Perth Zoo continues to champion the cause of this unique turtle
Perth Zoo has been a leader in conserving the Western Swamp Turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina) since 1989, having bred more than 800 and released 668 into the wild to boost numbers. New populations have been established at two key locations. A new facility, incorporating some new innovations, will help Perth Zoo continue their good work with this unique and highly-endangered species. The zoo has 49 ponds they keep the species in that use 30,000-50,000 litres of fresh, clean water each day. The new facility has been designed so the water can be re-used across other parts of the zoo, including watering gardens and flushing the visitor toilets.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Nesting begins in South Carolina’s Lowcountry dunes; good year anticipated.
Gopher Tortoises dig Naples (FL) Preserve, but not every tortoise has a happy ending.
Already threatened, the Texas Tortoise faces danger from roadways.
A nice article about the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Tortoise Adoption Program.
Loggerhead released after 6-months spent rehabbing injuries sustained in a crocodile attack.
Another rehabbed sea turtle gets released.
High tide washes away Olive Ridley nests.
Education
New children’s book features sea turtles.
Wrightsville Beach 3rd Graders celebrate school’s first “Turtle Day”.
Crime and Punishment
Covington man gets a relative “slap on the wrist” for his part in a turtle smuggling ring.
India’s Airport Security Force foils smuggling attempt involving 500 turtles.
Miscellany
British Chelonia Group hosted another health check event for turtles and tortoises.
Tourists photobombed by sea turtle.
Did You Know…
The Western Swamp Turtle, (Pseudemydura umbrina) is not only one of the most-endangered turtles in the world, but is the most-endangered reptile in Australia. It is officially listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Redlist.
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Photo by Perth Zoo.
