Turtle Conservancy

The Turtle Conservancy is dedicated to protecting threatened turtles and tortoises and their habitats worldwide, and to promoting their appreciation by people everywhere. We envision a world where all species of turtles and tortoises thrive, ultimately, in the wild.

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After decades of Mexico's borders being closed to wildlife trade, the Mexican Spotted Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys rubida rubida) has been increasingly seen for sale illegally in the United States and further abroad. This rise in pet sales is a big problem for this and many other species native to Mexico.

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South Africa Tortoise Preserve Update: For the past week or so a few of the Turtle Conservancy's scientists have been on our preserve in South Africa marking and documenting Geometric Tortoises as well as overseeing the brand new perimeter fence being built. There are an estimated 800-1000 Critically Endangered Geometric Tortoises on our preserve making it one of the most robust populations known.

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The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is the smallest turtle in North America, if not the world. However, because of this it's often overlooked and is also North America's most endangered species of turtle or tortoise. They are native to sphagnum bogs and vernal pools along the eastern United States and create elaborate networks of tunnels in native grasses and the mud, which they sometimes share with other animals. Their populations are threatened by development of wetlands and the pet trade. Sadly, most do not survive long in captivity due to their very specific habitat requirements.

They are famous for their bright orange cheeks, which some of our staff were lucky enough to see this past weekend near our New York office!

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Listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Northern Red-bellied Cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris) is a species from our own backyard in need of help. Habitat loss, fragmentation, pollution, and adverse effects from invasive species all threaten its survival.

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Happy Turtle Tuesday! The Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle (Geoemyda japonica) is a  species of turtle endemic to the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. And was designated a National Natural Monument of Japan in 1975. We breed this rare and endangered species at our conservation center to ensure its preservation. 

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Male Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) stand out from the ladies because of their bright red eyes, which can come in handy this time of year when they're out searching for a mate.

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The Kavalai Forest Turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica) is a small rare turtle from the Western Ghats of India. Threatened by deforestation and collection from its habitat, it is imperative that we implement protected areas and monitoring of this endangered species.

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This Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) may have a feisty personality, but for good reason, they are the most commonly consumed species in East Asia, especially in turtle soup. It is estimated that as many as 90 million are farmed and sold each year. And because of their popularity both as food and as pets, they have been introduced to many countries where they are not native.

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The Critically Endangered Madagascar Big-headed Turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis) is the 15th most endangered turtle species in the world. Like many of Madagascar's species they fall victim to habitat destruction, local consumption, and illegal export.

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An Endangered Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) basking at our conservation center. This species, from India and Bangladesh, is threatened due to habitat destruction, as well as illegal consumption and trade.

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Two Parrot-beaked Tortoises (Homopus areolatus) hatched at our conservation center this weekend! This small South African species is notoriously difficult to breed in captivity. They are threatened in the wild by habitat destruction, roads, the pet trade, and introduced species. These hatchlings represent an important step in the conservation of their species.

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It is starting to feel like spring and as the weather warms turtles all over the country are becoming more active. So, make sure to watch out for our hard shelled friends like this Florida Red-bellied Cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) as they cross roadways!

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Guerrero Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima pulcherrima)

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 Painted Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima manni)

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It's easy to see where the Indian Tent or Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta) gets its name. The trademark roof-shaped shell helps this species, which is an excellent swimmer, navigate through moving streams and rivers. They are native to Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

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As we were going through our archives today, we came across this photo of a beautiful Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) from the Mojave Desert. These tortoises have declined throughout their range where their habitat has been heavily degraded by a multitude of human activities.