Lonesome George lives on: genome study of giant tortoises explores size, longevity, and resistance
Comparison of these genomes with those of a diverse range of species unlocks a treasure trove of secrets about how giant tortoises get to be so large, long-lived (typically up to a century) and resistant to infections and cancer.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) released at Juno Beach, FL, 20 new patients arrive at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Caribbean Netherlands: recent study explores low cost conservation methods to allow for more males in sea turtle nests
USA: New Hampshire’s Nongame Program seeks support for spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) conservation
Crime & Punishment
China: 75 Chinese box turtles (Cuora flavomarginata) found in professional but illegal setup
Ecology
India: marine turtles begin nesting at Great Nicobar beaches
Education
USA: learn more about cold-stunning and saving sea turtles in the northeast US
Seychelles: learn more about turtle conservation from two volunteers at Conservation Centre at Banyan Tree
Health & Medical
Study: over 100 sea turtles examined, plastic found in every gut
Did You Know…
A cultural icon, Lonesome George was the last of the species Chelonoidis abingdonii and passed away on June 24th, 2012. Learn more about him here.
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Photo from Rodrigo Buendia/AFP/Getty.