Ancient DNA extracted from 1,000-year-old extinct tortoise from the Bahamas
Thousands of years ago, the Bahamas was home to a large tortoise that died out shortly after human occupation in the islands began. Thanks to intrepid explorers probing the depths of a blue hole (water-filled sinkhole) on the island of Abaco, scientists have been able to study the astonishing remains of this extinct species. The quality of preservation was high enough that the bones had potential to still have intact DNA. A new study recently published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B titled “Tropical ancient DNA reveals relationships of the extinct Bahamian giant tortoise Chelonoidis alburyorum” highlights the team’s findings. Click the first link to read more…
Plus many upcoming events to become involved in and a large number of sea turtle releases.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA:- Turtle Crossing in Wisconsin and citizen science
India:- Operation Oliva fails to check turtle deaths
Galapagos:- Hundreds of Giant Tortoises Released Back into the Wild
Philippines:- Students help 100 baby sea turtles reach the sea at Subic
Philippines:- Endangered turtle hatchlings released in Quezon
UK:- Exeter research helps protect Caretta caretta
Biology
Australia:- Turtle secrets uncovered
Blog
Galapagos:- Encounters with the Giant Tortoises
Health & Medical
USA:- Virus spreading in Chelonia mydas population: video
USA:- Macrochelys temminckii freed from a Houston drain pipe is rehabilitated and released
USA:- Rehabilitated sea turtles released from Padre Island: video
UK:- Tortoise developed arthritis has to have wheels fitted
USA:- Caretta caretta rescued and released the same day
USA:- Chelonia mydas turtles stunned by cold weather released at Isla Blanca Park
Taiwan:- Chelonia mydas makes unscheduled visit to power plant
Events
Australis:- It’s time to Talk Turtle
USA:- 2017 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium
Australia:- Community encouraged to clean-up beaches for turtle hatchlings
USA:- Desert Tortoise Conservation Biology Spring 2017
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Photo from Virginia Museum of Natural History.
