Management of a sustainable captive population of the critically endangered Sulawesi forest turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi) has been a priority of the TSA since its inception. A Taxon Management Plan was established in 2003 to develop a census of the known worldwide captive specimens of this species, monitor reproductive efforts, and facilitate breeding exchanges. Over the past nine years, approximately seventy founder specimens have been reported to the TMP, and we strongly suspect that there may be an additional one hundred specimens in captivity. Beginning as early as 1998, observations of captive females indicated that they generally produce only one (rarely two) eggs per clutch, and that they may lay several clutches per year. For several years, eggs were produced in several collections but appeared to be infertile. The first known hatching in captivity occurred in 2003 in the collection of the author. Since that time, slow but steady improvement has been seen in egg fertility, hatching, and rearing success at several private facilities and zoological institutions. To date, five hatchings have occurred in the author’s collection, “several” hatchings have occurred in the collection of a private breeder in California, one hatching occurred in the collection of Brian Duracka, two hatchings in the collection of TSA member Frank Passamonte, and one hatching in the collection of TSA member Dr. Greg Fleming.

Among zoos, the first and most sustained success has been achieved by the Münster Zoo, Germany, which reported five hatchings between 2006 and 2010. In the United States, a hatchling recently emerged at Zoo Atlanta, and most recently, a hatchling emerged at Denver Zoo on January 23, 2012. Hatchlings have generally been hardy, although several have died soon after birth and one died at five years of age. At this time, we are aware of at least twelve surviving captive bred juveniles. To date, five of these specimens have been relocated among TSA partners for long-term rearing. We hope to successfully raise these to adulthood, and eventually making genetically sound breeding recommendations for these individuals.

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The plight of the planet's tortoises and turtles -- creatures that have roamed the Earth for 220 million years -- has never been greater, according to the newly released report "Turtles in Trouble: Top 25+ Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles ."  It shows the world's 25 most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles will become extinct in the next few decades without concerted conservation efforts.

In recent years, the interest among European zoos and privates regarding breeding Asian turtles, with an emphasis on species of the genus Cuora, has been increasing (see also the TSA Newsletter 2008). This is due to the conservation status of a number of species (classified into the highest IUCN threat categories) and thus also the difficulty or impossibility of obtaining specimens.