UK’s Invasive Species Act doesn’t stop Michael Butcher, who’s rescued over 1,000 turtles
“My dream is to build a federation of turtle sanctuaries across Britain.”
Despite the Act and higher operating costs than received donations, a man inspired by turtles has still taken in an amazing number of unwanted ones. What started as a love for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has blossomed into a love for all things turtle, and now Michael’s home and back garden are a turtle sanctuary.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: ‘crossover month” underway at Sea Turtle and Rescue Rehabilitation Center in NC, nesting activity asked to be reported
Bermuda: looks like sea turtle nests are returning, says Bermuda Turtle Project
USA: Loggerhead sea turtles returned in good numbers to Sea Oats Beach on Lower Matecumbe Key, FL
Crime & Punishment
India: “world’s third most wanted smuggler” of rare species of turtles arrested and convicted for trade spread across Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong, China, and Madagascar
Ecology
USA: “human-driven shifts” in Crystal River region possibly driving away multiple species of sea turtles
Education
USA: learn about intern Carrie Zamonski’s sea turtle experience with Bald Head Island Conservancy in North Carolina
Miscellany
India: Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea gigantea) greet visitors at zoo in Telangana
UK: Becki the stolen leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) back home
Did You Know…
According to the UK’s Invasive Species Act, “Existing law does not contain sufficient powers to allow for their timely and effective control or eradication.”
Read more about the UK’s Invasive Species Act here.
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Photo from SWNS.
