Meeting Gallery

As the dust settles and we return to the real world, it gives us time to think. Last weeks TSA conference was truly special, exceeding all expectations and firmly establishing this event as THE premiere annual meeting for turtle people. Over the extended weekend of August 10-13, 2006, St. Louis, Missouri, approximately 240 folks came together to discuss freshwater and terrestrial turtles. On this, the Fourth Annual TSA Conference and Symposium on Turtle Conservation and Biology, or just TTS (Turtle and Tortoise Symposium), the IUCN Turtle Survival Alliance and IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group met jointly for the first time. They were joined by a diverse group of amateurs and professionals – zoo Conservationists, academics, people with a few turtles in their backyards – students and professors – and many who fit no mold but just love turtles. It was truly a watershed event for the TSA conference, a break out year that is only expected to grow. The first two TSA conferences in Orlando drew around 90 attendees in 2003 and 2004;our move to the West Coast in 2005 attracted 120 individuals who heard 35 presentations. This year, twice that many saw 106 presentations in what has been described as a virtual “who’s who of cheloniologists” with some of the biggest names in the turtle community in attendance. Hopefully the ones who missed it will come next year. The offerings were diverse, not just in content, but in form, including oral, poster, slideshow, and video presentations.

What the terrestrial and freshwater turtle community has long needed is an open venue where all groups are welcome and valued. Attendance at the TSA conference has always been open to all interested individuals, and has never been limited to members of the TSA or TFTSG. But even more than merely attendance, participation and presentations were open to anyone who contacted me. And a record number of people realized that this year and capitalized on it. So now, finally, we have a venue with the potential to fit that elusive bill.

Sessions during the symposium included a number centered on Regional International Conservation and Field Research, each of which focused on a particular area: Asia, SE Asia, South Pacific; North America, Central and South America, Middle East; Australia, SE Asia, and Africa. We have also added a Species Focus Session, this year concentrating on Macrochelys, courtesy of John Carr. Other sessions include Captive Husbandry, Veterinary Management; and Graduate Research. And as the conference was dedicated to the late John Behler, there was a half day tribute session dedicated to his memory. We had the added honor of having John’s wife Debbie in attendance who graciously assisted in moderating the session with Brett Stearns. In addition to many excellent presentations, as expected there were some poignant moments during this special session.

This year’s symposium also had more than an overly impressive list of presenters. The social time was equally extraordinary. Reptiles Magazine, as usual, provided food and drinks for the opening icebreaker. The St. Louis Zoo was unbelievably generous in hosting this year’s event and providing a barbeque and banquet at their impressive facility, to say nothing of accommodating all the extra attendees that we had not planned on (we based the event on 160 pre-registered guests; that number swelled to 240 by conference time). The Friday night BBQ was generously sponsored by Gregory and Lisette George, (Petraworks), Dave Manser (Ponds and Plants) and Jay Allen (Aquarium Innovations).

John Cann gave a lively and entertaining talk at the barbeque, appropriately enough on Australian barbeque locations (most on scenic rivers with turtles). And Peter Pritchard was in rare form following the awards ceremony as the banquet speaker on Saturday night. Hugh Quinn received a special achievement award in recognition of his many contributions to turtle conservation.

TMG Coordinators who had completed their Taxon Management Plans were also presented with award plaques. This was followed by a live auction featuring the always colorful Dick Vogt as auctioneer and Julie Tougas as his lovely assistant, both reprising their roles from the impromptu auction last year in San Diego. Between the silent and live auctions the TSA collected $7,000 that we will devote to a specific turtle conservation program, to be announced later.

Our keynote speaker, Ed Moll, provided a rare treat in an impressive talk. He was later recognized as the recipient of the first John Behler Turtle Conservation Award that will be presented annually to a leading turtle conservationist. This award was given on behalf of the TSA and TFTSG, and included financial support from six leading turtle conservation organizations including Chelonian Research Foundation (CRF), Chelonian Research Institute

(CRI), Conservation International (CI), World Chelonian Trust (WCT), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) and the John L. Behler Chelonian Conservation Center (CCC). The 2006 award carried a $3000 cash prize. Additionally, the CRF began an annual award for best student papers and posters, with $500 in first prizes and $250 for runners-ups. Amber Pitt and Beth Walton won first place in orals and posters respectively.

Although I received many compliments on an exceptional conference, I can’t really accept them. An event such as this is not without costs, both in time and resources. Without such a large group of distinguished presenters, tireless organizers, session moderators, and funding from a host of organizations and individuals, this would not have been possible and I thank them all. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the speakers, particularly our keynote speaker Ed Moll, barbeque speaker John Cann, banquet speaker Peter Pritchard, and of course, all those who attended. I would also like to thank our fine vendors who kept us busy during breaks and lunch. Bob and Sherry Ashley (ECO), Paul Gritis, and Eric Thiss, as usual, provided a convenient sink for our disposable income. Special thanks to our many sponsors, particularly our title conference sponsor, Zoo Med, Inc. Others include Mazuri, Brett and Nancy Stearns, CRF, CRI, CI, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Kingsnake.com, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, California Turtle and Tortoise Club and Richard Ayres. Without their generous support we would not have been able to bring in such an amazing group of international speakers.

Special thanks to St. Louis Zoo’s Asst. Reptile Curator Mark Wanner who came through when we really needed him, effectively and rapidly handling the myriad logistical snafus expected when a group this size gathers. Also to our 2006 host institution, the St. Louis Zoo, who really rolled out the red carpet for us. This will surely be a tough act to follow. And to Lonnie McCaskill and Andy Daneault, whose efforts to stay on top of logistics contributed significantly to ensuring a smooth conference.

To Rose Tremblay and her team from Disney who handled the TSA’s merchandising table and auctions, you are responsible for the profit we made on this event. To Membership Coordinator Heather Lowe, who handled conference registrations processed credit card receipts with impressive organizational abilities, good job!! To Dwight Lawson and Rick Hudson , TSA Co-chairs, who again worked to locate speakers and conference funding, tie together the many loose ends, to say nothing of once again tolerating my decidedly eclectic ideas. And none of this would be possible without the work of past program chairs who paved the way early on. Additionally, I would also like to express my appreciation to (in alphabetical, but no other particular order): Chelonian Research Foundation, Chelonian Research Institute, Peter Pritchard, and Anders Rhodin. Last, but not least, I am greatly indebted to our web guru and general jack-of-all -trades, Darrell Senneke.

I hope to begin work on the 2005 meeting proceedings to be followed by 2006 which will serve as a permanent record of the information presented at the TTS. I look forward to next year as the conference continues to grow and improve with more new faces, perhaps more days, and ever greater purpose expressed toward the end of Turtle Conservation.

Thanks to everyone.

Chuck Schaffer