Turtle Nests Protected in India

Collecting eggs for the headstart program, one component of the work being conducted in India

Surveys were resumed in late January to assess the status of nesting banks and enumerate associated threats for two endangered species of Batagur in India. After a rapid reconnaissance, two protected riverside hatcheries were established along the Chambal River near Garhaita (lower section, Uttar Pradesh) and Baroli Villages (upper section, Madhya Pradesh) in early February.
 
Every year, TSA in association with Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Forest Departments establishes such hatcheries to protect endangered Batagur kachuga and B. dhongoka nests from natural predation and poaching as well as to collect information on nesting along the Chambal River, possibly the last stronghold of B. kachuga. Click here to read the full story. 

Steve and Mariamar

TSA members Steve Ecrement and Mariamar Gutierrez are hitting the Appalachian Trail this April to raise funds for turtle conservation. They're planning on hiking 70 miles, but your sponsorship can guarantee that his effort goes much farther - all the way to Belize!

Funds pledged in their 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. 

Construction Projects Wrapping Up in Myanmar 

Shade structures in the star tortoise facility at Lawkananda

Kalyar Platt, TSA's new Turtle Conservation Coordinator in Myanmar has hit the ground running since starting in her position last month. Charged with overseeing the continued construction of multiple turtle facilities, she conducted site visits last week to evaluate the progress and make recommendations.

She made visits to two sites: Lawkananda Wildlife Sanctuary and the Yadanabon Zoo in Mandalay. Construction projects at both sites are progressing well and will benefit multiple species including Asian mountain tortoises, Burmese roof turtles and Burmese star tortoises. Click here to read the full story.