Australian Conservationist Takes His Hobby to Great Lengths Never Imagined
Who knew that what started for a Riverland, AU resident as a simple enjoyable hobby would turn into the revival of a species threatened with extinction? After 60 years in the commercial turtle business, John Bannear now operates a turtle sanctuary dedicated to breeding and head-starting Emydura macquarii. He maintains an outstanding yearly release rate of 900 hatchlings and boasts a completely fenced in property for his program, due to the fact that predation by foxes causes a 90% fatality rate in this species. Bannear believes that more sanctuaries would greatly benefit these turtles, but worries about the fact that most facilities eventually become zoos; moreover, he states that the ideal solution is to create conservation strategies within the native habitat to prevent the extinction of this prehistoric species.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Another warning to yield for passing turtles
UK: Sea turtle released after regaining strength on board vessel
Biology
USA: Awesome results with a game camera
Crime & Punishment
UK: Celebrity caught with endangered turtle shells
Ecology
UK: Balloon race determined to be dangerous for sea turtles
Education
USA: Find out about native Terrapene carolina carolina
USA: Students from National University to present at symposium
This Week In Turtles…
It’s International Turtle and Tortoise Week! Let’s celebrate by doing something to benefit these incredible and beautiful miracles of Creation!
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Photo from Isabel Dayman.
