Diamondback Terrapin Working Group
Diamondback terrapins were once common in brackish ecosystems along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, but have suffered from a long history of human exploitation. Current significant threats to this species include loss of nesting habitat, predation, harvest, encounters with automobiles, and incidental drowning in crab pots.
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In September 2004, Dr. Joseph A. Butler (University of North Florida) and George L. Heinrich organized a workshop on the ecology, status and conservation of this ecologically significant coastal wetland species. That workshop provided an opportunity for over 60 participants to share new research findings, discuss conservation concerns and establish a national Diamondback Terrapin Working Group. This initiative will work to unite all individuals and organizations concerned with the decline of the species and begin to lay the foundation for a rangewide conservation plan. The working group is committed to and supports research, management, conservation, and education efforts that benefit diamondback terrapin populations and their associated ecosystems within the sixteen state range.
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| Gopher Tortoise Council's Visiting Southeast Asian Turtle Researcher Project
The Asian Turtle Conservation Network reports "Evidence suggests that Asia's turtles are being systematically extirpated from nature to feed the insatiable demand from export markets. According to some estimates, as many as 15 million turtles are traded annually in the region, most of these ending up in China where the country's rapidly developing economy has generated demand for expensive foods and traditional medicines made from turtles. Of an estimated 90 species that are native to the region, more than 50% are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species."
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| Many biologists believe that the ongoing Asian turtle crisis may result in a significant extinction event. In response to this international conservation concern, the Gopher Tortoise Council initiated the Visiting Southeast Asian Turtle Researcher Project (VSATRP) in 2002 and facilitated the project for three consecutive summers. The VSATRP was a capacity-building program that provided an opportunity for Southeast Asian turtle researchers to learn new field techniques, as well as observe established gopher tortoise field research and conservation programs in action. Equally important, the researchers had an opportunity to network with a broad range of biologists, land managers and conservationists. The primary goal was to provide a well-rounded experience applicable to conservation efforts in Southeast Asia. |
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The Gopher Tortoise Council funded the participation of four researchers, one each from Cambodia, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The success of this international conservation project was largely due to the participation of a number of partner agencies/organizations and the support of financial donors. The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society's Asian Scholarship Program made this project feasible by providing international airfare and logistical support. Agencies and organizations that served as training sites included:
- Ashton Biodiversity Research & Preservation Institute (Archer, Florida)
- Camp Shelby Field Office, The Nature Conservancy (Camp Shelby, Mississippi)
- Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center (Newton, Georgia)
- Lee County Conservation 20/20 (Fort Myers, Florida)
- Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (Sanibel, Florida)
In addition, several other individuals and organizations provided valuable support and training opportunities. The Gopher Tortoise Council and its partners hope that this effort will prove to be of value in conserving Asian turtles.
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