sign in sign up
<<
Home , Chaco tortoise, Chelonoidis, Desert tortoise

January | February 2017 the Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 & Club founded in 1964 and dedicated to Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, Conservation and Education

Chaco tortoise, chilensis. Photo © 2015 by Chucao. Source: Creative Commons; license CC-BY-SA 4.0. , Chelonoidis chilensis (Gray 1870) The Argentine Tortoiseby M. A. Cohen lso known as the Argentine tor- the South American tortoise Che- because it translates as “Chilean” or toise, the southern wood tortoise, lonoidis. Through DNA analysis, scientists “coming from ,” the term chilensis is and la tortuga terrestre patagónica have determined that the closest living misleading, yet it persists in the literature [translation: the Patagonia terrestrial tur- relative of the Chaco tortoise is the Galá- and remains in use. Atle], the Chaco tortoise is a comparatively pagos tortoise. rare endemic to , Because they are distant relatives of the Identification Described as a medium-sized tortoise, and in . African hingeback (the genus C. chilensis ordinarily reaches a mature In 1870 British zoologist John Edward ), chelonian scientists surmise that carapace length of approximately 10 Gray (18??–18??) formally described the the ancestors of the four South American inches (25 centimeters), while the re- new species, originally assigning it to Chelonoidis species “rafted” (floated) from cord carapace length is 17 inches (43.3 the genus in the of tor- across the to South centimeters). Variations in carapace color- toises, the Testudinidae. Afterward came America on mats of vegetation. More- ation range from uniform yellow-brown its assignment to the genus . over, the ancient tortoises accomplished to dark-brown or black scute edges Subsequently the Chaco tortoise became this feat through their ability to survive surrounding a tan center. In elderly indi- a member to the genus Chelonoidis. for long periods without food or fresh viduals, the carapace usually becomes water (Questionbox, n.d.). uniformly gray (Ernst et al.). The genus Chelonoidis The genus name chelonoidis derives C. carbonaria (the Red-footed tortoise), Coloration of the species’ plastron var- from the Greek root word chelon–, mean- C. chilensis (the Chaco tortoise), C. denticu- ies from uniform yellow-brown scutes to ing a turtle or tortoise. The species name lata (the Yellow-footed tortoise), and C. tan plastral scutes with dark triangular chilensis notwithstanding, the Chaco tor- nigra (the Galápagos tortoise) comprise wedges at the seams of the scutes. The toise is not native to Chile. Consequently, 2 skin of the head, limbs and tail is gen- cool, dry desert known as Patagonia. able of Contents erally yellow-brown in coloration (Ernst As burrowing tortoises, Chaco tor-

T Turtle of the Month et al.). toises excavate their shelter sites from Chaco Tortoise Very similar in size and appearance, below sea-level to elevations over Chelonoidis chilensis male and female Chaco tortoises 3,281 feet (1,000 meters), inhabiting display little sexual dimorphism. Ordi- the entire Chaco region excluding the The Argentine Tortoise by M. A. Cohen 1 narily males are slightly smaller than eastern portion in which the most rain- 3 Hibernation Ecology of Bog – CHS females, and their tails are somewhat fall occurs. In northern Patagonia, the Abstracts longer than those of the females (Ernst coldest portion of the Chaco tortoise’s 4 Where Do Turtles Fit? – International Turtle et al.). range, individuals may spend as many Consortium press release A researcher by the name of M. A. as five months in their burrows or dens 5 Turtle genome analysis sheds light on Freiberg published a paper in 1973 (Ernst et al.). turtle ancestry and shell evolution – RIKEN titled “Dos nuevas tortugas terrestres As with many tortoise species, C. Center press release de Argentina.” Named Geochelone chilensis spends considerable time in 6 Turtle Island Wins Victory for Whales, Dol- donosobarrosi and G. petersi, the paper its burrow or den. In northern Pata- phins & Sea Turtles Threatened by the Cali- described “two new land turtle spe- gonia, burrows studied by researchers fornia Driftnet Fishery for Swordfish – TIRN cies” from Argentina. are some 19.7 to 23.6 inches (50 to 60 press release The 1973 paper notwithstanding, centimeters) in length, with the Chaco 8 Sulcata Tortoises by Mitch Telson chelonian science does not recognize tortoise constructing a new burrow 12 The Turtle’s Garden: Rose of Sharon (Hibis- the larger, oval, thinner-shelled G. don- each spring. While tortoises utilize bur- cus syriacus) by M. A. Cohen osobarrosi and the smaller, elongated, rows as a shelter each night, burrows 13 Missouri to Consider Ban on Unlimited thicker-shelled G. petersi as sister-spe- also serve as a refuge during inclement Commercial Trapping of Wild Turtles – CBD cies or of C. chilensis. conditions above ground. press release Specifically, sophisticated studies 15 2017 CTTC Directory of the tortoises’ physical forms could South America not detect enough differences to justify either a sister-species or a sub- Bolivia in every issue : species designation. Science currently Paraguay regards Geochelone donosobarrosi and 2 Table of Contents G. petersi as synonyms of C. chilensis. 6 Classified Advertisements Furthermore, chelonian scientists now s Membership Information speculate that the larger tortoises may 7 Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, PhD actually represent females while the s Meetings and Programs smaller tortoises may represent males (Ernst et al.). 10 The Turtle’s Garden: Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) by M. A. Cohen Range and Habitat Argentina From southwestern Bolivia and west- ern Paraguay in the north, the range California Turtle & Tortoise Club: a Society Dedicated to of the Chaco tortoise runs southward Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, Conservation and Edu- through Argentina to approximately cation Since 1964. Promoting and Facilitating the Care, Rescue and Adoption of Native and Nonnative Turtles and 40°S latitude in the northern Patagonia Tortoises. region (Ernst et al.). Sparsely inhabited by but replete with wildlife, Geographic range of the Chaco tortoise (red area). Range map © 2015 by Chucao. Source Creative Commons; license CC-BY- The Tortuga Gazette (ISSN 1073-1334) is owned by the Cal- the Chaco region of Bolivia, Paraguay ifornia Turtle & Tortoise Club Executive Board, which is SA 4.0. Labeling by MAC. incorporated in the State of California as a Not-for-Profit and northern Argentina encompasses Corporation and is tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3). much of the range of C. chilensis. In contrast, dens are generally deep- All material is copyright © CTTC unless otherwise attrib- The word ‘Chaco’ stems from the er than burrows, with a length greater uted. CTTC policy permits reproduction of articles by Quechua Indian word chaku, meaning than 6.6 feet (2 meters), and tortoises other not-for-profit groups and educational institutions “hunting ground.” The species’ com- when permission is requested. Permission is granted on a utilize their dens over several seasons, case-by-case basis and CTTC must be cited as the source mon name, Chaco tortoise, refers to the including using them as hibernacula. of the material. Chaco region, a semi-arid, subtropical Views expressed in the Tortuga Gazette are those of the zone of lowland forests, savannas, dry Reproduction At about 12 of age, female contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor or the forests and scrub ecosystems situated Chaco tortoises typically reach repro- California Turtle & Tortoise Club. east of the Andes Mountains. Within ductive maturity. In November and the Chaco region, the species occupies Is your email address changing? December, Chaco tortoises engage the plains and foothill areas. The south- Update your email address through your in courtship and mating. While com- ernmost portion of the Chaco tortoise’s MailChimp account, or send changes/correc- peting for mates, C. chilensis males tions to [email protected] range is the Argentine portion of the

Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 3 removes as many as CHS Herpetology 2016 50,000 from the population annu- Hibernation Ecology of Bog Turtles ally (Ernst, et al.). L. M. Smith and R. P. Cherry [2016, Co- In addition, the peia104(2):475-481] note that information grazing of free-rang- on the hibernation ecology of bog turtles ing livestock poses a ( muhlenbergii) throughout their threat to the Chaco range is limited. Few studies have identi- tortoise through com- fied suitable hibernacula or documented petition with the behavior during hibernation including tortoise for available site fidelity, communal hibernation, and food. Moreover, graz- entrance and emergence times. This ing livestock tramples study presents longterm documentation both vegetation and of hibernation in a relatively understud- the tortoises’ burrows. ied portion of the species’ range. From fall Furthermore, defor- 2005 to spring 2014, the authors observed Wild Chaco tortoise, Chelonoidis chilensis, photographed in a dry creek 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) the hibernation of 13 marked turtles in an south of Las Grutas, Rio Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina. Photo 2015 by Fernando Lopez estation and cultivation Anido. Source: Creative Commons; license CC-BY-SA 4.0. of the Gran Chaco re- isolated population located in the south- gion for agricultural ern Appalachian Mountains of North frequently bite each other, drawing and grazing purposes Carolina. During the course of the study, blood. Accordingly, many males display pose a serious threat to C. chilensis (Chelo- nine turtles were radio-tracked for 1–5 scars from mating combat on their fore- noidis chilenses, 2013). The local practice y[ears]. Turtles spent about six months in limbs. While in the act of mating, the male of burning brushlands to open areas for Chaco tortoise typically vocalizes (Ernst, agriculture impacts the Chaco tortoise. et al.), and one can listen to a recording Coupled with directly injuring or killing of these vocalizations on the CTTC Tor- tortoises, burning also reduces the eco- toise Calls page. logical diversity of perennials and paves During nesting season, January the way for invasion by nonnative plant through March, females lay as many as species (Ernst, et al.). Ω three clutches of one to seven eggs per References . Public domain. clutch. Estimates of the incubation period Chelonoidis chilensis. ARKive. Retrieved 14 October 2016, vary greatly, ranging from as little as 18 from http://www.arkive.org/chaco-tortoise/chelo- hibernation, usually entering the hiber- weeks to as much as 16 months. noidis-chilensis/ naculum in late September into October and emerging in mid-April. Using teleme- Foods and Feeding Chelonoidis chilenses. (2013). San Benito Wildlife and try, they identified 11 hibernacula of three Herbivorous in its diet, C. chilensis Nature Center. Retrieved 16 November 2016, from http://www.tortoisesanctuary.org/chaco-geoche- types: root masses of trees/shrubs, root consumes grasses, perennials, and succu- lone-chilensis/ masses of cinnamon ferns (Osmundas- lents, including cacti. In spring, C. chilensis trum cinnamomeum), and sedge (Carex feeds mainly on Plantago species growing Ernst, C., Altenburg, R., & Barbour, R. Geochelone chilen- sis. Turtles of the World. Retrieved 14 October 2016, stricta) clumps. Site fidelity and commu- in its habitat. During summer, C. chilensis from http://wbd.etibioinformatics.nl/bis/turtles. nal use were common in the study. Ten consumes grasses, succulent plants and php?selected=beschrijving&menuentry=soorten& id=382 turtles located in multiple winters re- the fruits of local perennial shrubs (Chelo- peated their use of a hibernaculum in at noidis chilensis | ARKive, n.d.). If you had to build a bridge linking South America to least two of those winters. Twelve turtles Local residents report to researchers Africa, at what latitude would you build it? Question- hibernated communally in at least one that Chaco tortoises can smell water, and box. Retrieved 23 October 2016, from http://www. questionbox.net/if-you-had-to-build-a-bridge- . No mortality was observed at the the animals emerge from their shelters to linking-south-america-to-africa-at-what-latitude- hibernacula. This study demonstrates the drink whenever the infrequent rains fall. would-you-build-it-why/ importance of root masses with soft deep Threats and Conservation Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. 1996. substrate for survival in long, harsh winter Last evaluated in 1996 and in need of Chelonoidis chilensis. Retrieved 21 October 2016 conditions. Bog turtles spend about half from The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1996: of every year, and therefore half of their updating, the IUCN Red List categorizes e.T9007A12949680. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN. the Chaco tortoise as Vulnerable, mean- UK.1996.RLTS.T9007A12949680.en. lives, in hibernation, making the identifi- ing the species faces threats in the wild cation and protection of suitable habitat that put it at risk for extinction. Affording for hibernation imperative for successful the species some legal protection from management to ensure the longterm vi- untrammeled international trade, CITES ability of the species. Ω designates C. chilensis as Appendix II. Abstract prepared by the editorial staff of the Chicago Of several identified threats, collec- Herpetological Society. Originally published in the Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 51(8): 145-146, 2016. tion for the pet trade is significant in it Reprinted with permission from the Editor of the Bulletin.

January | February 2017 Tortuga Gazette 4 Where do turtles ‘fit’? Where do turtles fit in the evolutionary tree? Are they ? How did their backbone evolve to form a shell?

