occurs in less than 10% of these habitats compared to 30% two decades before. We have been collecting data regarding the exploitation of C. indica from different parts of the state since 2005, yet it wasn t until this year that we were able to start a species-specific conservation research and action thanks in part to a grant from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoos. Due to a paucity of scientific literature on the species, we engaged several former turtle poachers to rapidly gain local knowledge of the species. The former poachers proved to very valuable in locating the few remaining breeding populations of C. indica in remote rivers. BHASKER M DIXIT ASUHTOSH TRIPATHI 66 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

67 We selected a C. indica nesting area near the town of Farrhukabad along the Ganges River to begin our nest protection and hatch-andrelease program. We fenced a 15 m area along a steep bank where nests were discovered with nylon mesh fishing net to create our hatchery. The hatchery provided protection from predators like monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis) and jackals (Canis aureus) as well as poaching for human consumption. We In early October 2008, 732 hatchlings emerged; most were immediately released after we recorded standard morphological measurements and injected Decimal Coded Wire (DCW) tags under the skin of the hind limbs for long-term monitoring. We transferred a group of 40 to a village pond in Terai (Foothills of Himalaya) and ten to our turtle head-starting facility in the village of Garhaita along the Chambal River for clock guarded hatcheries, which we provide during the Batagur kachuga and Batagur dhongoka nesting season. Notably, we believe the nest with 192 eggs is the largest clutch size ever recorded for C. indica. In the spring of 2009, we helped renovate a defunct softshell turtle facility at Kukrail (a state-run crocodile headstarting facility near the city of Lucknow) for headstarting ASUHTOSH TRIPATHI Some of the 730 Chitra indica that hatched in October 2008 awaiting release. Ashutosh Tripathi (right of sign) coordinates the Chitra conservation initiative in India. Now in its second year, this project has shown remarkable progress in just a short time. Eggs obtained from fishermen are reburied on a sand bank for incubation. Protecting such nests from jackal predation is a major challenge. SHAILENDRA SINGH SHAILENDRA SINGH surveyed areas close to Ramganga-Ganges River confluence from mid-july to mid- October, and between mid-july and mid- August, we collected seven nests (961 eggs) and relocated them to the hatchery. All nests were equipped with temperature data loggers. head-starting. We purchased an additional three nests (over 350 eggs), from local turtle poachers, and relocated them to our hatchery, yet these failed to hatch. This was probably due to mishandling of the eggs during early embryonic development as these eggs were reportedly removed from this field site prior to the establishment of our hatchery. We also purchased two nests (252 eggs) from fishermen on the Yamuna River (30 km up Yamuna-Chambal River confluence) and relocated them to the sandbank near Gharita for in situ incubation. This sandbank was chosen as earlier in the nesting season we had located a nest (192 eggs) at this site. Sadly, all three of these nests were depredated. This again emphasizes the need for around the C. indica hatchlings for at least a year before shifting them to community ponds. This headstarting facility will allow us to retain over 500 hatchlings per year. It is our hopes that the soft-release into the community ponds will better prepare the turtles for transition into their natural habitats. Notable is that this defunct facility was used in the historic release of tens of thousands of Ganges softshell turtles (Nilssonia gangeticus) to abate the number of human corpses in the Ganges River in the early 1980s. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

68 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. Reports from the 1980 s and 1990 s documented the Indian Red- Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) as a rare species, and the Three Striped Roof Turtle (Batagur dhongoka) as rapidly declining. The Chambal River (the name sake of the National Chambal Sanctuary), has received moderate protection as India s only protected riverine habitat for three decades, and is believed to be one of the last strong holds for these two species but even here, B. kachuga are rare. In four field seasons ( ), our program has been highly successful. We have been able to protect over 300 B. kachuga nests and 1,700 B. dhongoka nests in 11 different riverside hatcheries. In mid-january 2009, we started our annual nest surveys and nest protection programs in the Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh THOMAS RAINWATER Brian Horne and Shailendra Singh releasing juvenile B. kachuga into a newly-built enclosure at the Deori Eco-Center. sections of National Chambal Sanctuary. To date, we have not been able to establish a nest protection program in the Rajasthan section of the river. We hope to do so in the near future. Yet, we were able to survey over 400 km of river to record nesting locations, nesting density, nest depredation rates, and anthropogenic pressures on the turtles. From these data, we were able to prioritize the protection of nesting habitat through the use of a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI), which in turn allowed us to determine where to establish our three in situ hatcheries. The new Batagur grow-out facility funded by the TSA and British Chelonia Group - at the Deori Eco-Center on the Chambal River. Thus, we were able to protect 90 B. kachuga and 157 B. dhongoka nests in our hatcheries this year that would have otherwise most likely been destroyed by jackals (Canis aureus). Over 3,800 hatchlings were released within 24 hours of nest emergence. We were able to mark 1,300 of these hatchlings with injectable decimal coded wire tags as well as plastic color tags (small self locking cable ties attached through a 3 mm hole in a posterior marginal scute) before releasing them into the Chambal River for survival and migration studies. SHAILENDRA SINGH BRIAN HORNE SHAILENDRA SINGH This riverine hatchery on the Chambal River successfully protects hundreds of nests from predation each year. Due to a high hatch rate, many thousands of hatchling Batagur (two species) are returned to this ecosystem each year. This refurbished gharial facility at Deori will provide additional headstarting space for large Batagur. 68 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

69 New research initiatives need to include the post-release survival of headstarted turtles to gauge the success of these programs. With limited opportunities and resources, this year we again enlisted services of members of fishing communities and riverside agriculturists in our turtle hatchrelease and survey programs. After their employments with us, they gave up their riverside agriculture and we were able to protect three important turtle nesting banks and about 60+ turtle nests. The new green Batagur headstarting facility was built at the Garhaita Turtle Rehab Center (GTRC) near the town of Etawah, and will open soon with solar powered filtration and water circulation. This facility was funded in part by the Turtle Conservation Fund. Hatching success rates for the two hatcheries in Uttar Pradesh were 99% and hatching success rate for the single hatchery in Madhya Pradesh was 92%. We shifted approximately 150 newly hatched B. kachuga to the new head-starting facilities, where we will maintain them until they attain a mass of 1 kg (approximately three years of age). Although we are succeeding at protecting nests on a few important nesting banks, there is still a great need to expand our efforts due to the population of adult turtles remaining relatively low. Furthermore, our future efforts need to address the continued human induced pressure on the survival of adult turtles. With the presumed low survival rate of hatchlings and the lengthy maturation rate (an estimated years to reach maturity for females), we need to sustain the production of thousands of hatchlings per year if we hope to reverse the decline of turtle populations in the Chambal River. In addition, we need to develop an in-depth understanding of the nesting ecology and long-term yearly trends for both species. Additional surveys outside the Chambal National Sanctuary along the Ghaghara, Kane, and Son Rivers are being conducted in hopes of finding additional habitats suitable for release of our headstarted B. kachuga. In the near future, we plan to survey another river- Betwa - where Madhya Pradesh Forest Department released over 100 Batagur (unknown ratio of B. kachuga to B. dhongoka) in With the generous support from Turtle Conservation Fund, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, and the Beneficia Foundation, we have expanded our in situ turtle rearing capacity at both the Garhaita Turtle Rehabilitation Center and Deori turtle centers. These funds enabled us to maintain over 1,000 B. kachuga of different age classes for the headstarting program. ASUHTOSH TRIPATHI Two of the primary threats to turtles in the Chambal are illustrated here. Monofilament nets are indiscriminate in what they catch and drown thousands of trapped turtles each year. In the background riverside agriculture disrupts turtle nesting habitat. A defunct Gharial facility at the state-run Deori Eco-Center was renovated while a new facility was built at the Garhaita Turtle Rehab Center (GTRC) near the town of Etawah. Both these facilities (16 X 5 X 1.5 m) are equipped with floating basking and nesting platforms. We transferred over 300 B. kachuga ( ) and 20 B. dhongoka in the new facility at Deori this May. We are planning to begin releasing the turtles in the spring of Turtles will be equipped with long-lived sonic transmitters to monitor their movement as well as survival. We transferred over 200 B. kachuga and 100 B. dhongoka yearlings ( ) to the new facility of GTRC, which will be soon equipped with a bio-filtration pond and a solar powered pump to make it a water and energy-efficient facility, a necessity in the water- scarce Chambal region. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

