Matt Knight

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). […]

Fishing piers and hooks leading to sea turtle injuries 3 highly endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) have been treated so far at the South Carolina Aquarium after swallowing fish hooks near two piers in Myrtle Beach. Fishermen are encouraged to use circle hooks rather than J-hooks or treble hooks to help protect them. Check out the video about plastic pollution in the ecology

Soft shell turtles may have evolved due to metabolism, study finds Small changes in the structure of amino acids have been shown to greatly alter cellular respiration, helping scientists at Oxford University link energy requirements to the evolution of soft shell turtles. The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is a curious exception since it appears to have developed its soft shell for regulating temperature instead. Turtle News

Decoded genome may help tortoise win race to survive Arizona State University’s School of Life Sciences recently decoded the desert tortoise’s (Gopherus agassizii) genome, allowing for more specific methods of protection to be developed. Due to issues of habitat loss, invasive plants and animals, and illnesses, this knowledge can go a long way. Turtle News From Around the World Conservation USA- Virginia Aquarium releases 100th

Volunteers move turtles in Annapolis Harbor before beneficial renovation Because they don’t leave the scene like most other wildlife, helpful volunteers made sure that the various turtle populations were safely captured and temporarily transferred to another location. The renovation of the pond will increase the quality of the habitat and environment. Check out the videos of a sea turtle being helped back to the ocean

Study of Gopherus agassizii shows translocated tortoises having possible mating issues Genetic testing of hatchling desert tortoises in California has shown that none of them are offspring of the 570 tortoises that were translocated to the area four years ago. While scientists aren’t sure why the introduced adult males aren’t breeding, this information can be used to look further into the issue of translocation as

University of Missouri-Columbia discovers genetic pathways changed in Chrysemis picta through BPA exposure It’s been known that exposure to Bisphenol A, a chemical found in many plastics that constantly finds its way into the environment, can affect the reproductive processes of the painted turtle. Scientists have recently discovered exactly how it occurs at the genetic level, and they hope that this knowledge will help others

Australia- Currumbin Wildlife Hospital swamped by freshwater turtles flushed downstream in big wet More than 30 injured freshwater turtles are convalescing at the hospital after being flushed from their homes and washed downstream when the region’s creek systems overflowed. Turtle News From Around the World Conservation India- Shastikars catch rare sight of turtle hatchlings Crime & Punishment USA- Turtle taken from area grocery, after abuse

USA- Wekiva turtles have been caught and studied for decades What happens to those reptiles over generations may correlate with changes in spring flows, water purity, climate and other environmental factors. The North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group is part of the Turtle Survival Alliance, which promotes global protection of turtles and tortoises. The research group focuses on Florida, Texas, Tennessee and Pennsylvania waters, and