Steve Enders

Conservationist murders threaten Costa Rica’s eco-friendly reputation In May of 2013, a young conservationist was killed on a beach by poachers, as he protected sea turtle eggs. In January, all 7 men tried for the crime were acquitted, as evidence was thrown out because it violated protocol or seemingly disappeared from the courthouse. Sadly, this is a growing problem – in Costa Rica and around […]

Researchers publish paper detailing the travel patterns of 15 Leatherback Sea Turtles Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) have been a staple in this week’s chelonian news. Researchers just published a new paper detailing the travel patterns of 15 Leatherbacks who summer in New England then head south for the winter. They surprised researchers right from the start, heading out into the open sea instead of

Leatherback Sea Turtle lands in South Carolina Aquarium for treatment A sick Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) was admitted to South Carolina Aquarium this past weekend. This has turned out to be quite a challenge, both to get the turtle, named “Yawkey”, to the aquarium and provide space for treatment. One can only imagine, seeing as Yawkey weighs almost 500 pounds and is more than

Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, receives 7,400 acres of protected land. Similarly to the Bog Turtle preserve that was recently established in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a 7,400 acre plot of land has been established as the Fenner Valley Desert Tortoise Conservation Bank. The undeveloped properties enrolled in the Bank are located in area designated by the USFWS as critical habitat for Gopherus agassizii. This is an