70 Alternative Livelihood and Socio-Economic Programs With the collaborative support of the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and the Beneficia Foundation, we are trying to develop a major intervention program through resource assessment and ecofriendly alternative livelihood options for different socio-economic groups to reduce the anthropogenic pressures on the river ecosystem. During the first phase of the program, we surveyed a 100 km stretch river (up from the downstream confluence of the Chambal- Yamuna Rivers) to quantify pressures and identify possible solutions. This area is highly sensitive in terms of conservation management as the turtles may leave the sanctuary and enter unprotected areas with concentrated commercial fishing. Moreover, a pilot rehabilitation program for ex-turtle poachers is being developed. We have been experimenting with enlisting their services in various turtle conservation projects. Although there have been positive results during our field seasons, this option is very limited and can engage them only for a few months in a year. Ten ex-poachers from different regions have been selected, especially the Terai, Ganges River, and Chambal River, and we are working with them to develop eco-friendly livelihood options. We launched a wide-ranging education programs for different target groups especially in the problem villages (villages that have in the past clashed with authorities within the National Chambal Sanctuary) and critical conservation stretches for aquatic river fauna in Chambal River. We are currently targeting the local villagers and primary school children. We collected socio-economic information and conducted resource appraisal through household surveys, direct observations, and secondary sources of information (mostly government pamphlets) to design the rehabilitation program. We classified different villages according to their needs, community structure, education and resource availability. The classification will help us to develop wide-ranging programs according to their individual and varying needs. A temporary help center has been opened for fishing and other riparian communities in the town of Chakarnagar (close to the sanctuary s buffer zone) in order to inform residents of various government welfare programs. The primary aim of this center is to bridge the gap between rural villagers and state and federal government. We hope to facilitate the meetings of various representatives from government departments like dairy, agriculture, cattle farming, soil reclamation, forestry, veterinary, primary health care, primary education, etc) with the riparian community. This later can be supported with our alternative livelihood project. We are also planning to initiate a weekly boat clinic in stretches close to Yamuna-Chambal confluence to provide easy primary medical facilities to the inhabitants of the sanctuary and garner community support to our conservation projects. Gatherings such as this one in the riverside village of Etawah celebrate the incredible biodiversity of the National Chambal River Sanctuary, and help cultivate a culture of awareness, especially among the youth. This camel rally was held on World Turtle Day. A mobile education unit now goes village to village on camel to create awareness for the biodiversity of the sanctuary, and has become very popular with the locals. KHEM B BHADAURIA ASUHTOSH TRIPATHI 70 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

71 KHEM B BHADAURIA We additionally conducted Sanrakchan Panchyat (Conservation Village Meetings) in different villages of lower Chambal. The aim of this program is to increase awareness regarding the sanctuary s flora and fauna. At these meetings, we discussed various conservation challenges like poaching, illegal fishing, sand mining, and agriculture on the riverbank and more importantly villagers views regarding the impact of protected area. It is our hope that these meetings will create a conservation network of local village chiefs and stakeholders, which in turn will increase the effectiveness of our conservation program. We have been recording the views (and traditional knowledge) of the villagers, which may be used in the formulation of effective management plan of the sanctuary. In the meetings, we try to revitalize the local and religious sentiments for the river and biodiversity through cultural programs and traditional songs. We have been conducting the education programs for various primary school children during the weekends and on important days of Environmental Calendar like National Wildlife Week, World Wetland Day, Forestry Day, International Biodiversity Day, World Turtle Day, and World Environment Day etc at GTRC. Soon we will expand our child and adult education programs at the Garhaita Turtle Center by renovating and expanding its education facility (thanks largely to funding from Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and the Beneficia Foundation). Programs for children have included plays (on various issues of the sanctuary), hands-on demonstrations, painting competitions, lectures, rallies, and interactive sessions. At present, over 500 children are visiting our center each month. We are also conducting education outreach programs in the primary schools. Outreach programs are being conducted for approximately 200 schools situated along the 180 km stretch of the lower Chambal in the National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh. Our target audience is children between 5 and 15 years of age. We have also developed scales (quiz competitions conducted during a follow up program for same class/age group) to measure the effectiveness of these education efforts. This year we conducted over fifty such programs inside the sanctuary. Educational outreach targets children between the ages of five and 15 and seeks to engage them in a variety of ways including plays, puppet shows and other interactive activities. TSA India has sponsored several educational special events over the past year, including this gathering to commemorate the International Day of Action Against Dams and for River, Water and Life. To increase outreach, we have started a mobile education unit on camel cart to go village to village and spread the awareness regarding the biodiversity of the sanctuary. The cultural team on the cart plays the traditional local songs; many villagers in the area worship the Chambal River as deity. We display all the traditional conservation slogans on the cart. This education unit is becoming more popular each day among the villagers. We hope to add more colored displays and educational puppet shows to this unit to attract more villagers and spread our conservation message effectively. ASUHTOSH TRIPATHI In addition, we are in process of developing a children s coloring book on India s turtles with the generous support from the Serenity Foundation. This multilingual book will contain information regarding the various endangered turtle species and their habitats in the India. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

72 The Sunderban Batagur India s most threatened turtle 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 imperative to begin more active conservation measures for the species as populations in the Indian Sunderbans are believed to number less than 20 to 30 animals, with no nesting areas currently known or protected! However, a small group of animals remains in the Sajnekhali Interpretation Center of the Sunderban Tiger Reserve (STR). Adults (8.3) are reportedly the remaining individuals that were a part of the state forest department s headstarting program in 1990, while a juvenile was confiscated near the village Bagna of STR in We performed a primary health assessment and found that the individuals are healthy and may breed if modifications to the existing A female Sunderbans Batagur The entrance to the Sunderban Tiger Reserve at Sajnekhali, home to the only known potential breeding group of Batagur baska, the most highly endangered of India s turtles. SHAILENDRA SINGH SHAILENDRA SINGH 72 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

73 BIKASH K. SAHA A male Sunderbans Batagur held by Shailendra Singh. These Batagur baska was netted from the pond at Sajnekhali where this important population (8.3) is held. With funding from Pat Koval and WWF Canada, this facility will be modified to improve basking and nesting areas, as well as security. animals (two lone adult females) at the STR facility and at Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) for initiating a species recovery program. We are awaiting permission from the state forest department to add the basking platforms, nesting areas, privacy fencing, and improved turtle diet to the facility at STR. We are also hoping that in the near future we will be able to arrange a breeding loan of two adult males from the STR to MCBT. Assam With the help of the Center for Wildlife Research and Conservation Action, a volunteer student network based at Guwahati University s Zoology Department, we initiated a freshwater turtle education program in the state of Assam (northeast India adjacent to northern Myanmar). This project aims to spread awareness regarding various endangered freshwater turtle species especially Pangshura sylhetensis, Nilssonia nigricans and Pelochelys cantori. In addition, the project will assess the status and distribution of these three species. From this information, we plan to formulate a longterm conservation action plan based heavily on community participation. This research was supported with a grant from the Rufford Small Grant Foundation and the TSA India Program. Conclusion BIKASH K. SAHA facility are made (currently no nesting area is provided) and supplements are made to the animals diet. This aspect of the program is generously supported by Pat Koval through WWF Canada. We made boat surveys along the riverside villages of the STR and costal parts of the state of West Bengal and the state of Orissa. We also interviewed fishermen and former turtle trappers along the various river habitats historical known to have B. baska. They confirmed the steep decline of this species and could not direct us to any areas that were still known to have turtle populations. Overall, no individuals or any direct evidence encountered during the surveys gives any credence to a substantial population of B. baska within the Indian Sunderbans. Thus, we are heavily relying on the captive Our current conservation efforts are positively impacting five endangered turtle species - Batagur kachuga, Batagur dhongoka, Batagur baska, Chitra indica, and the crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii) - but are restricted to two states in the north. India is a large country and the threats to turtles are widespread. The TSA program must expand our reach and impact. Within the next three years we hope to initiate new projects for four additional endangered species, the Assam roof turtle (Pangshura sylhentensis), Black softshell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans), Leith s softshell turtle (Nilssonia leithi) and the Asian giant softshell (Pelochelys cantorii). In fact, the eventual goal is to mobilize turtle conservation teams that are active throughout India, particularly in hotspots such as Orissa, Kerala / the Western Ghats and the Brahmaputra River system. TSA India is continuously creating dialogues with various turtle researchers, conservation TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

74 groups, and government officials in India and across Southeast Asia to better determine the status of India s freshwater turtles and develop new conservation initiatives. Novel approaches will be increasingly necessary and we will have to become more creative as we try to mitigate the human factor in turtle declines. If we are to have any hope of achieving success, it will be by coming to grips with the needs of the local communities that share these riparian resources with the turtles that we are trying to save. Acknowledgements The TSA India Program is a joint endeavor of the TSA, the San Diego Zoo s Institute for Conservation Research, and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. Numerous people have been instrumental in our success and we would like to particularly acknowledge the participation of Ashutosh Tripathi, Rishikesh Sharma, Nikhil Whitaker, Bhasker M. Dixit, Rupali Ghosh, Khem B Bhadauria, Chittaranjan Baruah, Pradeep Saxena, Sanjiban Das, Bikash K. Saha and the plethora of volunteers in along the Chambal River, the Terai, and the state of West Bengal. We extend our thanks to the Turtle Survival Alliance for taking the lead in the conservation of India s imperiled turtle fauna. This is a comprehensive program with multiple components and is completely dependent on outside funding. For generous financial support we graciously acknowledge the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, Pat Koval and WWF Canada, Beneficia Foundation, Batchelor Foundation, San Diego Zoo s Institute for Conservation Research, Nature s Own, Turtle Conservation Fund, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland Zoological Society, EAZA Shellshock, British Chelonia Group, Serenity Foundation and the Rufford Small Grant Foundation. We thank the state forest departments of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam for various permissions and logistical support in the field. We extend our sincere gratitude to Rick Hudson for his continuous encouragement and project suggestions. We thank Romulus Whitaker and Janaki Lenin for their inputs and suggestions. Various forest officials who have supported the field team in various possible ways are HS Pabla, VK Patnaik, Eva Sharma, Neeraj Kumar, N. Luikham, Bhaumik Chandra Bhrahma, Anjan Guha, US Dohre, Suresh Pal Singh. Madras Crocodile Banks Trustee and staff especially Sameer Whitaker and Gowri Mallapur are thanked for logistic and administrative support to this nationwide conservation program. Shailendra Singh, Director TSA India Program Madras Crocodile Bank Trust shailendra_env@rediffmail.com Brian Horne San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research BHorne@sandiegozoo.org The TSA India Program is a joint endeavor of the TSA, the San Diego Zoo s Institute for Conservation Research, and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. This comprehensive program has multiple components and species conservation initiatives, and is funded by a growing number of supporters. We're Serious About Saving Turtles TSA TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE w w w. Tu r t l e S u r v i v a l. o r g Update on captive breeding of the redcrowned roof turtle (Batagur kachuga) at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. Nikhil Whitaker For the fifth 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 to recently hatched ones. The first clutch of eggs was discovered at MCBT in 2003, but were infertile. Between 2004 and 2009, there were one to five clutches every year, save for 2006 when no nesting occurred. Eggs were collected in February March of every year, except in 2004, 2008, and 2009 when nests were missed and hatching occurred naturally in the enclosure. The number of nests rose to six in 2009 indicating multiple clutching by females, almost certainly due to improved husbandry conditions. Possible contributing factors include increased height of the communal nesting mound, trimming of branches that provided more access to sunlight, a mesh haul out ramp that facilitated basking by adults, and the introduction of soya pellets into the diet. 132 total eggs were laid through 2009 with an overall viability of 69%. A total of 75 hatchlings were produced from these eggs, with 24 animals going to back to Uttar Pradesh for release in Several eggs collected were found to be cracked, but as long as the shell membrane remained intact these eggs usually incubated to term. Courtship of adults is observed in September through October, probably remaining true to the natural range of the species in Northern India. The group of breeding animals at MCBT did not experience the major fluctuations experienced in their natural habitat, but lower temperatures could have been achieved by selecting deeper areas of the breeding pond. 74 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

