Edinboro University biologists examine endangered turtle species
Dr. Peter Lindeman, along with senior biology students Chelsea Gale and Ashley Gibson, have conducted a study of often overlooked freshwater turtle species in LA and MS to help determine their needs for protection. Species include the ringed sawback turtle (Graptemys oculifera), yellow-blotched sawback turtle (Graptemys flavimaculata), Pascagoula map turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi), and Pearl map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis).
Check out the video of an olive ridley sea turtle who beat the odds sunbathing happily! (Health and medical section)
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Cambodia- 150 rare Pelochelys cantorii released into Mekong River
USA- Citizens in FL unkowingly illegally marking off sea turtle nests
Crime & Punishment
USA- 2 Gopherus polyphemus killed in FL, culprit(s) still at large (WARNING: graphic details)
Ecology
Nicaragua- First privately funded sea turtle project focused on sustainable tourism, turtle releases
USA- Tropical Storm Cindy destroys sea turtle nests in FL (PICS)
Health & Medical
UK- rescued Lepidochelys olivacea sunbathing after beating the odds (VIDEO)
Miscellany
Canada- Chelydra serpentina sculpture focused on Indiginous identity coming to Toronto (AUDIO)
USA- Residents in MA come together to rescue snapping turtle (AUDIO)
Did You Know…
While their intentions are good, citizens who mark sea turtle nests are not only breaking the law- they risk disturbing the natural nesting process. Females may be scared away from completing the process, which can hurt the overall number of turtles that hatch later. Marked nests can also be targeted by poachers or others who may not have those same good intentions.
Question or Concerns? Want to submit an article to get posted? Email us at [email protected].
Photo from Edinborough University.