World Turtle News, 06/01/2017

Decoded genome may help tortoise win race to survive

Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences recently decoded the desert tortoise’s (Gopherus agassizii) genome, allowing for more specific methods of protection to be developed. Due to issues of habitat loss, invasive plants and animals, and illnesses, this knowledge can go a long way.

Turtle News From Around the World

Conservation

USA- Virginia Aquarium releases 100th sea turtle

USA- Scientists Track Endangered Sea Turtles In San Diego Bay

Crime & Punishment

China- Tortoise video sparks investigation

Ecology

USA- Gumbo Limbo gets set for World Oceans Day

Education

Canada- Turtle documentary wins at Yorkton Film Festival

Health & Medical

USA- Parasites disable Gulf sea turtles, warm waters the likely cause

Miscellany

USA- Ban Sought on Commercial Trapping of Wild Turtles in Texas

USA- Artist Matt Patterson Goes in Search of a Turtle Muse

USA- Aisling Millar McDonaldโ€™s sculpture gives voice to Amelia Islandโ€™s most vulnerable visitors

USA- search underway for a toddlerโ€™s sulcata (Centrochelys sulcata) in Waterbury, CT

Thailand- Coaxing turtle conservation out of its shell

Did You Know…

A major health issue facing the desert tortoises and others is upper respiratory disease (URD), which is caused by bacteria. It transfers easily from one carrier to another and can have devastating results for tortoise populations. Tortoises that overcome their infection can still be carriers. Finding more effective ways to treat or even prevent this epidemic would greatly benefit conservation efforts.

Question or Concerns? Want to submit an article to get posted? Email us at [email protected].

Photo from Sandra Leander/ASU.

Author

WTN Editor

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top