75 Expansion of the captive program for B. kachuga at MCBT began in 2004 with construction of new rearing and breeding ponds. These were funded by the TSA with support from the Turtle Conservation Fund, British Chelonia Group, and Walter Sedgwick. Acknowledgements NIKHIL WITAKER One of 75 red-crowned roof turtles that hatched at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) since Husbandry improvements led to multiple clutching by females in 2009 with a record 29 hatchlings. Most thanks is due to the folks at Turtle Survival Alliance, for their advice on husbandry, veterinary issues, and their assistance in designing and funding growout ponds for hatchlings and juvenile, in addition to their on site visits and valuable discussions. I particularly thank Rick Hudson, Brian Horne, Shannon Ferrell. D. Basu, B. C. Choudhury, Lonnie McCaskill, Rom Whitaker, Gowri Mallapur, Soham Mukherjee, Gangadurai, Pindey, Seth, and our in situ field scientist, Shailendra Singh, who assisted this project in a number of ways. Jeff Lang is acknowledged for his donation of equipment. NIKHIL WITAKER Nikhil Whitaker, Curator Madras Crocodile Bank Trust P.O. Box 4, Mammallapuram Tamil Nadu nikhil.whitaker@gmail.com A male Batagur kachuga hauled out to bask at the MCBT breeding facility. NIKHIL WITAKER Hatchling Batagur grow rapidly as shown by this comparison of a hatchling with one that is a month old. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

76 RANGE COUNTRY: Madagascar Preliminary results of community based monitoring of the Radiated Tortoise at Lavavolo Classified Forest, Madagascar Tsilavo Hasina Rafeliarisoa 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 takes place year-round but predominantly occurs in March. Annually, confiscations of hundreds of individuals are reported in both Madagascar and Asia. These threats have led to its current status as critically endangered according to IUCN Red List criteria and listing in Appendix I of CITES. During the 2007 Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) meeting, Sébastien Rioux Paquette, François-Joseph Lapointe and Edward Louis brought attention to the alarming decline of the radiated tortoise populations over the past decade. In response to this devastating decline, a grant was awarded from Radiated Tortoise Species Survival Plan (SSP), and the Radiated Tortoise Project (RTP) was initiated by the Henry Doorly Zoo s Madagascar Biodiversity and Biogeography Project (HDZ-MBP). The RTP is a multi-faceted program including research, education, and community involvement that aims to improve the status of A. radiata in southern Madagascar, where the species remains largely unprotected. The Lavavolo area was selected as the initial site for long-term conservation since the people of Lavavolo still maintain the local fady (taboo) against eating or harming the tortoises. An important part of the conservation management plan for endangered species is research. A total of 194 tortoises have been monitored from 2007 to present. For longterm identification purposes, each individual is assigned an ID number, photographed (dorsal and ventral views), micro-chipped (left rear leg) and measured using standard morphometric parameters. Preliminary results have shown that Lavavolo s Dorsal view for identification of A. radiata. radiated tortoise population is composed predominantly of adults (82.9%) with a mean weight and straight carapace length of 5.98±1.69kg and 31.14±3.64cm, respectively. Additionally, baseline genetic parameters are being analyzed in Omaha at the HDZ laboratory to investigate population structure and existence of multiple sire paternity. In March 2008, the RTP began monitoring nest site parameters for six nests. Each nest site was located by following gravid females until egg deposition upon which HOBO devices were installed to record ambient and nest temperatures, rain fall, soil moisture and air humidity. These preliminary data will increase the understanding of the natural history of this species in the wild and provide valuable information applicable for any in situ and ex situ breeding program. Since temperature is one of the major parameters affecting the biology of many tortoise and turtle species, these data will also provide an indication of the effect of temperature upon sex determination. Therefore, a 2010 objective is to correlate results from the HOBO devices with endoscopic data from newly hatched individuals from multiple monitored nests. Community involvement is essential in developing conservation framework; therefore, two local guides from Lavavolo village were trained to monitor the populations and nests while regularly collecting data from the HOBO devices. These guides salaries were funded through a seed grant awarded by Turtle Survival Alliance in JEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINA RICK HUDSON 76 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

77 JEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINA JEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINA JEAN CLAUDE RAKOTONIAINA Tolisoa and Mandritoetse, project guides, supported by a grant from the TSA. Children at Lavavolo primary schools receiving the MBP coloring and activity books. an extremely poor quality fuel wood, it continues to be sacrificed for the production of charcoal. Therefore, to provide an alternative to charcoal, the MBP plans to conduct on-site workshops to demonstrate how to make fuel briquettes from biofuel materials (grass, rice husks, paper, or leaves) and fuel-efficient rocket stoves to reduce overall charcoal consumption. In conclusion, through the combination of local education and monitoring programs managed by the people of Lavavolo, the community will benefit as a direct result of conservation, and thus contribute to the survival of the critically endangered radiated tortoise. MBP project personnel installing a HOBO device on a radiated tortoise nest. In April 2009, as part of the education component of the community based program, coloring and activity books illustrating the biodiversity of Madagascar, including the Malagasy tortoises, were distributed to 210 pupils at Lavavolo primary schools. During the presentation of these educational materials, the MBP education coordinator outlined the purposes of the project and the utilization of the coloring books to explain the richness of the region s fauna and flora and why it is worthwhile to preserve. A follow-up evaluation of the coloring books will be conducted at the end of this year to improve future conservation education materials. the local teachers, citizens and authorities. Two main deficiencies were continually voiced, electricity and water. Since the region is well known for its solar and wind energy potential, the project aims to generate support for the installation of solar and wind powered equipment for priority buildings such as the schools, medical and public facilities. By providing green alternatives such as solar powered lighting for school classrooms (promoting a better learning environment) or wind powered water desalination and filtration (providing potable water) a positive message or link between a conservation program and its surrounding community can be developed. Tsilavo Hasina Rafeliarisoa Doctoral candidate University of Antananarivo, Faculty of Sciences, Animal Biology Department Field Supervisor of Radiated Tortoise Project: Madagascar Biodiversity & Biogeography Project Henry Doorly Zoo, Grewcock s Center for Conservation and Research 3701 South 10th Street Omaha, NE Lab phone: (402) rafelykely@hotmail.com genetics@omahazoo.com Furthermore, the MBP education coordinator conducted an initial evaluation to determine the needs of the Lavavolo community through survey questionnaires distributed to The primary cause of habitat loss for southern Madagascar is charcoal harvested from the remaining spiny forest. Even though this forest type, unique to this region, produces Support for this project was provided by the TSA Seed Grant Program TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

78 RANGE COUNTRY: China Second breeding attempt for Rafetus swinhoei in China leads to cautious optimism Gerald Kuchling and Lu Shunqing The epic move of the last Chinese female Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) from Changsha Zoo to the last Chinese male at the Suzhou Zoo in 2008 resulted in successful mating (see TSA Newsletter 2008), producing two clutches totalling over one hundred eggs. Despite this success, unfortunately none of the eggs hatched. About half the eggs of the second clutch were not properly shelled and many cracked during laying. Nutritional deficencies of the long-term captive female over 70 years in captivity - were most likely to blame for this setback, and apparently caused any fertilized eggs to die early during development. Despite this disappointment, this event captured the attention of the global conservation community, and the remarkable story was featured in a PBS/Nature special called The Loneliest Animals that aired on April 19, To view, go to pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/the-loneliestanimals/video-full-episode/4935/ A copulation attempt by the Rafetus pair in late April GERALD KUCHLING This problem with the eggs had been foreseen and a nutritional workshop held in Changsha in May 2007 had resulted in some improvements to the diet of the female. Since yolk formation for eggs in turtles takes many months, there is always a delay until dietary improvements can result in better egg hatchability. So, in actuality, a balanced diet is needed in the year prior to oviposition to improve hatching success. Unfortunately however, due to concerns of the Chinese stakeholders that the female did not eat enough after her move to Suzhou, her diet was reverted back to primarily meat and liver in May Only since August 2008 was this problem addressed by providing an improved diet to the female including vitamin and calcium supplements. Concerns for the wellbeing of the female by her Chinese guardians resulted in recommendations for dietary changes being slowly implemented. But now chicken parts with bone, fresh whole fish, crayfish and gutted quail with calcium supplements are offered routinely; this bodes The female Rafetus has been observed eating trash thrown into her pond from zoo visitors which could threaten her health and survival. GERALD KUCHLING A glass barrier such as this one is urgently needed to protect the pair of Rafetus from visitors s throwing trash and live turtles into their pond. GERALD KUCHLING 78 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

