Conservation efforts take place all around the world, all the time, and involve diverse members of the community. No matter your age, you can help.
Reintroducing the Radiated Tortoise
In Southern Madagascar, a community-based conservation program is working on behalf of the critically endangered radiated tortoise. This reintroduction program relies on public awareness and education to empower locals to protect wild tortoise populations and those released as part of the program. Without public support to prevent the causes of the population declines, a reintroduction program will not work.
Heading to the Beach
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida, is one of many marine turtle conservation centers that protect nests and patrol beaches to prevent predation from poachers. On-site biologists evaluate the success of hatching, and their education department carries out extensive outreach to teach locals what they can do to protect marine turtles.
Bringing Turtles Home
The Behler Chelonian Center in California recently carried out the first repatriation of the golden coin turtle, which is a critically endangered species found in China. These turtles were bred in captivity at the center and flown back “home” in 2013. They now form an important part of this newly introduced species.
New Efforts
In 2012, the Turtle Survival Alliance and the World Conservation Society joined forces to launch a new program in Colombia. Home to 27 species of turtles, Colombia is a key location for conservation in South America. One of the program’s goals is to improve the country’s zoos and rescue centers. Another is to support the conservation program for the threatened Magdalena River turtle.