Mass Relocation of Gopherus agassizii to be Carried out by the U.S. Marines
Fifteen hundred Gopherus agassizii will find themselves stripped of their home range this week. As a result of a vote from Congress, the Marine Corps have been granted 88,000 acres of land to add to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms. The marines will be partnering with biologists to insure the safe removal and transportation of every single animal. It has been reported that the relocation effort will not negatively effect the tortoises, but some scientists say that the spread of disease is a major risk, as well as sufficient natural resources in their new location. A striking amount of $53 million is being invested to complete this mass relocation and officials insist that the new land acquisition will increase security measures and benefit the country as a whole.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Marine institute releases formerly trapped sea turtle
India: Huge relief over sighting of hatchlings
AU: Warning for drivers to watch out for turtles after heavy rains
USA: Sea turtle release becomes the festival highlight
USA: Conservation of Gopherus polyphemus an important cause
Biology
USA: New high-tech pond design for the Chelonian Research Institute
Health & Medical
USA: Propeller victim makes a celebratory recovery-VIDEO
USA: Horrific sight on Florida beaches raises concern
Miscellany
USA: Shelter advises against keeping these snappers as pets
Africa: Motorist crashes trying to save tortoise
Did You Know…
Chelonians are the most endangered group of vertebrates.
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Photo from David Danelski.