79 GERALD KUCHLING Offering whole fresh quail with calcium supplements helps improve the nutritional status of Rafetus diets at the Suzhou Zoo. EMILY KING Female Rafetus exhibiting open-mouth basking behavior for thermoregulation. Keepers at the Suzhou Zoo carefully excavate the nest where 56 eggs were deposited on 31 May GERALD KUCHLING well for the future but somewhat clouds our optimism for Despite this, we have installed a rearing tank with filtration for juveniles in anticipation of success. Since June 2008, the male and female were kept separate in the divided breeding pond at Suzhou Zoo. The gate was again opened in the morning of 26 April 2009 and a likely copulation took place the same day between 13:05 and 14:45. On 28 April from 13:08 to 13:41 another possible copulation was observed. Numerous other interactions of the male and the female took place, but with the male often mounted for only short periods of time (< 5 min). On 07 May the female twice vehemently swam away from the male when he tried to mount her and they were separated and the gate closed. The gate was opened again in the morning of 10 May, and again the female fled twice when the male tried to mount her. For this reason the gate was closed again at noon. The weather was unusually hot in Suzhou in early May 2009 and the behavior of the female suggested that she ovulated earlier than in 2008 when she first nested on 6 June. For this reason Gerald Kuchling returned to Suzhou on 31 May 2009 and the female nested the same night, depositing 56 eggs in a nest on her sand beach. TSA again hired Chinese-American biologist Emily King to help with monitoring breeding and egg incubation and on 04 June the nest was dug out. Four of the eggs were found slightly cracked and 28 eggs were placed into incubators in either sand, vermiculite or hatchrite at 29, 31 and 33 C. Incubation procedures have been modified this year to ensure adequate humidity and hydration and multiple incubation medias are being tried. The other half of the clutch was left in the nest with two temperature data loggers. However, no clear banding of eggs could yet TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

80 GERALD KUCHLING Suzhou Zoo keepers setting up the first clutch of eggs for the 2009 season. better success than the first. It is obvious that further improvements to husbandry and the enclosure are needed. The good news is that Changsha Zoo is now committed to leaving their female at Suzhou Zoo until the sucessful production of hatchlings. This effort would not have been possible without the coordination and logistic support of the WCS China office. The 2009 breeding attempt was again funded by the Turtle Survival Alliance, with generous financial support from Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, WWF Canada, Alessandro Fornetti, David Shapiro, Frank and Kate Slavens, Taste of Thai, Jacksonville Zoo, and Thomas Jacoby. Special thanks to all those that purchased Rafetus prints this past year, the proceeds of which went to help support this remarkable effort. Prints are still available for details. As noted above, with the agreement to leave the Changsha female indefinitely at Suzhou Zoo for breeding, this becomes a long-term commitment for the TSA. Erecting a public barrier to protect these turtles a priceless resource that cannot be replaced - is a top priority and will improve our chances of success. We cannot let this opportunity slip away due to negligence. With that in mind, we will soon mount a fundraising campaign aimed at securing the $30,000 needed for a protective barrier. Gerald Kuchling CHELONIA ENTERPRISES 154 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia kuchling@cyllene.uwa.edu.au RICK HUDSON Nigel Marvin flanked by Frank and Kate Slavens who had the winning bid for the original commemorative Rafetus print at the 2008 TSA Auction in Tuscon. be seen on 09 June. From 5 to 13 June the male and female were again paired up for breeding, and then separated on 14 June due to the female s non-receptivity. A disturbing trend in 2009 is that the nowtamer female Rafetus accepts junk food (bread, crackers, chips etc) thrown into her pond by zoo visitors, eating so much that she is not particularly hungry at feeding time. She was also seen eating plastic bags and candy wrappers, which threatens the health and survival of the female and potentially jeopardizes the entire breeding program. An improved method of separation glass panels limiting zoo visitor s access to the breeding pond is imperative. However the costs of are currently prohibitive, estimated at $30,000 U.S. For all these reasons it is not yet clear if this second breeding attempt will have Lu Shunqing lusq@cib.ac.cn WCS-China Program The last ditch efforts to breed Rafetus in China is one of the TSA s most high profile, and expensive, programs. The outpouring of donor support reflects well on the ability of the turtle conservation community to respond in crisis. We're Serious About Saving Turtles 80 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

81 GERALD KUCHLING The female Rafetus at ease and basking in the breding pond at Suzhou Zoo. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

82 RANGE COUNTRY: Vietnam Close Call for the World s Last Remaining Rafetus swinhoei in the Wild Douglas Hendrie Torrential monsoon rains caused rivers to spill over their banks and brought water in lakes and reservoirs to capacity throughout northern Vietnam. It was mid-november 2008 and Team Rafetus Vietnam had just completed a series of awareness activities in local communities surrounding Dong Mo Lake (located about 60 km west of Hanoi) where the world s last known Rafetus swinhoei remains in the wild. The 70kg turtle is one of four living examples of the species known in the world, another of which is in a manmade lake in the center of Hanoi. The two other surviving turtles are currently the focus of a critical conservation breeding initiative at Suzhou Zoo in China (see related article). The Dong Mo Rafetus, while special in its status as the only surviving individual of its species in the wild, is likely alone in the lake. Current conservation efforts in Vietnam focus in part on hopes of finding other living Rafetus in the wild. However, so far comprehensive surveys have produced little more than skulls, bones and photographs of gigantic turtles that were caught a decade or more ago. The last remaining Rafetus swinhoei in the wild. DOUGLAS HENDRIE monitoring was intensified at the lake, and efforts were stepped up to gain support from local fishermen and lake owners. When the heavy rains came in November 2008, the flooding around Dong Mo Lake was not of major concern until reports started filtering in from the local team that there had been a catastrophic collapse of the dam at the far side of the lake. Worse yet were suggestions that the softshell had escaped through the breach in the dam and was spotted in the main channel of the flooded stream below the lake. The four kilometer stretch of river meandered through the district before linking up with a tributary of the Red River. Although there were sketchy reports by local fishermen of sightings along the stream, the possibility that the Rafetus had made it to the Red River was of great concern. District fisheries and wildlife protection authorities were alerted in every district up and down the Red River to the ocean, urging them to watch for a large softshell Team Rafetus Vietnam was established in September of 2007 when local reports suggested the presence of a large softshell turtle in Dong Mo Lake, west of Hanoi. Following a series of interviews with local fishermen confirming the presence of a large turtle, a full-time team was put on the ground, conducting patrols, establishing observation posts, and monitoring fishing and other activities in the lake until the turtle was spotted and photographed in November 2007, confirming the presence of Rafetus swinhoei in the lake. Following confirmation of the discovery, the Rafetus team initiated additional conservation measures focused on raising awareness amongst local residents in communities about the importance of the turtle, and briefing local and national government counterparts to enhance the turtle s protection. At the same time, A frustrated crowd waits outside the home of the fisherman who captured the turtle. DOUGLAS HENDRIE 82 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

83 DOUGLAS HENDRIE DOUGLAS HENDRIE A huge crowd and flurry of activity complicated negotiations for the return of the turtle to the lake. that might turn up in nets or in the hands of fishermen. Meanwhile, Team Rafetus put in place temporary nets blocking the stream about 2-3 km below Dong Mo Lake at its narrowest point, hoping to prevent the turtle from passing if it had not already made it to the Red River. Team Rafetus members camped along the 2-3 km containment area. Days passed with no further sightings by our teams, and concerns grew that our response had been too slow and too late. Then on the morning of November 26, Team Rafetus Once the decision was made that the turtle would be returned to the lake, rangers worked quickly to move it to the truck that was waiting. coordinator, Hoang Van Ha was notified that a local fisherman had captured a giant softshell turtle in the stream below Dong Mo Lake earlier in the morning. The next six hours proved to be some of the most difficult of my 12 years working in Vietnam, and provide a testament to the obstacles that conservationists face in trying to protect endangered wildlife in Vietnam. When our team arrived at the fisherman s house, there were already a fair number of local authorities present and more than 100 spectators as people came and went trying to get a glimpse of the huge turtle. The Rafetus lay wrapped in nets below a shaded canopy, protected from the swell of people pressing in for a look by wooden barriers. Our objective clearly was to get the fisherman to release the turtle back into Dong Mo Lake where it came from. However, good intentions were not what the fisherman nor his family had in mind. Up all night and bearing deep scratches from the capture, the fisherman sought to negotiate a substantial reward for himself from authorities, or offered alternatively, to sell the turtle to the highest bidder. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