To answer these and other questions, the whole process is rather like turning a species. Of course we have a lot of infor- researchers in the International Turtle big jumbled bag of content into a book.” mation about humans but we also want Genome Consortium looked at how The study showed that, despite their to know how all vertebrate species are re- the Chinese soft-shell turtle’s genome unique anatomy, turtles follow the basic lated to one another, to expand the tree behaves during different stages of devel- embryonic pattern during development. of life as much as possible and fill in the opment. Led by Dr. Naoki Irie of the RIKEN They first establish the basic vertebrate gaps in our knowledge.” Centre for Developmental Biology in Ja- body plan, same as a chicken would, One unexpected finding of the study pan and with help from nine international then get to work on developing a shell was that turtles must have a keen sense institutions including the Ensembl Proj- and other ‘turtley’ things. The study also of smell. They possess over 1000 olfac- ect at EMBL-EBI and the Wellcome Trust uncovered traces of limb-related gene tory receptors – more than has ever been Sanger Institute, the group unearthed expression in the embryonic shell. This found in a non-mammalian vertebrate. several intriguing facts about these un- suggests that the shell-building process “These smell-related genes are the usual creatures. recruits part of the genetic program used result of the turtle adapting to its environ- “Turtles are really exceptional in the by other vertebrates to make limbs. ment,” adds Javier Herrero of the Ensembl way they have evolved, and team at EMBL-EBI. “We’ve integrated this they can tell us a lot about type of analysis into Ensembl, and are how vertebrates have changed producing these data routinely for every throughout history,” explains new Ensembl release.” Naoki, who led the study. All of the gene annotation and tran- The team set out to un- scriptome data from the study is freely derstand how the turtle available in Ensembl, where you can see embryo develops a shell, a some of the genes being expressed at feature that sets it apart from different stages of development. www. other vertebrates. They used ensembl.org Ω next-generation sequencing Source article techniques to compare the Zhuo Wang, et al. (2013) The draft ge- gene expression profile of the nomes of soft-shell turtle and green sea Chinese soft-shell turtle embryo turtle yield insights into the development with that of another vertebrate and evolution of the turtle–specific body – the chicken embryo – focus- plan. Nature Genetics (in press). DOI: ing on how the turtle’s genes 10.1038/ng.2615 were expressed at different Green , Chelonia mydas, a species whose genome was decoded by the Joint International Turtle Genome Consortium. Photo © 2008 by Brocken Inaglory; times during development, license CC-BY-SA 3.0. from an early embryo to a full- About the Joint International grown ‘keeper of secrets’. Turtle Genome Consortium To firmly establish where turtles sit The Joint International Turtle Genome “We wanted to see exactly how differ- on the phylogenetic tree, the research- Consortium is led by Naoki Irie of RIKEN ent tissues in the turtle were influenced ers decoded the of the green and Guojie Zhang from BGI. The con- by gene expression as they develop – sea turtle [Chelonia mydas] and Chinese sortium comprises 34 scientists from particularly the shell – so we zoomed in soft-shell turtle [ sinensis] and nine institutes: RIKEN, BGI, EMBL-EBI, the on different parts of the genome and compared them to other vertebrate Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Tokyo analysed the activity over time, as the genomes. The results of the study, pub- Medical and Dental University, NIBB Ja- turtle embryos grew,” says Naoki. “This is lished in Nature Genetics, show that pan, the University of Copenhagen, King a new approach, and has given us fasci- turtles are not primitive reptiles but are Abdulaziz University and China National nating insights into how novel changes related to the group comprising birds and GeneBank. Researchers from China, Den- occur over the course of development crocodilians, which also includes extinct mark, Japan, Saudia Arabia and the United and evolution.” dinosaurs. They must have split from this Kingdom participate in the consortium. “This study fits well with Ensembl’s group around 250 million years ago, dur- goal of understanding life,” adds Amon- ing the Big Extinction. ida Zadissa, Ensembl team member at Q & A with the authors “I study science because I want to un- EMBL-EBI. “We take these very long DNA Q: Where do turtles sit on the phyloge- derstand the world around me,” says sequences, without knowing what any netic tree? Bronwen Aken of the Ensembl project, of it means, and label them – for exam- A: Turtles are related to birds and croco- who is based at the Sanger Institute. “In ple pointing out which pieces are genes diles! The scientists discovered this by Ensembl, we are always trying to find new and how or when they are expressed. It’s sequencing two turtle genomes and ways to enable research about different called “whole genome annotation,” and comparing them to other vertebrate

Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 5 genomes. Strangely enough, they also Q: How does that happen? have a very large number of olfactory A: Turtles use a number of genes in shell genes, so probably a very good sense of development that are normally used by What is a Genome? smell. vertebrates to develop limbs. This finding All the genetic information possessed by any raises a lot of questions that require fur- organism (for example, the genome, Q: When does a turtle embryo start de- ther investigation. the elephant genome, the mouse genome, the veloping its shell? Q: Are all genome-sequencing studies yeast genome, and the genome of a bacterium). A: Turtle embryos start off looking done this way? Humans and many other higher animals actually like any other vertebrate, and at a A: No – each genome study is unique, and have two genomes, a chromosomal genome and certain point switch to a very turtle-spe- this one was special because it used next- a mitochondrial genome that together make up cific programme. This pattern is called generation sequencing to examine the their genome. the ‘hourglass model’, and the group con- whole transcriptome – all gene expres- firmed it by comparing gene expression sion – during embryo development. definition from between embryo — press release from the Joint International Turtle MedicineNet.com and chicken embryos. Genome Consortium (publication date unknown).

Turtle genome analysis sheds light on turtle ancestry and shell evolution From which ancestors have turtles evolved? How did they get their shell? New data provided by the Joint Interna- tional Turtle Genome Consortium, led by researchers from RIKEN in Japan, BGI in China, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK provides evidence that turtles are not primitive reptiles but belong to a sister group of birds and crocodiles. The work also sheds light on the evolution of the turtle’s intriguing morphology and reveals that the turtle’s shell evolved by recruiting genetic information encoding for the limbs. Tokyo, Japan — 29 April 2013 — Turtles from this group around 250 million years specialization phase, the group found are often described as evolutionary mon- ago, during one of the largest extinction traces of limb-related gene expression sters, with a unique body plan and a shell events ever to take place on this planet. in the embryonic shell, which indicates that is considered to be one of the most “We expect that this research will that the evolved by recruiting intriguing structures in the king- motivate further work to elucidate the part of the genetic program used for the dom. possible causal connection between limbs. “Turtles are interesting because they of- these events,” says Dr. Irie. “The work not only provides insight fer an exceptional case to understand the The study also reveals that despite their into how turtles evolved, but also gives big evolutionary changes that occurred in unique anatomy, turtles follow the basic hints as to how the vertebrate devel- vertebrate history,” explains Dr. Naoki Irie, embryonic pattern during development. opmental programs can be changed to from the RIKEN Center for Developmental Rather than developing directly into a produce major evolutionary novelties,” Biology, who led the study. turtle-specific body shape with a shell, explains Dr. Irie. Using next-generation DNA sequenc- they first establish the vertebrates’ basic Another unexpected finding of the ers, the researchers from 9 international body plan and then enter a turtle-specif- study was that turtles possess a large institutions have decoded the genome ic development phase. During this late number of olfactory receptors and must of the therefore have the ability to and Chinese soft-shell smell a wide variety of substanc- turtle and studied the es. The researchers identified expression of genetic more than 1000 olfactory recep- information in the devel- tors in the soft-shell turtle, which oping turtle. is one of the largest numbers Their results published ever to be found in a non-mam- in Nature Genetics show malian vertebrate. Ω that turtles are not primi- tive reptiles as previously Reference thought, but are related Zhuo et al. “The draft genomes to the group comprising of soft-shell turtle and green sea birds and crocodilians, turtle yield insights into the de- which also includes ex- velopment and evolution of the tinct dinosaurs. turtle-specific body plan”. Na- Based on genomic ture Genetics, 2013, doi:10.1038/ information, the re- ng.2615 searchers predict that Chinese softshell turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. The genome of this species was decoded by the Joint International — RIKEN Center press release turtles must have split Turtle Genome Consortium. Photo by Tragopan. Public domain.

