Monitoring Workshops in Belize

The TSA recently conducted two workshops in Belize. The primary purpose of these workshops was to teach Belizeans standardized methods for surveying and monitoring Dermatemys throughout the country so the status of this Critically Endangered turtle can be examined on a broader scale and a more consistent basis. Results of the country-wide survey conducted by the TSA in spring 2010 indicated that Dermatemys populations in Belize continue to decline from overharvesting and to a lesser extent habitat loss and degradation.  

Following our report, a Hicatee Conservation Forum and Workshop was held at the University of Belize in December 2010, at which the National Hicatee Conservation and Monitoring Network (NHCMN) was formed.  The NHCMN has quickly sprung into action with Dermatemys conservation initiatives on multiple fronts, and our survey and monitoring workshops are part of this effort.

Thomas Rainwater (who spearheaded the surveys in 2010) led the workshops; you can check out his blog entries and photos on the TSA website. Additional photos are also available on the TSA facebook page.

Don't forget! TSA members Steve Ecrement and Mariamar Gutierrez are hitting the trail to raise funds for initiatives like these in Belize with their Hiking for Hickatee project next month. Click here to find out how you can support them and donate funds to benefit Belizean turtle conservation. 

Field Trip Opportunity Announced

The TSA is partnering with the Central Florida Freshwater Turtle Study for the first time to offer conference attendees a unique field trip opportunity this August. A diverse group of professional scientists, educators, college students, and volunteers come from all over the country to conduct sampling studies under the authority of state park employees. The project, led by Eric Munscher (SWCA Environmental Consultants), is believed to be the 2nd longest running (13 years) and overall largest (seven state park springs) turtle population study currently going on in Florida.

Study volunteers snorkel the springs and all turtle species are captured, measured and marked. Invasive species are removed. The TSA is partnering with the study to provide volunteers on August 14 and August 18 for Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring.

Space is limited to 10 volunteers per site, per day. Transportation to the sampling sites will be provided from the Rosen Plaza. Click here to learn more or register.

eBay Giving Works

Turtle Survival Alliance is now part of the eBay Giving Works program. So, you can support our mission when you buy and sell on eBay. Here's how:

Buy
You can find whatever you're looking for on eBay - from baseball cards to new cars and more. When you do, shop for items that benefit us. You can get a great deal and support turtle conservation at the same time! Shop now to support the TSA.

Sell
You can also support the TSA when you sell on eBay. Just designate our organization to receive 10-100% of your final sale price the next time you list something great. Did you know that charity listings often get more bids and higher prices than regular eBay listings? Boost your sales and support our critical work while you're at it! Plus eBay gives back to you too, with a fee credit on your basic selling fees. Sell now to support the TSA.