Migration: The key to survive global warming
A fossil of an extinct tropical turtle species, Gomphochelys nanus, was found in Wyoming and gives the first evidence that turtles used to migrate north when the climate warmed 50,000 years ago. Today’s turtles could do the same if global temperatures rise. However, this might be a huge problem since turtle and tortoise habitats keep shrinking because of urbanization, offering them fewer places where to migrate to.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Poaching and killing of the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is dramatically decreasing in Chennai, India.
Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) harvesting is now banned in New Jersey. A bill to make this moratorium permanent is now making its way through the NJ Legislature.
Brookfield Zoo, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the DuPage Forest Preserve working together on turtles conservation.
Protection
From now until october, it’s turtle nesting season in Florida.
Did You Know…
Batagur trivittata was considered extinct until 2002. Indeed, this species was last seen in 1930, until Gerald Kuchling discovered 3 specimens alive in a pond. Subsequent research revealed the existence of a small living group in the wild.
With more than 150 eggs layed in 2013 on top of every annual clutches laid by the TSA’s (Turtle Survival Alliance) captive breeding colonies, this species now has more than 700 specimens alive.
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Photo from Jeff Gage/Florida Museum of Natural History