January | February 2017 Tortuga Gazette 6 Turtle Island Wins Victory for Whales, Dolphins & Sea Turtles Threatened by the Classified Advertisements California Driftnet Fishery for Swordfish Classified advertisements run for one issue at $500 for four lines or less or $3000 for ¼ page. They are accepted at the discretion of Olema, California—14 October 2016—This week the National the Editor. Classified ads are available to members and subscribers Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the National Oceanic and only. Advertisements are run as a service to our members. Cali- Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed a rule that would fornia Turtle & Tortoise Club is not responsible for merchandise placed for sale in the Tortuga Gazette. put in place limits on the number of fin, humpback, sperm whales, leatherback, loggerhead, olive ridley, green sea turtles, short-fin Please make your check payable to the California Turtle & Tortoise Club. pilot whales, and bottlenose dol- Please send ad fee to: CTTC Tortuga Gazette, attn Treasurer, P. O. phins that the Box 7300, Van Nuys, CA 91409-7300. California drift- Mail fee with ad copy to the Tortuga Gazette mailing address; net fishery for OR mail fee to the postal address above, and email the ad copy to the Gazette Editor. swordfish can catch. This rule, FOR SALE: Redfoots, Russians, Marginateds, Hermann’s, when finalized Graecas, Elongateds, Forstenis, Leopards, Reeves and Boxes later in the year, — all breeding adults. Reeves, Box and Russian hatchlings. Call 805-481-5222. (7) would trigger a temporary clo- FOR SALE: Radiated tortoises hatched in 2015. $1,000.00 sure of the fishery each. CA residents only. Email [email protected] (1) if too many of these species are harmed. View the The leatherback turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, migrates annually to its proposed rule. Updating your Contact information northern feeding grounds through California coastal waters. Public Every CTTC member on this mailing list has a MailChimp account domain. “We applaud the agencies for that s/he can update as needed. When you receive your newsletter taking action to protect California’s marine wildlife from the notification, there is a link at the bottom of the page titled “update deadly driftnet fishery for swordfish. The proposed rule is a your preferences.” Simply click on this link to jump to your account victory and a step in the right direction, but we believe that ul- page and update your email address and other information. Thank timately even more should be done to protect whales, dolphins, you for your help! sea turtles and sharks,” said Peter Fugazzotto, strategic programs director of Turtle Island Restoration Network, a leading ocean and marine conservation organization. The limits, referred to as ‘hard caps’ by the agency, would trig- ger an immediate closure of the fishery in certain instances. On Now I bid you farewell, the Federal Register website the agencies explain that this could I don’t know when I’ll be back happen “if a hard cap on mortality/injury is met or exceeded for certain protected species during a rolling 2-year period. The They’re moving us tomorrow length of the closure would be dependent on when—during the to that tower down the track 2-year period—the hard cap is reached.” But you’ll be hearing from me baby, This new rule, when implemented, will provide whales, dol- phins, and sea turtles some small measure of protection from the long after I’m gone fishery. It will also add another much needed layer of oversight I’ll be speaking to you sweetly to the fishery, which currently has very low observer coverage on from a window in the Tower of Song board vessels. Observers are trained professionals that count and record the number of marine animals harmed and killed by the — Leonard Cohen (1938-2016) fishery that are not its intended catch. Canadian writer and performer

ABOUT THE DRIFTNET FISHERY: Currently, the driftnet fishery in California consists of fewer than 20 fishing vessels. The vessels set out nets the size of the Golden Gate Bridge to float overnight and indiscriminately catch whatever swims into their nets. The California driftnet fishery kills or injures approximately seven times more whales and dolphins the use of driftnets would instantly reduce the observed U.S. than all other observed fisheries in California, Oregon, Washing- West Coast marine mammal catch by 87 percent. Furthermore, ton, and Alaska combined, and 13 times more than any other the cost of operating the fishery is more than the value of its single observed fishery on the West Coast. In one decade the catch. Ω fishery caught an astounding 885 marine mammals. Eliminating — Turtle Island Restoration Network press release

Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 7

Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. CTTCMeetings and Programs A varied selection of recent articles, stories and sites on the Web that some of you may find as Cen-Val: 12 January; 9 February interesting as I did. This list is also posted at tortoise.org/turtlenetpicks. Proposed Extension of TED Use Video: Head Starting Threatened Spiny Soft- Chino Valley: 20 January; 17 February New rules would require Turtle Excluder Devices shell Turtles In Vermont Foothill: 27 January; 24 February (TEDs) to be used on 5,800 boats currently ex- Short news video on Vermont’s head-starting High Desert: 9 January; 13 February empted from using them and could save as many program for state-threatened spiny softshells. as 2,500 sea turtles each year. Video: 17,000 Podocs Released! Inland Empire: 6 January; 3 February Morafka’s Tortoise Rescued From Mine Shaft Peru released 17,000 hatchling yellow-spotted Kern County: 9 January; 13 February This tortoise was lucky but there are hundreds of Amazon River turtles in a protected area in north- Low Desert: 6 February open mine shafts and wells peppered throughout eastern Peru’s Amazon River Basin. habitats in our southwestern deserts Orange County: 13 January; 10 February that need tortoise proofing. Video: Visits Boater Short clip of a laid-back leatherback sea turtle Ridgecrest: 9 January; 13 February Hi-tech Raven Fight encountered by an excited New Zealand boater. Tim Shields is fighting to save desert tortoises with Santa Barbara-Ventura: Contact the chapter a hi-tech armory comprising robots, lasers, and Fighting Turtle Shell Demand in South for meeting information. 3D-printed lures... America Help stop beautiful hawksbill sea turtles from Santa Clarita: 21 January You Can’t Make This Up! being killed for their shells to feed the demand for Silicon Valley: 20 January; 17 February A man who had poached a radio-telemetered jewelry and guitar picks. from the side of a road was arrested TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo): 11 January; by Florida police. The police saw the tortoise in the Sea Turtle Newsletters 8 February man’s car after responding to his girlfriend’s 911 call Read the latest issues of Marine Turtle Newsletter that he had hit her. and the African Sea Turtle Newsletter. TTCS (Long Beach): 20 January; Iowa Considers Turtle Take Season 17 February - Michael Tuma • Marine Turtle Newsletter Iowa State legislators are considering limiting Valley: 20 January; 17 February commercial trapping of turtles to a specific season. • African Sea Turtle Newsletter Amazingly, this proposed change from 12 months Executive Board: 14 January 2017. Meetings are CTTC on Facebook held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, to 10 months (yes, the proposed season is a full 10 For breaking news updates, visit and “like” us on Arcadia, CA. months long!) is considered controversial in Iowa. Facebook! Ban Sought On Commercial Harvest of Turtles in Louisiana Check your Chapter web site for the latest program In October, the Center for Biological Diversity and information. Programs may be scheduled after the Gulf Restoration Network filed a petition to end newsletter is published. unlimited commercial collection of Louisiana’s freshwater turtles.

