TURTLE SURVIVAL
2023
A PUBLICATION OF TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux participates in the biannual health assessments of the Red-necked Pond Turtles (Mauremys nigricans) managed at the Turtle Survival Center.
Dear Turtle Survival Alliance Supporters and Conservation Champions,
As we applaud our 20th year of tireless dedication to the preservation of our planet’s most vulnerable turtle species, I am filled with gratitude for each and every one of you who stand alongside us in our mission.
Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, from our successful breeding programs of some of the world’s rarest turtles at the Turtle Survival Center, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023 (see p. 8), to innovative conservation initiatives worldwide. Yet, there is still much work to be done. As a conservation biologist, my journey has taken me from the classroom to the wild, untamed landscapes where wildlife and human coexistence offer sobering reminders to double down on our efforts. The threats facing these ancient creatures persist, demanding our unwavering commitment and innovative solutions.
This magazine serves as a celebration of our progress, a reflection of our shared dedication, and a call to action for the road ahead. Within its pages, you will find stories of hope, resilience, and perseverance.
From Malaysia, where poachers turned Terrapin
Guardians now defend the critically endangered Southern River Terrapin (see p. 44), to Colombia, where genetics chart the course for successful reintroductions of Redfooted Tortoises (see p. 16), to our program in Madagascar, where we are forging the way back home for thousands of confiscated tortoises (see p. 33), each article underscores the transformative impact of our collective efforts.
As we look to the future, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting these irreplaceable species. Thank you for your unwavering support, your tireless advocacy, and your boundless passion for conservation.
With gratitude,
Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux CEO and President
Chelsea Rinn
A hatchling Bourret’s Box Turtle (Cuora bourreti) produced at the Turtle Survival Center, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023 (see p. 8).
About the Cover: This hatchling Spiny Hill Turtle (Heosemys spinosa) was born on March 19, 2024. It is one of nearly 1,000 hatchlings produced from 27 species and subspecies at the Turtle Survival Center since its inception in 2013 (see p. 8). Photo: Chelsea Rinn • Back Cover: Twenty of the 1,000 Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) we reintroduced to the wild in Madagascar in February 2023 were equipped with radio transmitters and GPS loggers (shown here on the pinnacle of the shell) to provide us with finite data of their movements post-release (see p. 33).
TURTLE SURVIVAL 2023 | TURTLESURVIVAL.ORG | 1 Jordan Gray
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
Contents of this publication should be cited as: Author. (2024) Article Title. Turtle Survival, pp. xx-xx. Stories from the Field 8 Turtle Survival Center: Ten Years of Success 16 Down the Double-Helix 18 Giving Back to Nature 20 A Desert Divided 22 Tiny Turtle, Big Threats 24 Wild Wonders 26 Bayous, Beaches, and Bogs 30 It Takes a Village 33 A Strategy for Survival 40 Committed to Madagascan Tortoises 42 Connecting the Crevices 44 Terrapin Guardians 46 Faces of Turtle Conservation News & Announcements 2 About Us 5 20th Anniversary 6 Board Updates 7 Staff Updates 48 Behler Turtle Conservation Award 50 Pritchard Turtle Conservation Award 52 Turtle Conservation Fund Report 52 Student Awards: 21st Annual Symposium 53 Disney Conservation Hero Awards 55 Drink Beer. Save Turtles.® Partners 56 Donor Recognition 59 Partner Recognition
Photo: Brett Bartek
Turtle Survival Alliance is a global conservation organization that works to create a planet where tortoises and freshwater turtles can thrive in the wild. Our science-based initiatives are directed by local leaders, inspiring sustainable, community-based stewardship to prevent extinctions. Where populations cannot yet thrive in the wild, our captive breeding programs preserve opportunities for their future survival.
Our Mission
To protect and restore wild populations of tortoises and freshwater turtles through sciencebased conservation, global leadership, and local stewardship.
Our Vision
A planet where turtles thrive in the wild, and are respected and protected by all humans.
What We Do
• Conservation Breeding
• Field Research and Monitoring
• Rescue and Rehabilitation
• Head Start and Reintroduction
• Training and Capacity Building
• Education and Outreach
• Community Engagement
• Habitat Protection
• Participatory Science
• Advocacy
@TurtleSurvival turtlesurvival.org
Devin Welch, TSA-NAFTRG (Turtle Survival Alliance North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group) volunteer reaches out to collect a wild Suwannee Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) in the crystalline waters of Manatee Springs State Park during a scientific research sampling session for our long-term population monitoring efforts there.
TURTLE SURVIVAL 2023 | TURTLESURVIVAL.ORG | 3
Bill Hawthorne
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