84 MR. THAI, CUC PHUONG TCC Once word got out about the giant softshell that had been captured, crowds of people arrived to get a glimpse of the rare animal. From a western perspective, the case should have been cut and dry. The fisherman had violated Vietnamese law by actively hunting and capturing the turtle, which is considered a wild animal of illegal origin under the law. The authorities should have confiscated the turtle immediately if the fisherman refused to voluntarily turn it over. A reward might even be in order to congratulate the fisherman for assisting in the capture and return of the turtle to the lake. However, as is often the case when dealing with law breakers in Vietnam, enforcement of the law is a function of extended negotiations. And so began a day of exhausting discussions between local wildlife protection authorities, police, and community leaders, with local leaders arguing the position of the fisherman who insisted that a settlement of $2,000 or more was warranted for his cooperation. Our role was limited to that of spectators as endless streams of higher-ranking local officials turned up, none willing to simply confiscate the turtle and release it back into the lake as the law would prescribe. The Rafetus was thankfully moved to a shed, beyond the reach of spectators, that was locked and guarded by police. Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh, head of ENV s Wildlife Crime Unit was the star of the day, and her role in the day s events would ultimately be the deciding factor in the day s successful outcome. Van Anh had headed up most of the team s efforts during the previous months to highlight the importance of the Dong Mo turtle within relevant ministries and amongst agency heads at the national level. Her work for ENV also put her in regular contact with the right people, including the chairman (governor) of Hanoi, for which Dong Mo Lake and surrounding communities fell under his jurisdiction. Van Anh met with district and provincial police and leaders, updating Hanoi officials and asking for intervention from Hanoi as the afternoon heat began to flare tempers. Police pushed crowds out of the courtyard temporarily, and more police were called in to assist in dealing with what appeared to be an increasingly unstable situation as angry relatives of the fisherman became more aggressive in their demand for compensation, at one time, threatening to kill the turtle if their demands were not met. The main obstacle appeared to be the unwillingness of anyone present at the site to make a decision on the confiscation, though clearly the authorities supported return of the turtle to the lake. Van Anh offered to compensate the fisherman for torn nets and offer a small reward for the assistance that the fisherman provided in returning the turtle to the lake, but negotiations appeared to be stalled. However, 84 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

85 Unfortunately, the future of our Rafetus swinhoei is not clear. While the November rescue has brought positive attention and support for the protection of the turtle in Dong Mo Lake, he is alone and can do little to contribute to the future of his kind. Team Rafetus continues to survey both historic habitat and new sites where other turtles may persist in the wild, recently surveying rivers further south without success. MR. THAI, CUC PHUONG TCC The giant softshell waits, surrounded by a crowd of people, while negotiations are carried out to determine its fate. sometime during the late afternoon, it is said that the governor in Hanoi was said to have told police to put an end to the discussions and tell the fisherman either to take the deal for a replacement net and small reward or the turtle would be confiscated and the fisherman would be punished in accordance with the law. At this point, the fisherman reluctantly agreed to turn over the turtle. Anxious to follow through with the decision as quickly as possible, Team Rafetus and local rangers wrapped the 70 kg turtle in a plastic tarp and pushed through an unruly crowd of spectators to a truck that had been waiting outside the fisherman s house since early morning. Assisted by police with electric wands attempting to keep the crowd back, the team managed to get the turtle onboard, and sped off through the village for the lake. The five kilometer trip to the lake seemed to take eternity, a trail of motorcycles in pursuit. Reaching the lake, the crowds were more manageable, and thankfully, a number of forest rangers arrived in time to assist with the unloading and movement of the turtle down to the water s edge. Without ceremony or further delay, the world s last remaining Rafetus swinhoei in the wild, was wild once again, slipping into the lake, and ending what had been an incredible day. Since the turtle s return, Team Rafetus has stepped up efforts to build local support for the turtle s protection as ENV continues to raise awareness in local communities around the lake. Most of us involved in the incident agree that had it not been for the presence of the local team living and working at the lake, along with efforts to build support for protection of the turtle well in advance of this incident, our Dong Mo Rafetus would not have survived the day. The Rafetus swinhoei Conservation Project is administered by the Asian Turtle Program of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), the country s first local organization focused with protection of nature and wildlife in Vietnam. The project was started in 2000 and has involved intermittent surveys for Rafetus swinhoei throughout northern Vietnam until the recent discovery in November 2007 of the single individual living in Dong Mo Lake. At this time, the ATP has undertaken a full-time effort to ensure that the Dong Mo Rafetus is protected in its native habitat. The Rafetus Conservation Project has received support by the Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle Conservation Fund, The Wade Foundation, and the Melbourne Zoo. Link to Rafetus news story on VTV1: watch?v=49wqoq8f5x0 Douglas Hendrie dhendrie@fpt.vn Asian Turtle Program, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Wildlife Crime Program Advisor, Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) The TSA has provided support to the Rafetus program in Vietnam through a grant from the Batchelor Foundation 0 Committed to Zero Turtle Extinction TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

86 RANGE COUNTRY: Vietnam Reintroduction preparations for captive bred Vietnamese Pond Turtles Timothy McCormack and Nguyen Chi Nhan The Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ) has worked since 1998 to promote tortoise and freshwater turtle (TFT) conservation through awareness, training and research activities. The Mauremys annamensis Project (MAP) has focused on this critically endangered and endemic species in central Vietnam with a permanent field presence since MAP activities have included surveys, community meetings and wildlife protection department training in key areas. With the threats to this species now fully realised, it received full protection in 2006 under Vietnam s principal wildlife protection law, Decree 32. The goals of MAP are: To identify habitat where Mauremys annamensis remains or was recently present in the wild. Develop community support for conservation of the species through awareness and community engagement. Ensure better protection for the species through providing training, information and support to relevant authorities. Encourage university participation in research and awareness of the species. Following extensive surveys in Quang Ngai province in 2008 the MAP team has increasingly worked with the provincial Forest Protection Department (FPD). Community meetings were held during October and December in Binh Son district where Mauremys annamensis have been seen in local trade and good habitat remains. The FPD has shown an increased interest in TFT in the province since activities started. In January 2009, the FPD mobile One of three Mauremys annamensis seen in local trade at two project sites the MAP has focused on in enforcement team confiscated 19 TFT, including Mauremys annamensis (6), Cuora bourreti (2), Indotestudo elongata (1), Heosemys grandis (1), Ocadia sinensis (4), Cyclemys pulchristriata (4) and Malayemys subtrijuga (1). All were placed at the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) in Cuc Phuong National Park, northern Vietnam. Importantly, the Mauremys annamensis rescued represented the first confiscation of the species since 2000 and increased the captive founder stock of the TCC by almost 50%. In April 2009, a special three day training workshop was held for 22 Quang Ngai FPD, environmental police and fisheries department officers. Although focused on Mauremys annamensis, other training included species identification, map reading and information collection for field records. One new topic highlighting the importance of cooperation and the roles of enforcement, research and awareness in conservation aimed to encourage greater future collaboration. In addition to a focused field program, Mauremys annamensis is also fortunate that a Taxon Management Group (TMG) in the United States and Europe was established for the species and that the TCC has been successful in breeding and raising the species in captivity. This provides the possibility for release of TMG surplus animals back into the wild. Careful planning and monitoring will be necessary with genetic variations in sub-populations and disease transmission needing consideration. The risk of collection for released animals is also very real and awareness, protection and monitoring activities running in conjunction with any release is needed. HOANG VAN THAI 86 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

87 BUI DANG PHONG Mixed crate of turtles confiscated in Quang Ngai province in January Key reintroduction phases include: Repatriation A group of Mauremys annamensis from abroad would be returned to Vietnam and held for an additional quarantine and screening period at the TCC where an experienced keeper team exists. Initially 100 animals will be received into two additional holding cages which will be constructed to accommodate these turtles. Media coverage will be significant for these first Vietnamese-American (VieKieu) turtles returning home, highlighting the importance of the species and the overall need for TFT conservation in Vietnam. Captive holding and dispersal site In Quang Ngai province, a small breeding and holding facility will be established focusing on Mauremys annamensis. The facility will be managed through cooperation between MAP and FPD with local staff trained in captive management techniques. All animals transferred to the site will be given PIT tags to aid future monitoring. Initially some of the 140 animals already maintained by the TCC, mostly captive bred, will be transferred followed by repatriated turtles in the future. Reintroductions Reintroductions will be undertaken at a number of sites with varying degrees of protection and monitoring. Awareness will be undertaken at all sites through community meetings, school programs, posters and sign boards. Primary site This site will be monitored daily by local MAP team with FPD involvement. An area of wetland will be established as a Mauremys Conservation Area (MCA). Land will be either allocated by local People s Committee or FPD, or rented/purchased. Management of the area will depend on the location with secure fencing a possible requirement. Local communities will retain limited fishing rights to the area; fishing will be supervised using approved turtle-friendly techniques. Additional local staff will be employed to work as sight wardens while bi-monthly trapping at the site will monitor the secure turtle population. Secondary sites Community wardens will be employed at the sites with weekly/fortnightly patrols made by the MAP team. Without fencing, animals will be allowed to disperse over a wider area. Monitoring will be difficult, but bi-monthly trapping and possibility of radio telemetry will be undertaken. Tertiary sites Mauremys annamensis will be released with awareness activities in local communities and bi-monthly trapping. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

88 HOANG VAN THAI Bui Dang Phong of the Turtle Conservation Centre (left) and Nguyen Chi Nhan of the MAP check the initial health of the animals. Interviewing local fishermen in the Thu Bon River. Through monitoring these release sites and protection methods along with local trade we will determine the value of these methods for future use. The FPD and community involvement in releases will encourage greater community and enforcement agency support of TFT conservation, taking a step closer to a safe environment for Mauremys annamensis in central Vietnam. The MAP is currently supported by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (CMZ), the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF). HOANG VAN THAI Quang Ngai FPD, environmental police and fisheries during the April 2009 training. Timothy McCormack, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo s Asian Turtle Program (ATP), PO Box 179 Hanoi Central Post Office, Hanoi, Vietnam Turtle.conservation@gmail.com Nguyen Chi Nhan, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo s Asian Turtle Program (ATP), PO Box 179 Hanoi Central Post Office, Hanoi, Vietnam chinhan2112@gmail.com The TSA works strategically with the MAP, and will provide financial support for facility development and a source of captive-bred progeny to establish in situ breeding colonies as needed. 88 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

