Asian Box Turtle Workshop Held in China

The Asian box turtle, Genus Cuora, consists of 13 species, all of which have one thing in common, they are at very high risk of extinction. All but one of these species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List as of 2011. In order to combat the eminent risk of disappearance of an entire genus, the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and the IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) initiated a Cuora workshop to approach and evaluate potential ways to save these species both in the wild (at least trying to preserve some remaining habitat) and in captivity. The goal of this workshop was to create realistic action plans for each of the 13 species. 

The first workshop was held August 19, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. A second TSA/IUCN Cuora Workshop was recently held in Gangkou, Guangdong, China from May 23-25, 2011. Our host was the National Gangkou Sea Turtle Reserve. Representing the TSA at this workshop were Rick Hudson, Cris Hagen, Brian Horne, Torsten Blanck and Gerald Kuchling. Holding this Cuora specialist workshop in China was critical in facilitating the opportunity for Chinese academics, students, biologists, NGO's, turtle farmers, and Cuora specialist hobbyists to sit together in one room and open dialogue to tackle the issue of how to move forward with conserving all Cuora species. There were 50 participants (over 70% from China) representing nine countries. Click here to read the full story.

Central American River Turtle Captive Management Facility Near Completion 

The TSA has partnered with the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) in a collaboraton that has spawned multiple initiatives for the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys) in Belize. Those efforts have included field surveys, workshops, training and now the construction of a new captive management facility.

The Hicatee Conservation Research Center (HCRC) at BFREE will provide an opportunity to answer some basic questions about Dermatemys in captivity (where they lay their eggs for example), and to test the feasibility of large scale captive management. Click here to read the full story of the facility and how it will contribute to our conservation efforts in Belize.

Room Share Requests at Conference

The TSA is continuing to grow, both in North America and around the globe.  This is reflected in the abstracts we have received for the upcoming conference, a truly impressive lineup.  Also reflected this year is that funding has been hard to come by for many of our colleagues (locally and internationally). This year we received Travel Grant applications from more than 40% of presenters, significantly more than we have ever received in the past. The cost of the requests is more than triple of what the TSA has available to provide support.  For virtually every single travel grant application, the cost of hotel has been requested. 

We would like to request that you consider "hosting" a travel grant applicant (or two!) in your room if you have space available. The hotel is willing to bring cots to the room at no extra charge. The success of the TSA, and the conference, is rooted in collaborative efforts like this.  If you are willing to help out with this, we can help you select a suitable roommate from the long list of applicants. As we are trying to make decisions regarding the conference, please let us know quickly if you are interested by contacting Heather Lowe.
 

Request for Videos

On the second night of the 9th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoise and Freshwater Turtles, we gather to enjoy pizza and a "movie night" featuring the latest and greatest in turtle videos. If you know of one that would be a good fit, or if you've been working on one yourself, please let us know and we'll consider adding it to the program. Please contact Heather Lowe for more details.

The TSA would like to thank our conference sponsors, Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. and The Orianne Society. Thanks also go out to the Turtle Conservancy, sponsors of the video night event.

Call for Auction Items 

The silent and live auctions are always a ton of fun at the annual conference - and they help to generate funds that support the TSA! The success of these auctions depends on the generous donation of auction items each year from TSA members and conference attendees. If you are joining us in Orlando this August, please consider bringing some items with you to donate to the cause. Popular items each year include turtle-themed art, books, jewelry or other collectibles. Anything is welcome, but items with a turtle or wildlife theme are generally the most popular.

Each donated item should be accompanied by an auction form, which can be completed online by clicking here. It would be a huge help to conference staff if you would complete the form prior to your arrival in Orlando. Having your information pre-entered will also make the drop-off process faster for you! Once you complete the form, you will receive an email that can be used as a donation receipt. Please print a copy of this email to turn in with your items.

Not attending conference, but still want to contribute? Contact Heather Lowe for shipping instructions. 

Animals Available