The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) is pleased to announce their 4th Annual Conference, August 10-13, 2006, in St. Louis, Missouri. Expanding to a full three-day format, this will be a joint conference with the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG). The St. Louis Zoo will generously host this year’s event and are really rolling out the “red carpet” for us. ) Once again the TSA is Proud to have Zoo Med as our title sponsor.

It promises to be an exciting and memorable event. Early indications are that this is going to be a conference to remember. In addition to oral presentations, a special poster session/social will allow for greater involvement. To encourage greater participation by students, Chelonian Research Foundation will award $250 prizes for best student presentations. Attendance and presentations at the Conference are open to all interested individuals.

Events include

• Opening icebreaker on Thursday night, August 10, sponsored by Reptiles Magazine.

• BBQ and band at the St. Louis Zoo on Friday night, August 11, sponsor pending.

• Reception, dinner and auction at the St. Louis Zoo Saturday evening, August 12, sponsored by St Louis Zoo. 

We are delighted to announce that this year’s special guest and keynote speaker will be Ed Moll, co-author of the book Ecology, Exploitation, and Conservation of River Turtles ; co-author and brother Don will also be speaking. Ed is recognized as one of the foremost leaders in turtle conservation, and “sounded the alarm” years before the Asian turtle crisis was widely publicized.  He was also the first Chairman of the TFTSG. Peter Pritchard will be the banquet speaker, an event not to be missed. Additional speakers will be posted on the TSA web site as the program develops.

Full conference registration for TSA members and partners is $60 in advance, $75 after July 1; daily registration is $30.  Non-members pre-registration is $75, $90 after July 1 and daily $35.  This is a heck of deal considering that your breakfast is free in the conference hotel, and food and dinner will be provided each night as part of the registration package.  Plus this is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the best - known turtle biologists in the world.   We look forward to seeing you there.

The venue is the Crown Plaza St. Louis-Clayton Hotel .  A reduced room rate of $105.00 per night (up to four) includes a complimentary breakfast and free transportation to and from the airport. Reservations must be made prior to July 19th to receive the discounted rate. We have a limited number of rooms blocked for this meeting so please book early.  To make a reservation call 314-726-5400 and specify Turtle Survival Alliance to get the reduced rate; be sure to book under the TSA group as our conference package is contingent on filling a minimal number of rooms.  

Call for Papers

We would like to take this opportunity to invite your participation and announce a call for papers and posters. This year, we will have sections on three general areas.

1. Graduate Research –

2. Captive Husbandry & Veterinary Management–

3. International Conservation / Field Research –

Talks and posters focusing on captive breeding or management, nutrition, in situ conservation plans, range country education programs, population surveys, genetics, trade observations, legislative priorities, facility management and design, contagious diseases, and quarantine are especially encouraged. Presentations on any aspects of biology, ecology, or conservation of tortoises or freshwater turtles are also welcome.

The deadline to submit proposals for presentations is May 15, 2006: submit title, authors (indicate presenting author), and a brief abstract (not to exceed 250 words). Please indicate preference for Oral or Poster presentation, and indicate if you are a Student (or within one year of finishing your studies). Student presentations are only eligible for awards if the student is sole or senior author. Submit to the Program Chair, Chuck Schaffer . Presenters will be notified of the status of their proposed presentation between May 26 and 29, 2006.

Extended abstracts will be requested for publication in the conference proceedings later in the year. The proceedings will stand as a permanent record of the content of the meeting and will be a valuable resource for the future of turtle conservation.

Presentations will range from 15 to 30 minutes in length.  Microsoft PowerPoint is preferred, but presenters with slides will be accommodated.  

There will be a room set up for vendors and sponsors. Anyone interested in a table please contact Conference chairman Lonnie McCaskill or call at :407-938-2805  for arrangements.

Registration information will be posted in the near future and TSA members and partners will receive a discount.