TOOSLO Chapter Life Members

w Wolfgang & Anna Hillauer w Noel Schutt “... the current position of the w John & Karen Scura w Bob Thomas California Department of Fish and Wildlife is that it is illegal to breed captive [desert] tortoises.” [The Desert Tortoise Council’s Answering Questions The 42nd Annual Desert Tortoise Council e-publication is currently offline in revision.] Symposium “CTTC will not place desert tortoises 24-26 February 2017 ( agassizii) in situations where captive breeding may occur. Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino CTTC works with California Depart- 5111 Boulder Hwy Las Vegas, NV 89122 ment of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to place desert tortoises. Both CDFW For information on the event, registration and accommodations, and CTTC discourage the captive click this link: breeding of desert tortoises.” deserttortoise.org/symposium/index.html – tortoise.org/cttc/adoption.html

January | February 2017 Tortuga Gazette 8 Sulcata Tortoises story by Mitch Telson, CTTC Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, with photographs by Mitch and Jeffyne Telson

discovered sulcata tortois- I began to receive all the es ( sulcata) strays. Large ones, small Iabout 15 years ago. One ones, injured and sick tor- Saturday afternoon, my toises began arriving on my wife, Jeffyne, and I visited doorstep. I even found unin- Turtle Dreams, a wonderful vited tortoises wandering in turtle and tortoise rescue my yard! organization in Santa Bar- By the early 1970’s, I had bara, CA that was operated accumulated a collection of by Jeannie Vaughn. Jeannie 14 tortoises…12 agassiziis was having an open house ( tortoises, at her residence/chelonian Gopherus agassizii) and two sanctuary, and I wanted to berlandiers (Texas tortoises, meet her, visit her facility G. berlandieri). And, because and introduce my wife to it was then legal, I was even tortoises able to hatch out two des- Jeffyne, who is the ert tortoises from a clutch founder and president of of four eggs. I affectionately RESQCATS, Inc, the second Flash and Speedee, two of Mitch Telson’s sulcata tortoises, in their initial enclosure. Photo by Mitch Telson. named my tiny additions largest cat rescue orga- Eggshell and Walnut. nization in Santa Barbara California in 1953, I held Myrtle, our East- County, has an infinite compassion for an- ern in my imals, but, admittedly, that love stopped lap. Sadly, Myrtle died short at the house! on our cross-country On the other hand, my fascination with trek, but, I was a na- turtles began at an early age. I grew up in ïve 10-year-old, and Baltimore, Maryland where, in addition it took my father to to the regular family dog, my brothers recognize the tell-tale and I always had box turtles, lizards or odor that my pet was some species of garden snake as pets. In not going to be pok- fact, when my family moved to Southern ing around our yard in the Golden State! However, af- ter my family settled in the San Gabriel The author offering Rex the sulcata tortoise a hibiscus blossom. Photo by Jeffyne Telson. Valley area of Los Angeles, shelled creatures seemed to find After college, I joined the business me. This was during a period world, and I moved this huge family of when people who traveled to the chelonians from one side of Los Angeles desert frequently brought back to the other, to San , and then to Mojave desert tortoises. These Phoenix…all to the chagrin of my then- animals were plentiful and, as yet, wife. When my company asked me to unprotected in their home envi- relocate to Chicago, I understood that the ronment. I never saw a tortoise tortoises needed to stay in the desert, so in the wild nor did I ever remove I convinced the Arizona “tortoise man” one from its desert home, but that to adopt my shelled kids. I imagine that didn’t prevent other people from those now middle-aged tortoises are still transporting many tortoises to living the good life in the land of the sun! the Los Angeles suburbs. When we visited Turtle Dreams that As friends learned of my inter- Saturday afternoon, Jeannie Vaughn in- est in tortoises and willingness troduced us to her sulcatas. She was very Dog crates were an early housing solution for younger, smaller sulcata tortoises, proud of her entire family of turtles and but they rapidly outgrew these facilities. Photo by Mitch Telson. to provide them a good home,

Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 9

The “storage-bin type” housing showing the hinged roof propped open. Note the ceramic heat The “storage-bin type” housing, the next phase in the sulcata tortoise housing adventure. The lamps mounted on the ceiling. Photo by Mitch Telson. tortoises soon outgrew this type of housing as well. Photo by Mitch Telson. tortoises, but she took particular pleasure Sonny and Cher, from the American Tor- by 1.8 meters) with a 3-foot (0.9 meter) in showing us Smiley, an elegant 130+ toise Rescue (ATR) in Malibu. In addition tall hinged roof for easy cleaning. The pound (59+ kilograms) male. As Jean- to everything I had read about sulcatas, sides and ceiling of the new house were nie explained how sulcata tortoises had Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, fully insulated and the ramp was built become the “throw-away-pet” of the cen- ATR’s founders, provided a wealth of first- like a drawbridge so it could be closed at tury, she also shared some of the species’ hand knowledge about how to properly night to keep out the pesky Santa Barbara challenging traits…extremely strong, care for my new pets. predators like skunks, raccoons and the very fast growers, voracious eaters and Sonny and Cher’s first habitat included occasional possum. diggers, and exceptionally successful a large plastic dog house equipped with These “storage-bin type” houses breeders in captivity. a ceramic heat lamp. This basic set-up worked quite well for several years, but, Jeannie shared that there were so many worked fine in keeping the sulcatas’ cold- as the tortoises continued to grow, I real- sulcatas available locally and nationwide blooded bodies warm on chilly Santa ized that a much larger housing solution that, if I decided to adopt any, I had to Barbara nights, but it did little to protect was required. promise to never hatch any of the eggs. them from potential predators, nor could Over the past 15 years I have adopted Noting the tremendous problem we have it be enlarged to accommodate their rap- 17 sulcatas. Several came from Califor- with sulcata over-population today, I am id growth. nia, but most were shipped from rescue very happy to say that I made and have As I knew Sonny would grow larger organizations around the country. The stuck with that commitment. than his then-18-inch (0.46-meter) length, majority of my adoptees were males that I adopted my first two sulcatas, I decided to design and build my own tor- were growing at the rate of 5 pounds (2.3 toise house that was kilograms) a year. With each new group of twice his size…3 foot tortoises, I would build a new habitat with by 6 foot (0.9 meter its own heated house.

