Smithsonian’s National Zoo Celebrates Monumental Step Forward In Conservation
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has a success to be proud of. After ten dedicated years of research and husbandry, two Cuora bourreti finally emerged from painstakingly incubated eggs. Lauren Augustine, the manager of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan studbook for the species said that after years of infertile eggs and premature fatalities, this success is an incredible accomplishment. She reports that the success is likely due to a lower than normal brumation temperature during the previous winter, as well as communication of valuable information with other zoos, rescues, and breeders. Augustine also works to ensure sufficient genetic diversity within the Species Survival Plan studbook program. Due to poaching the species is declining at a rapid rate and organizations such as the Turtle Survival Alliance are partnering with zoos to ensure that these turtles are here for years to come.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Awesome video of runner rescuing sea turtle in unexpected location
AU: Turtles Australia raises money for conservation while promoting education
USA: Read the latest newsletter from the Turtle Conservancy
USA: Traversing the swamp in search of a monster
Biology
USA: Wild felines may be disturbing sea turtles and damaging nests
Crime & Punishment
India: Decoding online language of illegal wildlife trade
Education
USA: Florida Oceanographic Society skypes with students worldwide
Health & Medical
USA: Those who dare to eat a Terrapene may be in for a deadly surprise
Asia: Coin-tossing practice is killing captive sea turtles
USA: Sea turtle with Fibropapilloma airlifted for surgery-VIDEO
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Photo from nationalzoo.si.edu.
