Turtle Survival Alliance

The Sundarbans Batagur is believed to be functionally extinct with only a few isolated specimens remaining in the wild, a victim of chronic and intensive fishing pressures and egg harvesting at nesting beaches.  Biologists are currently scouring turtle markets and private ponds in Bangladesh, vigilant for any opportunity that arises to acquire additional stock for a captive program, most likely the species’ only chance for survival. After the recent publication of a newspaper article in Bangladesh that highlighted the rarity of this species, the price of the occasional specimen that is found alive has significantly increased. By donating to this fund, you will not only potentially save a turtle from slaughter, you will help to bolster the TSA's breeding program, giving the species a chance at survival.

Belize

Wild populations of the Central American river turtle, locally known as the Hicatee, have undergone dramatic declines over the past 20 years, particularly in southern Mexico. Populations in Belize are heavily exploited but still represent the stronghold for this critically endangered turtle. Countrywide surveys in Spring 2010 confirmed the steadily declining state of this species, and training workshops are needed to continue training local NGOs in Hicatee monitoring techniques. In concert with the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education and other local partners, the TSA plans to launch a pilot husbandry program to determine how to reliably breed Dermatemys in captivity. Once techniques are developed they can be expanded to generate hatchlings that can be headstarted and released to help restore depleted or locally extinct populations.Your donation can help us launch this important program.

Colombia

Colombia is a strategic location for turtle conservation in South America, and with 27 species, three of which are endemic, is one of the world’s turtle diversity hotspots. It supports the highest number of chelonian families, with seven. But 12 (45%) of its species, including all three endemics, are considered in some threat category by the IUCN, due mainly to consumption and habitat loss. TSA is supporting Colombian biologists in their quest to implement a well structured Strategic Plan for Turtle Conservation, involving  academia, local NGO's, governmental institutions and local communities. Donations to the Colombia program will help fund protection of the Magdalena River turtle in some of its most critical areas, habitat restoration for Dahl's Toad headed turtle in the endangered tropical dry forest, and education programs to encourage conservation of heavily consumed turtle species.

General Fund

Donations to the general fund will be applied by the TSA to the areas where they are most needed.

India

The TSA India program is managed by Indian biologists that seek local solutions to saving turtles including converting former poachers and providing alternative income sources. Large-scale illegal collecting for Asian markets threatens the survival of many of India’s turtles, and the TSA India program may be their only hope for the future. Donations are critical to our programs in India, many of which are carried out in areas that are extremely impoverished and where resources are at a minimum

Madagascar

With five endemic species – four of them tortoises – Madagascar is considered a tortoise diversity hotspot. Unfortunately, all of these species were recently ranked Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, due primarily to unregulated collecting for food and the black market pet trade. The TSA has made a solid commitment to tortoise conservation in Madagascar and supports a full-time Tortoise Conservation Coordinator. Donations to the Madagascar program will help fund care and reintroduction of confiscated radiated tortoises, spider tortoise research, and community outreach and education programs to encourage conservation of native tortoises.

Myanmar (Burma)

With 28 species (including seven that are endemic, or found nowhere else on Earth) Myanmar is currently considered “ground zero” for the Asian turtle crisis. The TSA works with the Wildlife Conservation Society to implement recovery programs for some highly endangered endemic species – the Burmese roof turtle, Burmese star tortoise and Arakan forest turtle. The TSA is also coordinating a comprehensive and humane response to the thousands of smuggled turtles that are confiscated each year on their way to China that includes planning and building multiple captive breeding and rescue centers that will secure the future for turtles saved from the illegal trade. These rescue centers are critical to the conservation of several endangered species and your donation can help support their construction.

North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group  (NAFTRG)

The United States has nearly 60 species of native turtle, many of which are facing a variety of ecological issues including habitat loss/degradation, water quality, and over-harvest. The North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG) was formed in 1999 as a long-term monitoring effort for important protected habitats including freshwater springs in Florida, Texas, and a lake system in Tennessee. In November 2012, the NAFTRG formally merged with the TSA, increasing the TSA's involvement in North American turtle conservation, creating volunteer opportunities for its members, and also bringing additional resources to the NAFTRG.

This long-term monitoring effort samples all species found within each respective system. Monitoring protected populations allows for researchers to infer population dynamics and act accordingly.  Research projects like the NAFTRG are critical to help keep common species common. Your donation can help procure important equipment to help continue this valuable research.

Rafetus program – China

In China, the TSA has been working since 2007 to breed the last known female Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) in existence. After extensive negotiations, the TSA spearheaded the move of the female to the Suzhou Zoo, where she has been paired with the last known male in China. The TSA has provided nutritional and husbandry expertise, as well as exhibit improvements, in an attempt to increase the chances of successfully reproducing this rarest of turtles. Donations to the Rafetus fund will support the presence of TSA personnel at the Suzhou Zoo throughout the critical breeding season that can ensure that nutritional and husbandry guidelines are being maintained that ensure the best chance for successful hatchlings in the future.

TSA Europe

TSA Europe is an amalgamation of zoological institutions under the banner of European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and reputable and collaborating private breeders under the European Studbook Foundation (ESF).  TSA Europe is involved in handling trade confiscations, organizing cooperative breeding programs for select endangered chelonians, fund-raising, genetic research, providing captive husbandry consultation, and supporting field programs.

Pay an Invoice

If you have received an invoice from the TSA and would like to pay online, you can do so here.