Efforts around the World

Nest protection and headstarting projects are underway in India, one of which aims to save the red-crowned roofed turtle.

Turtle Survival Alliance India

Turtle Survival Alliance India is headed by Shailendra Singh, who works tirelessly with his research crew to save the country’s critically endangered turtles. 

One of their projects involves a nest protection and headstarting program for the red-crowned roofed turtle. Nests are relocated to one central area, where they can be guarded night and day from poachers. The hatchlings are either released after hatching, or brought to TSA India’s facility in Madhya Pradesh (the Deori Eco-Centre) to be raised until their chances of survival will be increased. TSA India has recently started conducting a post-release study of these headstarted turtles, tracking 10 individuals to determine survival. The organization also puts much emphasis on the education of local communities and prevention of poaching.

The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia

The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia, co-founded by Chan Eng Heng, carries out extensive field work and an ambitious education program. They have headstarted Southern River terrapins and released them into the Setiu River in Terengganu. The multi-year study evaluating the success of these headstarted turtles is showing great success. Their education program involves members of the community (of all ages). These local members are also integral to their headstarting program, housing the eggs and hatchlings at their homes.

Endangered in Madagascar

In Madagascar, ploughshare tortoises are critically endangered due to collection for the pet market. Collaboration between conservation and research organizations has led to field monitoring of the situation — conducting population surveys, collecting blood samples and screening for disease. Transmitters were placed on 23 wild tortoises. They will be tracked by local park patrolmen in Baly Bay to collect basic field data.

Working with the Enemy

Some former poachers of turtles have turned their skills toward conservation. Biologists realized that these individuals possessed unique skills in finding endangered turtles and their nests. They began to hire the poachers — making it more profitable to protect than poach. Sadly, many poachers still illegally take turtles and eggs from the wild in order to sell them. Educating the public not to buy these products — either for pets, food or medicine — is the key to taking away the market for illegally harvested turtles.