The exterior of the Tupperware® storage shed. Plastic carpet runners cut lengthwise serve as the The interior of the Tupperware® storage shed divided into two “rooms.” Note the ceramic heating daytime door. Photo by Mitch Telson. units mounted on the hinged shelves that are lowered at night. Photo by Mitch Telson.

January | February 2017 Tortuga Gazette 10

One of several large tortoise barns that serve as sleeping quarters in the tortoises’ enclosures. The residents of one of the enclosures in their sleeping quarters on a bed of meadow grass. Photo There is another enclosure and barn In the background of the photograph taken by Mitch Telson. by Mitch Telson.

Today I have seven unique tortoise insulated Tupperware® storage sheds, to lamps that are designed to maintain a enclosures ranging in size from 1,000 to the two newest models I built this past comfortable overnight temperature of 68 6,000+ square feet (93 to 557+ square year. to 72° F (20 to 22° C). Additionally, each meters). Each habitat is home for one to These latest buildings are construct- house has a wide brick entry ramp as well five sulcatas, based on the sex, size, and ed on 8-foot by 8-foot (2.4-meter by as a large brick food and water station. temperament of the animals. 2.4-meter) concrete slabs. The facilities While I do not expect to increase my The tortoise houses in each enclosure are double-walled with a Dutch door. All “herd of turtles” any time in the future, have changed significantly over the years the walls and the ceiling encase R-13 in- the facilities and habitats that cover about from the initial plastic dog crates and the sulation. The roof is double-papered and an acre of my property could probably subsequent “storage-bin-type” houses to topped with water-tight shingles and support a total of 20 sulcatas. But then, 7-foot by 7-foot (2.1 meters by 2.1 meters), flashing. Each building has its own elec- according to my wife, I’d have to build tric circuit to support a one more house…for me to live in! Ω series of ceramic heat

The newest barn, completed in 2016. Photo by Mitch Telson.

The author hand-feeding his sulcata tortoises Howdy, Frisco and Cici. Photo by Jeffyne Telson.

Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 11

January | February 2017 Tortuga Gazette 12 the Turtle’s Rose of Sharon: Garden Hibiscus syriacus planting for chelonians by . A. Cohen ative to much of Asia, the rose before abscission (detachment) of Sharon grows well in many takes place. N areas throughout the world. Re- Developed by the plant breeding lated to the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus industry, cultivars (cultivated variet- rosa-sinensis), blue hibiscus, (Alyogyne ies) are available that bear single, huegelii), tree mallow (Lavatera assur- semidouble, and double flowers. gentiflora), Chinese lantern, (Abutilon Resembling hollyhocks, the flow- x hybridum), and other mallow family ers of the rose of Sharon vary in members previously profiled in this col- coloration from purple, violet, red umn, the rose of Sharon is a member of and blue to mauve, pink and white, the Mallow family, the Malvaceae. as well as bicolor, each with a con- A Latin and Greek root word mean- trasting red or purple throat. With a ing marsh mallow, Hibiscus, the genus diameter of 2.5 to 3 inches (6.6 to 7.6 Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus, as photographed by Carolyn from Pem- name, refers to an Old-World perennial centimeters), the trumpet-shaped berton Township, NJ, USA. Photo © 2005; source Creative Commons, license used as a medicinal and ornamental blossoms appear in profusion from CC-BY-2.0. plant for millennia. Its species name July to October. Although pruning With a quality , fertilizer is not nec- syriacus notwithstanding, the rose of is not absolutely necessary, horticulturists essary. If applying fertilizer, choose an Sharon is not native to the nation of recommend pruning following flowering, organic type of plant food. In addition, Syria. because flowers occur on new growth. too much fertilizer will cause flower buds Officially described by Swedish bota- to drop, so apply in moderation. nist Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778), the Culture While it will grow in sandy, loam and rose of Sharon has several other com- clay , the rose of Sharon thrives in a Edibility mon names, including rose mallow, As with any edible plant intended for soil with a high humus content that has shrub althea, and the Korean rose. consumption, one must avoid the use of excellent drainage. Required for proper Moreover, H. syriacus is the national horticultural chemicals such as including development, regular irrigation and flower of South Korea, and many em- pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fer- sufficient sunlight provide the best en- blems of that nation feature likenesses tilizers on and around the edible plant. vironment for the shrub’s health. The of the Korean rose blossom. Comprising its edible parts, flowers, species is moderately drought-tolerant leaves, oil and roots of H. syriacus have once established. Appearance culinary and medicinal properties. Eat- A medium-sized, vase-shaped shrub, Tolerating lower temperatures than en raw or cooked, the flowers possess a the rose of Sharon is hardy and decidu- many mallows, the H. syriacus can with- mild flavor. Used for tea and eaten raw ous, meaning it is cold-tolerant and sheds stand temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). or cooked, the leaves are also mildly fla- its leaves each year. Without pruning, H. Furthermore, its adaptability is such that vored. (Plants for a Future, n.d.). syriacus ordinarily reaches 8 to 12 feet (2.4 it will grow well in an array of climates As with other mallow-family members, to 3.7 meters) tall with a spread of 6 to 8 ranging from mild coastal climates to true herbivorous reptiles readily accept leaves feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters). desert climates given the fulfillment of its and flowers of the rose of Sharon as part While it displays a compact, upright cultural requirements. growth habit when the shrub is young, A vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub, H. of a varied diet. Ω at maturation, its appearance becomes syriacus readily accepts the option of References more open and spreading. selective pruning as a single-trunked, Brenzel, K. N. (Ed.). (2012). The New Sunset Western Having medium-green foliage, the treelike shape, as well as training as Garden Book. New York, NY: Time Home Entertain- rose of Sharon bears leaves with three a hedge or an espalier. On one hand, ment Inc. well-defined lobes and coarsely serrated pruning is especially effective when per- Hibiscus syriacus. Plants for a Future. Retrieved 12 Novem- ber 2016, from http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx? margins. The foliage tends to appear later formed following flowering. On the other latinname=Hibiscus+syriacus in the spring than many other deciduous hand, there is no requirement for prun- Hibiscus syriacus. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 7 shrubs. While the foliage of the rose of ing unless one is training the shrub for a November 2016, from http://www.missouribotanical- Sharon drops in the fall, there is no color special effect, i.e., single trunk, hedge or garden.org/ display, instead the leaves turn yellowish espalier, or managing the shrub for size.

Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 13 More Than 100 Scientists Urge Missouri to Ban Unlimited Commercial Trapping of Wild Turtles — Thousands From State Rivers Have Been Caught, Sold, Exported Overseas Jefferson City, Missouri—1 December sexual maturity, dependence on high information” about “increasing harvest 2016—The Missouri Department of Con- adult survival and high natural levels of pressures.” The rulemaking process first servation today received a letter signed nest mortality, predispose turtles to rapid requires development of a proposed rule, by more than 100 scientists, including the declines from exploitation. which would ultimately be submitted to nation’s top turtle-conservation experts, “Commercial harvest in states such as the Missouri Conservation Commission asking for a complete ban on for-profit Missouri continues to threaten turtles, for approval. trapping of the state’s wild turtles. The which are among the most endangered As part of a campaign to protect tur- letter follows an October announcement of all large vertebrate groups worldwide,” tles in the , the Center for that the state will consider restricting said Dr. Anders G.J. Rhodin, founder and Biological Diversity has been petitioning commercial turtle collection, in response director of the Chelonian Research Foun- states that allow unrestricted commer- to a petition filed last summer by the dation and Chairman Emeritus of the cial turtle collection to improve harvest Center for Biological Diversity and Great Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Special- regulations. In 2009 Florida responded Rivers Environmental Law Center. ist Group of the IUCN Species Survival by banning almost all commercial collec- “The nation’s top experts on turtle con- Commission. “It’s time to stop selling this tion of freshwater turtles from public and servation agree that Missouri private waters. In 2012 Georgia needs to ban all commercial approved state rules regulat- turtle trapping,” said Collette ing the commercial collection Adkins, a biologist and senior of turtles, and Alabama com- attorney at the Center. “A small pletely banned commercial number of for-profit turtle col- collection. And in July Iowa lectors should not be allowed published proposed rules to jeopardize the state’s tur- that, if finalized, would im- tles, which already suffer from pose seasons, daily bag limits threats like habitat loss and and possession limits for com- water pollution. We’re hopeful mon snapping turtles, painted that the Missouri Department turtles, spiny softshells and of Conservation will do the smooth softshells. right thing and put an end Also in response to a 2011 to the state’s harmful turtle Center petition, and with the trade.” support of the Missouri De- Under current law turtle partment of Conservation, the traders can legally collect un- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service limited numbers of common , serpentina, one of Missouri’s native turtle species that is currently sub- in May added four turtles — ject to “unlimited commercial collection,” according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Photo by Dakota snapping and softshell turtles L.; source: Creative Commons; license CC-BY-SA 2.0. including common snapping to sell domestically or export turtles, smooth softshell tur- for Asian food and medicinal irreplaceable natural heritage abroad tles and spiny softshell turtles markets. According to the Department, and start working towards restoring tur- that are found in Missouri — to a list called Trade in Appen- 1,100 miles of the Missouri and Mississippi tles to ecologically robust levels. Turtle “CITES Appendix III.” dix III species requires an export permit rivers are open year-round for commercial protections benefit not only our natural and documentation that the animal was turtle collection. Thousands of Missouri’s environment but also Missourians and caught or acquired in compliance with turtles have been caught and sold over the tourists who visit and enjoy seeing the law, allowing the United States to the past 10 years. these charismatic animals in the wild.” Today’s letter is endorsed by more monitor trade closely. The animals must than 100 scientific experts in popula- also be shipped using methods designed tion dynamics, wildlife management and Background to prevent cruel treatment. These rules In its October response to the conser- other areas relevant to turtle conserva- went into effect for the four turtle species vation organizations’ petition asking for tion. Research from these scientists and on Nov. 21, 2016. Ω a commercial turtle trapping ban, the others has repeatedly documented that Department’s interim director, Tom Drap- — Center for Biological Diversity press release freshwater turtles cannot sustain any sig- er, stated that the Department “agrees nificant level of wild collection without that unlimited commercial collection of suffering population declines. For exam- common snapping turtles and softshell ple, a landmark 1994 study by Dr. Justin turtles should be addressed through the The March/April issue will feature the Congdon, professor emeritus at the Uni- rulemaking process.” The Department common snapping turtle, Chelydra versity of Georgia, found that life history points to “recently developed scientific serpentina, as the ‘Turtle of the Month.’ characteristics of turtles, such as delayed

January | February 2017 Tortuga Gazette 14

As a CTTC Member, you are eligible Why Do More Homeowners Choose SunPower® Solar?

to receive an exclusive rebate of up • SunPower panels produce up to 50% more to $1,000 when you purchase a power than other panels.2 This means that your ® system will take up less space on your roof. SunPower system for your home, • SunPower has a wide range of financing options 1 or when you lease a system. including lease and loan plans to make your Sign up for a free solar evaluation: or call 877-779-7496 solar system truly affordable. SunPower will also award (up to) • Our best-in-class network of installers and industry-leading warranty gives you peace $1,000 to CTTC for each system of mind for years to come.

sold under this Fund Raising Not ready to go solar? Refer a friend and earn $500! Sign up at: Program.www.share.sunpower.com (Discount & Award is based on 20 cents per AC watt).

How do I get started? Visit sunpower.com/kg or call 661-644-6357 1. Request a free solar evaluation.

2. Receive a customized proposal. 1SunPower lease not available in all states. Talk with your local SunPower dealer for more information.

2Source: Photon International, Feb. 2011, Market survey on solar modules 2011. 3. Receive rebate after installation. © 2014 SunPower Corporation. All rights reserved. SUNPOWER, the SUNPOWER Logo, and Sign up for a free solar evaluation: MORE ENERGY. FOR LIFE. are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corpora- Visit sunpower.com/kg or call 661-644-6357 tion in the U.S. and other countries.

