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October 22, 2010
Turtle Survival Alliance Newsletter
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Steve_EcrementHiking for Hickatee

TSA member Steve Ecrement is hitting the Appalachian Trail this spring to raise funds for turtle conservation. He's planning on hiking 70 miles, but your sponsorship can guarantee that his effort goes much farther - all the way to Belize!

 

Funds pledged in his honor will support the TSA's Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii) program. The river turtle, known locally as the "hickatee," has experienced catastrophic declines throughout its range. TSA surveys were conducted earlier this year in Belize (click here to read about them in the TSA blog) to learn more about the species in anticipation of launching a sustainable conservation program. The TSA is also hosting a workshop in Belize this December which will bring together scientists and NGOs from Belize and surrounding countries to discuss the long-term conservation needs of the hickatee.

 

Click here to visit the donation page on the TSA website. Consider pledging $70 - just one dollar per mile! If that's more than you can afford, any amount will be appreciated. Remember that donations made within the US may be claimed as a tax deduction. 

News Briefs

 

  • Madag_Env_Minister
    Minister of the Environment and Forests, Mr. Herilanto Raveloharison
    More than 400 endangered tortoises were recently returned to Madagascar after being seized in Malaysia on their way to food markets in China. The TSA provided support for this important reptriation. Read the full story here.
  • Rick Hudson (TSA President) just recently attended the IUCN Red List workshop in Brazil. While there, he was able to connect with many organizations that are doing great things in South America. This is a great first step toward the TSA expanding our presence there.
  • Rick is currently in India, attending the turtle conservation workshop, "Indian Freshwater Turtle and Tortoises Conservation Priority Areas and Initiatives." Read more about the workshop here. When he returns, we'll have a full trip report to share with you about the results of the important meting.
  • The group of yellow-headed temple turtles that the TSA agreed to import after their confiscation in Hong Kong has arrived safely in the U.S.! They were delivered to their new homes late yesterday. Once the dust settles and we can get photos and details organized, we'll share the full story in the newsletter. Read the back story about this confiscation here.