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90 RANGE COUNTRY: Malaysia A New Future for Turtle Conservation in Malaysia Eng-Heng Chan and Rick Hudson Turtle conservation in Malaysia is set to enter a new and exciting era with the country s current King, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu, giving the nod to the establishment of a turtle institute under his foundation the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation. The institute is the brainchild of Dr. Eng-Heng Chan who has been working closely with Tan Sri Dr. Salleh bin Mohd. Nor. Salleh, an eminent conservationist in Malaysia, is the Deputy Chairman of the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation, President of the Malaysian Nature Society and Secretary- General of the Malaysian Academy of Sciences. The timing could not have been better for Chan who has just retired from the university. The institute will be located in Setiu, the heartland of important nesting habitats for both Batagur affinis and B. borneoensis as well as Chelonia mydas. TSA has supported Chan s work on B. affinis in the Setiu River where she has engaged local villagers in various aspects of the recovery program for the species. Chan and assistant Pelf processing terrapins caught in fishermen s nets in the Setiu River. ENGHENG CHAN Plans for the institute are ambitious. It will have multiple functions as a centre for research, conservation, education and conservation-tourism activities related particularly to freshwater turtles in Malaysia. It will also serve as a rescue centre for turtles confiscated from illegal trade. It is envisaged that the institute will bring benefits to the local community in Setiu that has been identified as one of the poorest districts in the country. Physical facilities for the institute will include an open-air hatchery, buildings to house laboratories and offices, ponds and tanks for head-starting of freshwater turtles, ponds and other outdoor enclosures for rescued turtles, breeding ponds for captive breeding work, outdoor exhibits for interpretive purposes and housing for staff, visiting scientists, interns and volunteers. Antiquated facilities such as this one fail to provide optimal environmental conditions for Batagur and should be replaced. RICK HUDSON TSA has pledged support for the institute and help to develop it into a world class center for the conservation of freshwater turtles. Recovery programs for both Batagur affinis and B. borneoensis will be given a boost with the development of the Turtle Institute in Setiu. It will help to facilitate our plans to expand work on the Setiu River and to concentrate our efforts there. This river is located about 60 km north of Kuala Terengganu, and runs parallel to the coastline for about 10 km before emptying into the South China Sea. The main nesting bank for B. affinis is located along this stretch of the Setiu River, about 8 km from its mouth. This river therefore offers an ideal site to continue needed conservation work, i.e. egg protection, hatching, headstarting, release and monitoring of released B. affinis 90 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

91 ENGHENG CHAN Batagur nesting beaches in Setiu. Rescue operation carried out in April 2007 that involved a total of 68 endangered freshwater turtles. The Setiu River is interesting in that wild populations of both Batagur affinis and B. borneoensis are found here, presenting an excellent opportunity to better understand how two such similar species co-exist in the same habitat. According to available information, the Setiu River is home to the largest population of B. borneoensis in Malaysia and possibly throughout its range. A recent project initiated by Chan in the Setiu River has processed a total of 90 individuals of wild caught B. borneoensis ranging in weight from 320 gm to 17.8 kg between February and June 2009, with seven recaptures within the same period. The TSA has supported Chan s research with both Batagur affinis and B. borneoensis over the years and the time has come to begin implementing the results into management strategies of the various Batagur headstarting programs throughout Malaysia where the basic science of egg incubation, TSD and reintroduction technology has been lacking. We will also help upgrade physical facilities in existing Batagur headstarting programs to improve rearing conditions for the terrapins. Illegal trade in turtles in Malaysia is still rampant. In February 2009, with Chan s help, we visited a facility which held adult Manouria emys, remnants of a 15 ton shipment that had been recently sent to China. In April 2007, Chan organized a rescue operation at the same facility in which a Buddhist Group bought 7 individuals of Chitra chitra, 25 Pelochelys cantori, 13 Manouria emys, 3 B. borneoensis and 20 Amyda cartilaginea for release into a private pond. This demonstrates the urgent need for a rescue center to be developed in Malaysia and we are excited that this could soon be a reality under the Turtle Conservation Center. Dr. Engheng Chan (right) with her river terrapin research team, students Pelf Nyok Chen and Chang Kew Fong. Village children in Setiu are keen participants in the river terrapin recovery program. ENGHENG CHAN RICK HUDSON RICK HUDSON TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

92 RICK HUDSON A male Batagur affinis in breeding coloration. University of Terengganu student Nurul holds a painted terrapin (B. borneoensis) captured in a fishermen s net (Ropi in background) on the Seitu River. Nurul is working on head-starting techniques of painted terrapins. We are now planning to hold a Batagur workshop in 2010 and Terengganu in Malaysia will be the most logical venue. It will be held in February or March to coincide with the nesting season for Batagur. Range countries are expected to prepare recovery plans for presentation. The workshop will present an ideal opportunity to launch plans to develop a model Batagur breeding and headstarting program at the governmentrun Terrapin Conservation Center at Bukit Paloh, Terengganu. Space for new construction is available and the facility is situated very close to the Terengganu River with a major Batagur nesting population 99 nests in The TSA intends to mobilize support for this facility in the hopes that it will provide a model for other Batagur operations to follow. This model will take an eco-physiologic approach to husbandry, providing deep water for thermoregulation, adequate nesting beaches and improved opportunities for basking. Water circulation, biological filtration and the ability to grow food plants will be incorporated into the plans and a TSA team will visit Malaysia to begin the design process in September RICK HUDSON 92 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

93 RICK HUDSON Manouria emys at a commercial turtle operation in Malaysia; these are all that remain of a 15 ton shipment of M. emys that went to China for the New Year. Malaysia: Critical Crossroads Rick Hudson Though Malaysia has no endemic chelonians, it is still a highly important country for turtle conservation in Asia, ranking eighth in terms of species richness with 18 species, and ranking ninth overall when threat factors are considered. The long-running Stateoperated Batagur facilities, combined with a rich history of turtle conservation work and a good university system provide Malaysia with the capacity and infrastructure to play a leading role in Asian turtle conservation. Malaysia is home to a number of chelonian species ranked Critically Endangered or Endangered by the IUCN Red List including Chitra chitra, B. affinis, B. borneoensis, Pelochelys cantori, Manouria emys and Orlitia borneoensis, all of which are a high priority for TSA program development. Furthermore, considering that Malaysia is an important nexus for the wildlife trade, the potential exists to develop rescue and captive breeding centers for priority species confiscated from the illegal trade. Finally, given the number of high priority freshwater turtle species in Malaysia, and its strategic location in the region, the TSA believes that turtle conservation activities should be expanded in accordance with need. Eng-Heng Chan enghengchan@gmail.com Postal address: 56-2/1, Pangsapuri Cerong Lanjut, Jalan Cerong Lanjut, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Rick Hudson rhudson@fortworthzoo.org President, Turtle Survival Alliance The TSA began supporting Dr. Chan s work on the Setiu River in 2005, and works collaboratively with her to coordinate a range-wide Batagur conservation program. A TSA team will begin designing new turtle facilities in Malaysia in September We're Serious About Saving Turtles TSA TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE w w w. Tu r t l e S u r v i v a l. o r g TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

94 RANGE COUNTRY: Cambodia Batagur Headstarting Facility at Maximum Capacity Heng Sovannara and Mark Gately There was good news recently for a rare species of River Terrapin (Batagur baska, now re-classified as Batagur affinis) in the Sre Ambel area of Cambodia s coastal region, with the successful hatching of 23 eggs on a beach in the Sre Ambel River. The Fisheries Administration and WCS have been working with communities in the Sre Ambel area since 1999, conserving the Batagur through the implementation of a variety of conservation interventions. These interventions are targeted to protect in situ populations of Batagur, through guarding nesting beaches and adjoining sections of river throughout the nesting and incubation seasons, and implementing patrols in remaining habitat. These activities are complemented by an ex situ conservation hatchling center. The in situ project activities are based around the two remaining rivers where the animals occur. One team comprised of three conservation personnel work along the Sre Ambel River and another team of four concentrate on the Kaong River. Both groups are coordinated by Mr. Yen That, from the Sre Ambel Fisheries, Koh Kong province. The focus of activities is the protection of the Batagur nests and during the nesting season the conservation teams attempt to locate all nests along each river. They then construct enclosures around the nests to provide protection against predators. This huge female Cambodian Batagur is being held in a private facility until she can be integrated into a breeding program. Too valuable to release, her full genetic potential can best be maximized through captive breeding. BRIAN HORNE The 2009 nesting beach was first identified in March, after project patrol staff found several Batagur tracks on the beach, and subsequently found 23 eggs buried in the sand. The beach was then guarded around the clock by project staff for two months, until the eggs hatched in early May. The hatchlings were relocated to the hatchling center, where they will be housed in small plastic tubs for the next six months, until they are large enough to be introduced to one of the center s larger concrete holding pens. Batagur nest excavation on the Sre Ambel. This nest contained 23 eggs, all of which hatched and were collected for headstarting. BRIAN HORNE 94 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

