Rick Hudson and Dwight Lawson

Co-Chairs, IUCN Turtle Survival Alliance

Welcome to the 5th Annual Symposium on Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. For the second year in a row, this growing event is hosted in conjunction with the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Specialist Group (TFTSG). Thanks to the tireless efforts of many volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to feature an impressive, international array of presentations. We hope that the expanded format this year will provide even more opportunities to share experiences, scientific findings, and opinions that will ultimately improve the plight of turtles around the world.

This conference continues to grow through the dedication of the volunteer planning committees and the generosity of our sponsors. Please join us in thanking those who have gone above and beyond to make this meeting a success. Program Chair Chuck Schaffer has worked tirelessly to assemble a remarkably diverse array of speakers and presentations. We also thank Conference Committee Chair Lonnie McCaskill from Disney’s Animal Kingdom for again taking on the multitude of details to prepare for this event. Long-time TSA partner the Atlanta Botanic Garden is graciously hosting the BBQ and auction, and we’re sure you will enjoy the beautiful grounds and hospitality. We are fortunate to have the support of Zoo Atlanta as this year’s host and thank them for both their on-the-ground efforts and financial generosity. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Julia Knox of Zoo Atlanta for all her efforts in arranging this gathering, and to Heather Lowe of the Fort Worth Zoo for handling the many details associated with registration. Finally, many thanks to the growing list of sponsors who provide the financial assistance that makes this possible, especially our title sponsor, ZooMed, who has increased their commitment to this event and the TSA with a handsome donation. Other major supporters include Reptiles Magazine who, for the fifth year straight, has generously sponsored our opening icebreaker. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Eric Goode of the Behler Chelonian Conservation Center for helping to underwrite the icebreaker this year. For speaker travel support we thank Nancy and Brett Stearns, Chelonian Research Foundation, Matt Frankel, and CTTC – Turtle and Tortoise Care Society. And finally we salute the “BBQ Boys” – Greg George, Dave Manser and Jay Allen – for again sponsoring our Friday night BBQ.

Since the last time we gathered much has happened in the world of turtle conservation. TSA programs are now firmly established in a number of countries, and we are better able to respond to situations on the ground as they develop. However, despite the rising number of success stories, the situation remains dire as recent information from the markets of southern China attest, and battles against turtle exploitation here in the US mount. Your continued support of the TSA is critical. We sincerely hope you enjoy the meeting and your stay in Atlanta, and we look forward to your continued involvement and support of the TSA in the coming year.

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