ATCN – May 6, 2008
Efforts to Save the Species: Rafetus on the Move in China
A quick update from the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) on efforts to bring the world’s only known captive Rafetus swinhoei together in hopes that the pair will breed. 

The Indonesian Institute of Sciences – May 1, 2008 (posted)
The endangered Sulawesi tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii): Behavior, habitat, population in the wild, and harvest level
An interim report to the TCF by Awal Riyanto, Achmad Farajallah, and Jarot Arisona on a study carried out in late 2007 examining the status of the forest turtle of Sulawesi.
ATCN Note:  Posted on this website with permission of the author.

Magnolia Press - Posted May 2,2008
Naming one of the world’s rarest chelonians, the southern Batagur
A paper published in 2008 splits Batagur baska into two species; Batagur baska historically distributed from Pakistan to Myanmar and Batagur affinis, distributed in the southern Malay peninsula and Sumatra.  The taxonomic identification of Batagur in northern Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia remain unclear. 
ATCN Note:  This paper is available in the ATCN online library with permission from the author.  

Wildlife Alliance - April 30, 2008
Successful turtle and python rescue along the Cambodian-Thai border
A press release on the seizure of 418.5 kg of turtles and pythons by wildlife protection officers representing three native species; Hieremys annandalii, Cuora amboinensis, and Malayemys subtrijuga. 
ATCN NOTE:  Wildlife Alliance incorrectly asserts in their press release that Hieremys annandalii is a species of cultural importance in Cambodia and carvings are inscribed on the walls of Angkor temples.  In fact, Batagur baska is the species considered of cultural importance in Cambodia, known as the Royal Turtle and found on the walls of Angkorian temples. 

TRAFFIC - April 25,2008
Bangkok market a hub for illegal international trade in freshwater turtles and tortoises
A press release on a new report by TRAFFIC on the exotic turtle trade in Bangkok's weekend market where 25 out of 27 species documented during surveys were non-native, including species listed on Appendix 1 of CITES.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - April 25,2008
Indian narrow-headed soft-shell to benefit from survey and head-start initiative
A brief abstract from summarizing a project funded by the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Cleveland Zoological Society focused on conservation of Chitra chitra.

Science Daily - April 19, 2008
Almost extinct turtle discovered living in the wild of the northern Vietnam
A new article on the discovery of the only known living example of Rafetus swinhoei in the wild.

Asian Turtle Program - April 17, 2008
Discovering a Legend
A press release from the Asian Turtle Program on the discovery of the world's last known remaining Rafetus swinhoei in the wild.

The Times of India - April 16,2008
Tortoise Thieves
A news story on the seizure of 335 Indian star tortoises from the luggage of a passenger at India's Chennai International Airport who was boarding a flight to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

Education for Nature - Vietnam (ENV) - April 16,2008
Film to Strengthen Public Awareness and Help Protect Turtles
ENV and Asian Turtle Program (ATP) have released a new short educational film produced depicting the journey of a turtle from forest to market from the perspective of the turtle. A U-tube connection is included in the PDF document

Asian Turtle program - April 8 , 2008
The Legend of Hoan Kiem turtle
A translation of the legend of the Hoan Kiem turtle

Turtle Conservation Fund – March 28, 2008
TCF Announces Call for Proposals
The TCF is accepting proposals for the next round of funding for turtle conservation projects worldwide.  The deadline is May 1, 2008.  Grants range up to $5,000 USD.

Asian Turtle Program – March 26, 2008
Training aims to encourage interest in turtles
The ATP has completed its fourth annual chelonian field skills training course for students and young professionals. Eleven students attended this year’s course at Cuc Phuong National Park.

Reuters – March 4, 2008
Pig’s Feet, Turtle Blood Fuel Japan Beauty Trend
A news article on the consumption of turtles in Japan by women as part of a growing beauty trend.  Reuters – March 4, 2008

Chelonian Research Foundation – Posted February 2008
Turtle taxonomy: Methodology, recommendations, and guidelines.
A paper from the recent genetics workshop proposing a set of guidelines for naming of species.

Chelonian Research Foundation – Posted February 2008
An annotated list of modern turtle terminal taxa with comments on areas of taxonomic instability and recent change.
A new paper listing all of the world’s known turtle species and clarifying recent nomenclature.

ATCN Correspondence – February 19, 2008
Preserving Tissue samples in ethanol
A brief correspondence relayed by Bryan Stuart on preserving tissues for DNA analysis in ethanol.

Mindanao Bureau – February 2, 2008 (Philippines)
No Way Home for 71 Turtles
A new article about the recent release of 71 Cuora amboninensis that had been confiscated by Philippine authorities.

See more turtle news...