95 RICK HUDSON RICK HUDSON Brian Horne and Tim McCormack doing a head count of Batagur at the headstarting facility at Sre Ambel, Cambodia. WCS veterinarian Priscilla Joyner, Tim McCormack and Brian Horne assess the condition of a juvenile Batagur in the headstarting facility at Sre Ambel, Cambodia. There are currently 115 animals being held at the facility, 46 hatchlings from 2006, 46 hatchlings from 2007, plus the 23 recent arrivals. The center is staffed by a dedicated team that ensure that fresh food is provided for the hatchlings on a daily basis and the facility is enclosed in a metal fence to prevent theft. The animals eat primarily morning glory (Ipomea), with the addition of mangrove fruits from the Sre Ambel river system during the fruiting season. All the hatchlings have been micro-chipped. Plans are currently being finalized to improve the center with a new solar water pump, increased water storage capacity and additional holding facilities, with the latter now particularly important given the recent arrival of the 2009 hatchlings. Given the increasing threats to wild Batagur in the Sre Ambel river system, it is now more important than ever to ensure that there is an appropriate release plan in place for the hatchlings at the center. This includes an expert appraisal of the ecological requirements of the hatchlings and the suitability of the habitat within the Sre Ambel and surrounding river systems, as well as an assessment of the existing and future threats to wild Batagur in these river systems. A number of boat surveys were conducted in late 2008 and early 2009, firstly by a team of ecologists who were conducting surveys throughout southwest Cambodia and secondly by Batagur experts including Brian Horne. These surveys assessed both the quality and suitability of habitat in the area, as well as the threat posed by future economic developments, such as hydropower dams. It is hoped that information obtained from these surveys will facilitate the formulation of a release strategy in the near future. Heng Sovannara and Mark Gately h.sovannara@gmail.com Fisheries Administration, Royal Government of Cambodia Wildlife Conservation Society BRIAN HORNE The TSA currently provides both logistical and technical support to the Batagur headstarting operation in Sre Ambel, and funded (with EAZA Shellshock and the Batchelor Foundation) the construction of the headstarting facility in Heng Sovannara and a WCS boatman remove a hook line during river surveys in February 2009, illustrating the increasing threat that turtles face as human populations expand. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

96 RANGE COUNTRY: Philippines A range country assurance colony for the Philippine Forest Turtle Sabine Schoppe and Nimal Fernando Katala Foundation Incorporated (KFI) is a Palawan-based NGO working on the conservation of threatened native species. The Katala Institute for Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (KIEBC), one of several centers / projects managed by KFI, is located in Antipuluan, Narra, Palawan. It is here that the only range country assurance colony of the Palawan endemic and critically endangered Philippine Forest Turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis) is held. One of the three major objectives of KIEBC is to develop procedures for rescue, conservation breeding, habitat restoration and eventually reintroduction of selected rare species from Palawan, like the Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) and the Philippine Forest Turtle. In 2006, KFI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB) signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program (PFTCP). In this framework, and with the generous financial support of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) through the Shellshock Campaign, KFI built facilities to hold an assurance colony of S. leytensis in early In July 2007, 40 S. leytensis, which had been held in an over-crowded pond at a local rescue center since a 2005 confiscation, were transferred to the new facility. Since then, health status and husbandry conditions were closely monitored in collaboration with veterinarians from the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), the DENR-PAWB, and the Philippine Association of Wildlife Veterinaries Incorporated (PAWVI), and the Provincial and Municipal Office of the DENR. Water samples and analysis had been conducted at regular intervals and the results were sent to relevant agencies. In May 2009, several individuals became affected by shell rot. Heavy rain, resultant flooding and water quality issues were suspected to be contributing to the health Nimal Fernando, Sabine Schoppe and two caretaker assistants examining a group of S. leytensis. problems. Given the limited laboratory facilities, medical supplies and freshwater turtle expertise of veterinarians in the area, the KFI approached the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) for technical assistance. A TSA veterinary member Nimal Fernando - arrived within a month to assist with the problem. Also attending the trip were Rainier Manalo (Conservation International - Palawan) who has experience in pond filtering systems, Salvador Guion (PWRCC Keeper), Siegfred Diaz Field (Operations Coordinator of KFI) and Diverlie Acosta (KFI Keeper). The assessment started with an overview of the tanks, ponds, water quality and general husbandry. The center is located in an area that is essentially a flood plain and the nearby coastline is dominated by mangroves and soft bottoms along a shallow intertidal zone. The water table of the property is high. During this trip in the middle of the rainy season - we had to walk through about 800 m of mud to reach the center. Concrete breakdown and leaching, with resultant high ph elevations, were identified as an immediate concern. KFI will be looking at alternative liners and substrates in the future, as well as methods of naturally acidifying the water. Aggression was also identified as a major concern and the turtles were spread over as many enclosures as possible. However, it has been impossible to separate them individually given space constraints. Aggression was observed in newly mixed turtles almost immediately, and extra furniture like logs, etc have been placed in the ponds to try and remedy this. To address the plantar ulcerations, pebbles have been placed in the smaller pools to cover the concrete substrate. Later that day, health assessment of all the S. leytensis commenced. Overall, this appears to be a tough species and relatively easy to examine as they are quite outgoing. Several turtles had successfully completed treatment for shell rot; however, five of these now appeared to be affected by pneumonia. A few new shell lesions were found and many DIVERLIE ACOSTA 96 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

97 turtles had ulcerative skin lesions around the tail / perineum or on the plantar surface of the hind feet. Two turtles were found to have subcutaneous abscesses, one around the knee and the other under the lower mandible. Both were curetted, flushed then packed with a debriding ointment, to be changed to an antibiotic ointment after about a week. All turtles showing either respiratory symptoms, moderate to severe skin ulceration or shell rot of groundwater contamination is needed. Aggression needs to be monitored as this is also probably impacting on the turtles in terms of social stress. The turtles are now on a treatment course that will need to be reevaluated in a few weeks. At this stage, the turtles appear strong, retain good appetites and are expected to respond to treatment well. Underlying husbandry and water quality issues are most likely impacting negatively on Thanks in particular to Kevin Buley, Shellshock Campaign Organizer and Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates at Chester Zoo, UK for providing the starting capital to put up the turtle facilities at KIEBC. We also would like to acknowledge the Turtle Conservation Fund for supporting KFI s research on the species in the wild that is providing important information on its biology and ecology. NIMAL FERNANDO Sabine Schoppe, Project Director for the Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program at one of the S. leytensis captive enclosures. or abscesses were placed on injectable Fortum (Ceftazidine), and turtles with shell rot / skin ulceration placed on Acriflavin baths. Swabs for bacteriology assessment were taken from several shell wounds and abscesses. All individuals were eating and appeared strong. Half of the colony did not show any symptoms at all. During the examination, KFI staff was trained in identifying health problems, examination and restraint of turtles and Diverlie Acosta (Turtle Keeper) was taught how to inject fluids and antibiotics. Conclusions There is a concern that the concrete quality and breakdown is creating problems in water quality that is detrimental to the health of S. leytensis but not to the other freshwater turtle species held at the center. Source water is high in ph but compounded by the concrete leaching, as evidenced by the alkalinity / hardness levels. The link to the heavy rainfall is still tenuous, and further investigation their health problems and once resolved we are positive that in the near future KIEBC will have its first captive bred S. leytensis. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the TSA, especially Rick Hudson, for the quick response and assistance and for sponsoring the veterinary visit. Further, we would like to thank the management of Ocean Park Corporation for also partially funding the visit and the generous donation of medication. Thanks also to KFI s principal sponsors and partner donors: Loro Parque Fundacion (LPF) Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP), Chester Zoological Gardens, and Conservation des Espèces et des Populations Animales (CEPA). Thanks to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Area Wildlife Bureau for sharing our common concern for the conservation of threatened species. Thanks to the Shellshock Turtle and Tortoise Conservation Campaign of the Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Nimal instructs Diverlie Acosta on administering fluids to a S. leytensis. Sabine Schoppe Project Director Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program (PFTCP) Katala Foundation Incorporated (KFI) PO Box 390 Puerto Princesa City PH-5300 Palawan, Philippines Sabine_schoppe@web.de Nimal Fernando Senior Veterinarian Ocean Park Corporation Aberdeen, Hong Kong nimal.fernando@oceanpark.com.hk The TSA has supported fieldwork for S. leytenis with Seed Grants in the past but this our first interaction with the captive population. We look forward to becoming increasingly involved with this important program. SABINE SCHOPPE TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

