TSA Partner Brad Morris (Reptile Breeders, Inc) reports that he has established seven new breeding groups of the rare Vietnamese endemic
Mauremys annamensis, which will contribute substantially to the genetic diversity of the U.S. captive population. Brad is the TMG coordinator
for this species, ranked Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. With a long term group of captives, Brad was able to create six groups
consisting of 1.3, and one with 1.6; in total 31 animals are involved in this
project.

These single male groups will produce progeny with at least partially known ancestry (the sire), and will lend themselves well to studbook and genetic management. This breeding scheme has the potential to preserve a considerable amount of genetic diversity, and the progeny will be offered to other TMG participants.

The annamensis TMG is a global program with counterpart efforts in Europe and Asia. The highly successful program at the Turtle Conservation Center at Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam, anchors the range state assurance colony for this species and provides an outlet for the future repatriation of this species to their native land.
Funding for the annamensis breeding environments was provided, in part, by Reptile Breeders, Inc.
A family oriented project, Brad’s nine year old son, William, is also involved, performing day to day husbandry chores.