Posted on: 2017-09-19 10:30:01
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Interesting turtle news we found recently.
We have baby sea turtles finally making it to the sea, a call to help track Hawaii’s sea turtles, and a man who’d rather watch turtles than swim.
Plus turtle-related volunteer opportunities, more protections for Ontario’s turtles, and more.
Recent Box Turtle News
Nothing new on the box turtle front for today. But we still like these three stories:
- The world has 2 more keeled box turtles! These Asian boxies are endangered & breeding them has been hard. These two were born at the Bristol Zoo, which has been trying for 12 years! (England) 🐢 💗 🐢
- University of North Georgia studies Eastern box turtles: The project looks at the turtles’ home range and how they use their habitat.
- Ever wanted to study box turtles? Here’s your chance! The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for field assistants for 2018. It’s an unpaid internship, but it looks like fun!
Recent U. S. Turtle News
Recent stories we’ve found include a new map to help researchers and conservationists help the turtles. Also hatchlings finally make it to sea after Irma stranded them, and much more.
This is where our turtles live: The Tennessee Aquarium has created a map showing the “turtle communities” in North America. They hope it will help scientist figure out how best to help these endangered animals.
Adopt a Blanding’s turtle: It’s part of the Kane County, Illinois effort to protect the endangered turtle. You don’t get to actually bring it home, but you do get to name it.
And this man teaches school kids about Blanding’s: He’s working to protect them in Massachusetts. And one of his projects is to bring the turtles into schools to encourage the next generation of “turtle geeks.”
Help wildlife officials track Hawaii’s green sea turtles: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tagged 500 nesting sea turtles earlier this year. Now they need your help to find out where they headed next.
Watch Lilly the green sea turtle head back home: She was a little sick, but just two weeks of rehab got her all better. 💗
Would you give your swimming pool to turtles? This man did. 💗 (South Carolina)
Michelangelo is back home safe: Local police officers captured the runaway tortoise & got him back home “in time for pizza,” according to the departments FB page.
1500 sea turtle hatchlings are back in the sea: Many weren’t able to make it across the disturbed sand after hatching. Others got to the water but rough waves washed them back ashore. They all got another chance on Friday. 👍
Girl Scout Gold Award for protecting turtles: She helped raise awareness with the public on how everyone can do their part to protect the turtles. Her project included a website, brochures, and presentations. (Virginia)
Paper straws and reusable aluminum tumblers for vacationers: At least two Hawaii resorts (on Maui and Oahu) are reducing single-use plastics, like straws & cups.
Boats vs. Turtles: This dangerous combination rarely turns out well for the turtle. 😢 But they can be saved if they get help quick enough.
And don’t forget the Tour de Turtles! There’s still 43 days left. Also, Memphremagog Conservation still wants your turtle sightings:
- Follow the Tour de Turtles! : This fun but important project follows sea turtles for 3 months. It allows scientists to understand how they migrate from their nesting grounds to their feeding grounds.
- Help count turtles around northern Vermont & southern Quebec: Memphremagog Conservation Inc is asking residents to report turtle sightings. The census runs from June through October.
Recent International Turtle News
Stories include turtles found in the knick of time, volunteers needed x3, and concerns for Canada’s herps.
23 turtles saved from slaughter: Police witnessed six men slaughtering turtles and arrested them. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources took charge of the remaining turtles. (Philippines)
More turtle protections along Ontario’s Hwy 12: Improvements include nesting material and new fencing to keep them off the road.
Turtle conservation volunteers needed: Mon Repos Turtle Conservation needs volunteers for many positions … from answering visitors’ questions to keeping kids engaged in activities and getting groups ready for turtle watching. (Queensland, Australia)
Turtle Patrol volunteers needed: The Canadian Sea Turtle Network’s Beach Patrol project needs people to check beaches weekly for inured sea turtles. (Cape Breton area).
Take a volunteering vacation to help sea turtles: Enjoy Costa Rica by day; help sea turtles by night. Sounds like a win-win!
Canada’s herps are in trouble: And researchers met last weekend to discuss how to help them.