98 TSA MEDICAL TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE Health Assessment of the Chelonian Reproductive Tract Sam Rivera, DVM, MS, Dipl ABVP The reproduction of captive chelonians has increased significantly over the last few decades. Attention to the disorders of the reproductive tract is essential for proper health care when encountering reproductive failure of unknown origin. The chelonian reproductive cycle in the wild is controlled by multiple factors including proper day length, environmental temperature, humidity and an optimal plane of nutrition. These factors combined with the presence of a suitable habitat play a vital role in the reproductive success of chelonians in the wild. It is difficult to provide an ideal environment, which resembles natural conditions, in captivity. A basic understanding of the species natural history is important not only to design a treatment plan, but also to establish preventive measures aimed at decreasing the incidence of reproductive tract disease. The diagnosis of reproductive tract disease can prove challenging in chelonians. Generally, females gain significant weight when gravid. In some chelonians the calcified eggs can be palpated through the femoral fossa. The diagnosis of reproductive tract disease is based on the collection of a thorough history, physical exam findings, laboratory tests, radiography, ultrasonography, and/or endoscopy. Common diseases of the chelonian reproductive tract include egg retention, dystocia, egg yolk coelomitis, and penile prolapse. Egg retention is defined as failure to lay eggs as expected, based on breeding history. Dystocia refers to difficulty in oviposition secondary to internal or external factors which can be environmental or pathologic. Many chelonian species will produce infertile eggs in captivity and may not lay them, making oviposition disorders common in captive animals. These conditions are hardest to diagnose, with certainty, in chelonians because many species can hold the eggs in the oviduct if conditions for oviposition are not favorable. Furthermore, Overcalcified eggs in the oviduct of a Dipsochelys elephantina. Notice the irregular shell and two of the eggs are adhering to each other. they may not show clinical signs associated with the prolonged presence of eggs within the oviduct. Causes of egg retention or dystocia include inadequate husbandry (lack of proper nesting site), malnutrition, obesity, misshapen eggs, dehydration, urolithiasis, cloacoliths, egg yolk coelomitis, ectopic eggs, fecal impaction, intestinal foreign body, granuloma/abscess within the oviduct, or neoplasia. Clinical signs are non-specific and vary from no overt clinical signs to anorexia, lethargy, dyspnea, edema of the extremities, cloacal discharge, straining, cloacal prolapse, and abnormal ambulation (particularly in aquatic turtles). Diagnosis of egg retention or dystocia requires close evaluation of the patient s husbandry and reproductive history. A thorough diagnostic work up is required before pursuing treatment options. Radiographs are important when assessing number, integrity, and degree of calcification of the eggs. Ultrasonography and endoscopy can also provide valuable information and help identify underlying disease that may be leading to the dystocia. Egg-yolk coelomitis is caused by leakage of yolk material, from a ruptured follicle or egg, into the coelomic cavity. The yolk material in the coelomic cavity can incite a moderate to severe inflammatory response which if untreated often leads to death. This is one of the most common diseases of the reproductive tract leading to death. Clinical signs associated with egg-yolk coelomitis include anorexia, lethargy, diarrhea, lack of fecal output, and pain upon coelomic STEPHANIE SCANLIN 98 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

99 STEPHANIE SCANLIN SAM RIVERA Healthy gravid Manouria impressa Prolapsed penis in a Centrochelys sulcata palpation. A definitive diagnosis can be made by ultrasonographic identification of fluid in the coelom, aspiration and analysis of the material, or by endoscopy. Treatment involves surgery and in many cases ovariectomy may be required. Penile prolapse is relatively common in chelonians. Abnormal prolapse is usually a secondary condition. During copulation the prolapsed penis can suffer from trauma leading to edema and inflammation, resulting in prolonged exposure and further damage and necrosis. Other etiologies include excessive straining secondary to gastrointestinal disease (impaction, parasites), urolithiasis, and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. Trauma to the distal spinal column leading to nerve damage or cloacal trauma can also lead to penile prolapse. In some cases treatment requires penile amputation which, in chelonians, will end the reproductive potential of the animal. The captive reproduction of chelonians will continue to increase in the future. Special attention to all the factors associated with the overall health of animals in captivity will be of utmost importance for all those involved in their care. As outlined in this article, the reproductive tract of chelonians is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the captive environment. Whereas some conditions, such as egg yolk peritonitis, carry a poor prognosis, most disorders of the chelonian reproductive tract carry a favorable prognosis if treated promptly. Sam Rivera, DVM, MS, Dipl ABVP srivera@zooatlanta.org Associate Veterinarian Department of Veterinary Services Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee Avenue, SE Atlanta, Georgia, TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

100 TSA TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE BEHLER TURTLE CONSERVATION AWARD Gerald Kuchling Receives the 2009 Behler Turtle Conservation Award Rick Hudson and Heather Lowe The Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group are pleased to announce that the 2009 Behler Award is presented to Dr. Gerald Kuchling. It would be altogether inappropriate to have a meaningful discussion about chelonian conservation programs without prominently mentioning Gerald. His name has more or less become synonymous with turtle conservation and he will forever be linked with the recovery of some of the world s rarest and most endangered chelonians. Approaching problems with a strong background in science, combined with a healthy dose of common sense, Gerald s perspective on dealing with turtle conservation issues is always analytical and well reasoned. He is unusual in that he manages to blend strong academic credentials with a genuine appreciation of husbandry techniques, and the result is a very practical application of science to conservation problems, especially those with a captive component. According to TSA President Rick Hudson If you have to go to battle to save a turtle on the brink of extinction, you definitely want Gerald Kuchling on your side. He is best known for leading the recovery effort for one of the world s most endangered species the western swamp turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina). Moving from their native Austria to Western Australia in 1987, Gerald and his wife Guundie have dedicated their lives to this species, once believed to be extinct. Dr. Kuchling launched a recovery program in 1988 that originated with a captive colony of just 25 animals. A reintroduction component was added in 1994 that has boosted the wild population from less than 50 animals to more than 300. Dr. Kuchling and his wife also co-authored two children s books featuring the western swamp turtle, with the hopes of inspiring future generations to continue to care for this imperiled species. In Madagascar, he brought the critical situation of the Madagascan big-headed turtle (Erymnoclelys madagascariensis) to our Dr. Kuchling performs an ultrasound exam on the female Rafetus to determine reproductive status. Photo by Qi Zhenglin attention in the early 1990 s. He also worked on the ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora), studying their reproductive cycle. He is widely regarded as the world s foremost authority on chelonian reproductive physiology and pioneered the use of endoscopy for sex determination in turtles. In 1999, he published the definitive book on this topic, The Reproductive Biology of the Chelonia. In Burma, he is credited with the rediscovery of one of the world s rarest and most endangered freshwater turtles, the Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivattata), establishing the first captive breeding group for this species. His 1990 s market surveys in Yunnan Province provided much insight into the extent of the freshwater turtle trade between Myanmar and China. He has worked on Roti Island snakenecks (Chelodina mccordi) in Indonesia, giant softshell turtles (Chitra chitra) in Thailand, tortoises in South Africa, river terrapins (Batagur affinis) in Malaysia, Desert tortoises in California, and most recently he led the effort to rescue the Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) in China from extinction. As this announcement is being written, eggs from the last pair of Rafetus in China are incubating at Suzhou Zoo. Looking down the road, it would be altogether fitting if Gerald s receiving this award coincided with the successful hatching of these eggs. In what would be perhaps the most significant event in the history of turtle conservation, hatching Rafetus would be the crown jewel in a remarkable set of achievements that have marked Dr. Kuchling s career. The Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) established the John Behler Turtle Conservation Award in 2006, a major annual award presented jointly by these groups to honor leadership and excellence in the field of turtle and tortoise conservation. The award honors the memory of John Behler, previous Chair of the TFTSG and Curator of Herpetology at the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society. The Award includes an honorarium of $3,000, and co-sponsors this year include the Chelonian Research Foundation, Conservation International, Chelonian Research Institute, Behler Chelonian Center, World Chelonian Trust, Wildlife Conservation Society, Deborah Behler and Brett and Nancy Stearns. 100 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

101 TSA TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE Thank you for your support! The TSA gratefully acknowledges the following supporters for their support over the past year (July 2008-July 2009): Supporters donating $200 - $499 Brian Bolton, Rebecca Christoffel, Orlando Diaz-Figueroa, Indian River Insulation, John Iverson, Thomas Jacoby, Robert Krause, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Dan Pearson, Peter Reed, Lisa Weiss Supporters donating $500 to $2499 Cleveland Metroparks AAZK, Como Zoo Friends, Alessandro Fornetti, Jacksonville Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, Michigan Herp Society, Sedgwick County Zoo, Bruce Shapiro, Woodland Park Zoo Supporters donating $2500 to $5000 Columbus Zoo, Detroit Zoological Society, Fort Worth Zoo, Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, San Diego Zoo, David Shapiro Supporters donating $7,500 to $19,999 Behler Chelonian Center, British Chelonia Group, Walter Sedgwick, Taste of Thai, Walde Research & Environmental Consulting Supporters donating $20,000 or more Beneficia Foundation, Nature s Own, Pat Koval/WWF Canada 2009 Conference Sponsors Conservation International, Chelonian Research Foundation (Student Speaker Awards), ZooMed, Brett and Nancy Stearns 2009 Behler Award Sponsors Conservation International, Chelonian Research Foundation, Chelonian Research Institute, Behler Chelonian Center, Deborah Behler, World Chelonian Trust, Brett and Nancy Stearns, Wildlife Conservation Society Special thanks to Sheena Koeth and Taste of Thai who sold merchandise on the behalf of the TSA, resulting in more than $6,000 (combined) in funds raised for turtle conservation. TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

102 102 AUGUST 2009 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

103 INTERNATIONAL REPTILE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, INC MAGNUM DRIVE, SAN JOSE, CA TEL REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS C O N S E R V A T I O N A N D N A T U R A L H I S T O R Y IRCF VOL r NUM 1 MAR 2009 Published in Full Color PHOTOGRAPH BY CHUCK SCHAFFER Subscribe Today! An indispensable herpetological publication: Articles, Features, Husbandry, Historical Perspectives, Natural History, & more. Published quarterly. The journal is available with your membership. Join today and help support our mission to conserve reptiles and the natural habitats and ecosystems that support them. Review the current issue at: MEMBERSHIP FOUR ISSUES/YEAR. DUES: DOMESTIC $25 INTERNATIONAL $55 TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AUGUST

104 Publication Supported by: The Setiu River in Malaysia supports both Batagur affinis and B. borneoensis (pictured here) and will be the focal point of an expanded TSA fund-raising campaign, to be launched soon. Malaysia supports a diversity of large river turtles that are in need of urgent conservation measures (see story page 90). BRIAN D. HORNE 104