After Hurricane Harvey, sulcata tortoise and other animals rescued by heroic humans
Because they can’t swim, a sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) would have surely perished had it not been for the incredible actions by a number of people after the hurricane. Billy Hutson, Alen Pogue, Shane Montie, and others risked their safety in order to rescue numerous species including reptiles, dogs, cats, and even a deer. Check out the videos in the article to see these real life heroes!
ALSO: two turtles found recently that need to find their way home! In miscellany section.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Mote the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) released in FL after swallowing hook
Crime & Punishment
India: Dehli airport to increase watch for turtle smugglers
Education
India: learn about star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) smuggling and how wildlife trafficking isn’t just about consuming
Miscellany
USA: Lady’s Island, SC Russian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfeildii) found, owner not located
Canada: Saskatoon red eared slider (Trachemys scripta) found, owner not located
Did You Know…
The star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is found in India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Its star-like patterns provide camouflage, but they also increase its beauty. Besides being the most valuable reptile targeted by wildlife traffickers, they face other challenges such as habitat loss and hunting. While the IUCN designates their status as vulnerable rather than endangered, it’s important to protect their populations now due to their slow reproductive rate and overcollection.
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Photo from Billy Hutson.
