Posted on: 2019-03-15 10:30:41
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Turtle news we found interesting recently.
Sea turtle nesting season is back in the US! And some other countries, too.
Turtles will be coming out of hibernation soon, and it’s time to start thinking about how to protect them.
That includes box turtles!
Also, something good comes from that huge oil spill.
There’s a new turtle exhibit at SeaWorld San Antonio.
And of course there’s another turtle trafficking story. At least the trafficker was caught and the turtles rescued. But the man who threw a turtle may get away with it?
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Recent Box Turtle News
Ornate box turtles in the news! Two states are working hard to protect their ornate boxie populations. But first they need to know how big those populations are.
Surveying Kansas’ ornate box turtles: Seven zoos in Kansas are working together to learn how many boxies still live in the state and figure out how to keep them safe. After all, the ornate box turtle is Kansas’ state reptile! Includes video.
Protecting Iowa’s ornate box turtles: Iowa is also concerned about the fate of its only land turtle. The Bur Oak Land Trust is bringing in “turtle dogs” to help survey the boxies living on one of its properties.
Recent U. S. Turtle News
It’s that time of year again: Beach patrol volunteers needed. And kids get to sleep with the turtles! Plus more.
Volunteer for sea turtle nesting season: The Coastal Wildlife Club is looking for volunteers. (Englewood, Florida)
Sea turtle sleepovers at Loggerhead Marinelife Center: The Center has scheduled 3 events for this spring.
Other sea turtle news
Deepwater Horizon oil spill funds put to good use: Some of the money the company had to pay will help fund 6,300 acres of wildlife preserve. The area will include Kemp’s Ridley nesting grounds. 💚
Turtle Reef coming soon to SeaWorld San Antonio: A group of green sea turtles are waiting to make the park’s new attraction their home. Includes pictures & video.
Sudden spike in sick sea turtles: A record 26 sea turtles were spending time at the Brevard Zoo Sea Turtle Healing Center last weekend after 13 came in over 2 days.They’re not sure what caused the illnesses. The Turtle Hospital was able to take some of them earlier this week.
Miscellaneous turtle news
Add painted turtles to the list of animals in danger of turning all female: Like green turtles & other reptiles, nest temperatures determine the sex of the hatchlings. And warmer temperatures mean females. One researcher had hoped that temperature fluctuations during incubation could lead to enough males, but recent studies suggest that’s not the case.
Turtle abuse caught on camera: A man threw & kicked 2 turtles outside his home, causing cracked shells and bleeding. Police say they don’t have probable cause to arrest him. Additional reporting here. Includes video.
Recent International Turtle News
Dubai is excited about its nesting season, more evidence sea turtles really do return to the beach where they hatched, and a turtle election mascot sounds awesome.
Plus more
But first, some good news about a little turtle far from home:
JC the loggerhead ready to meet his fans:The turtle was cold-stunned back in January & rescued from a County Donegal beach. He still needs more rehab but is doing well enough to entertain visitors. The Aquarium plans to eventually release JC to the sea. Includes pictures. (Ireland)
Sea turtle nesting & hatchling news
Sea turtle beating the nesting crowds: A flatback sea turtle came ashore on a beach in Darwin (Australia) last week. These turtles mostly nest between June and August, and this one may not have actually nested. Includes pictures.
Nesting season has begun in Dubai: It began with the exciting news that, for the 1st time, hawksbill turtles chose Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary for their nests.
Tagged as babies, they’re now back nesting on the beach of their birth: Gahirmatha marine sanctuary is a popular Olive Ridley nesting site. And this year forest rangers have confirmed about 40 of the nesting females have flipper tags that were placed more than a decade ago. 💚
The Sri Lanka Navy loves sea turtles: The Navy works on several turtle conservation projects, including releasing hatchlings to the sea. Good for them!
Strong winds sending sea turtle hatchlings back to shore: Two Oceans Aquarium asks that if you find any you don’t put them back in the water. Bring them to someone who can get them to the Aquarium. (South Africa)
Other turtle news
Who wants a turtle as election mascot? The better question would be who wouldn’t?! But in all seriousness, Cooch Behar in West Bengal, India wants to raise awareness of its black softshell turtle by making it the city’s election mascot. This turtle apparently exists only in one pond at a temple, so this seems like a worthy effort.
Rescuing turtles in the Maldives is a dream come true: After 18 months on the job, Dr. Claire Lomas is still excited to spend her days nursing injured turtles back to health & send them back to sea.
Turtles disappearing from the Murray River: A survey of the turtles that call the river their home shows their numbers still dropping. In some areas researchers found no turtles at all. 🙁 (Australia)
Help protect Cootes Paradise turtles: The Dundas Turtle Watch needs volunteers again this year. (Ontario)
Another turtle trafficker arrested: When will they learn? In this case officials rescued 25 Indian soft shell turtles. He could face up to 7 years in prison.