,

Tortuga Gazette Volume 53, Number 1 15 2017 California Turtle & Tortoise Club Directory CTTC Executive Board Officers CTTC Orange County Chapter Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 7300, Van Nuys, CA 91409-7300. Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 11124, Santa Ana, CA 92711. Chair: Abigail DeSesa • Vice-chair/Adoptions: Don Williams President: Sharon Paquette • Secretary/Treasurer: Traci Fields Secretary: Robyn Kohr • Treasurer: Pamela Maloney Adoptions: Orange County Adoptions Meeting: quarterly (January, April, July and October) at 10 am the Los Angles County Meeting: Second Friday, 7:30 pm at Chapman University, Science Center Room 127, Arboretum, 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007. 346 Center Street, Orange, CA 92866. CTTC Cen-Val Chapter CTTC Ridgecrest Chapter Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 16418, Fresno, CA 93755-6418. Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 1272, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. President/Vice president: Robert Scott • Treasurer: Diana Gatti President: Robert Parker • Vice president: Sue Parker Meeting: Second Thursday, 7:00 pm at Fresno Unified School District, Del Mar El- Adoptions: Montynne Yates ementary School, 4122 N. Del Mar Avenue, Fresno, CA 93704 (no meeting in July or Meeting: Second Monday, 7:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 502 North Norma August, as school is closed). Street, Ridgecrest, CA 93555-3502. CTTC Chino Valley Chapter CTTC Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 1753, Chino, CA 91708-1753. Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 3086, Camarillo, CA 93011-3086. President: Jim Misiak • Vice president: David Bowman President: Don Williams • Adoptions: Wes Shipway Secretary/Adoptions: Lynda Misiak Meeting: Contact the Chapter for meeting information. Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Chino Girl Scout House, 5007 Center Street, Chino, CA 91710. CTTC Santa Clarita Chapter Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 4012, Castaic, CA 91310. CTTC Foothill Chapter Vice president: Don Williams • Secretary: Jennifer Fields Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 51002, Pasadena, CA 91115-1002. Treasurer/Membership: Abigail DeSesa • Adoptions: George Ordway President: Joanna Bolt • Vice president: Robin Robb Meeting: Third Saturday of odd-numbered months at 6:30 pm at Valencia United Secretary: Mardy Graves • Treasurer/Membership: Jeanette Lea Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, California 91355. Adoptions: Linda Crawford CTTC Silicon Valley Chapter Meeting: Fourth Friday, 7:30 pm at Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007. Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 64135, Sunnyvale, CA 94088-4135. President: Gilbert Castro • Vice president: Lesa Montoya CTTC High Desert Chapter Secretary: Lisa Wong • Treasurer: Dorothy Castro Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 163, Victorville, CA 92393. Meeting: Third Friday, 7:00 pm at San Jose Masonic Center, 2500 Masonic Drive, San President/Adoptions: Dave Zantiny • Secretary/Adoptions: Mary Dutro Jose, CA. 95125. Meeting: Second Monday, 7:00 pm at Sterling Inn Regency Room, 17738 Francesca Road, Victorville, CA 92395. CTTC TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) Chapter Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 14222, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. CTTC Inland Empire Chapter President: Brandon Froelicher • Vice president: Brian Kusko Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 2371, San Bernardino, CA 92406-2371. Secretary: Lisa Winn • Treasurer: Kimberly LaMar • Adoptions: Bob Thomas President: Monica Dirac • Vice president: Richard Roosman Meeting: Second Wednesday, 7:00 pm at PG&E Community Center, 6588 Ontario Corresponding Secretary: Vendy Martin • Treasurer: Robyn Kohr Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 94505. Meeting: First Friday, 7:30 pm at “The Ark” Church of the Nazarenes in the Fellow- ship Hall in Young Hall, 1307 East Citrus Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374 . CTTC Turtle & Tortoise Care Society Chapter Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 15965, Long Beach, CA 90815-0965. CTTC Kern County Chapter President: Richard Roosman • Vice president/Adoptions: Pam Ehlers Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 81772, Bakersfield, CA 93380-1772. Secretary/Membership: Anita De Leon • Treasurer: John Wong President: Rita Linkswiler • Vice president/Membership: Javier Gonzalez Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at University Baptist Church, 3434 Chatwin, Long Secretary: Heather Ponek • Adoptions: Lawrence Rushing Beach, CA 90808-2613. Meeting: Second Monday, 6:30 pm at St. Philip of the Apostle Church, St. Ann’s Room (east side of church), 7100 Stockdale Hwy (on the north side, between Ashe and CTTC Valley Chapter Gosford), Bakersfield, CA 93309. Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 7364, Van Nuys, CA 91409-7364. President/Vice president: Bob Hazard • Treasurer: Karen Berry CTTC Low Desert Chapter Adoptions: Valley Chapter Adoption Team Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 4156, Palm Desert, CA 92261. Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Woodland Hills Christian Church, 5920 Shoup General Information: Tony Vaninetti • Secretary: Marlies Dietrich Avenue, Woodland Hills 91367-3327. Adoptions: Bill Powers Meeting: First Monday of every even-numbered month 7:00 pm at The Living Des- ert Reserve, 47-900 Portola, Palm Desert, CA 92260-6156.

January | February 2017 Tortuga Gazette the Tortuga Gazette CTTC Online: tortoise.org January | February 2017 Follow CTTC on Facebook Volume 53, Number 1

Turtle of the Month Chaco Tortoise Chelonoidis chilensis

Membership Membership in the California Turtle Membership fees CTTC & Tortoise Club and subscriptions to the 00 The California Turtle & Tortoise Club is a non- Tortuga Gazette are handled through the w Individual/family...$25 profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Contributions are CTTC Chapters. The Chapters also man- w Canada/...$2500 tax deductible to the full extent of the law. age membership renewals. 00 Please pay by USA funds only (US bank check, Members are free to join any Chapter. w Foreign...$40 money , or International Postal Order. Many members in California choose to join w Life membership...$50000 Your Chapter and your renewal date (month/ a nearby Chapter to participate in Chapter year) are printed on your newsletter notifica- meetings and other activities. Print member- The Chapters’ postal mailing addresses are list- tion. Mail your new or renewal membership/ ship forms from the CTTC website and mail ed in the following section. Click on the links to subscription to the Chapter of your choice. to the Chapter of your choice. visit the Chapters’ web sites.

Cen-Val Chapter Kern County Chapter Santa Clarita Chapter Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 16418, Fresno, CA Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 81772, Bakersfield, CA Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 4012, Castaic, CA 93755-6418. 93380-1772. 91310.

Chino Valley Chapter Low Desert Chapter Silicon Valley Chapter Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 1753, Chino, CA Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 4156, Palm Desert, Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 64135, Sunnyvale, CA 91708-1753. CA 92261. 94088-4135. Foothill Chapter Orange County Chapter TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) Chapter Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 51002, Pasadena, CA Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 11124, Santa Ana, CA Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 14222, San Luis 91115-1002. 92711. Obispo, CA 93406. High Desert Chapter Ridgecrest Chapter Turtle & Tortoise Care Society Chapter Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 163, Victorville, CA Postal mailing address: P. O. Box 1272, Ridgecrest, CA Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 15965, Long Beach, 92393. 93555. CA 90815-0965. Inland Empire Chapter Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter Valley Chapter Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 2371, San Bernardino, Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 3086, Camarillo, CA Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 7364, Van Nuys, CA CA 92406-2371. 93011-3086. 91409-7364.

“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, how- ever hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, Happy and to endure failure. Persist! The world New needs all you can give.” — Edward Osborne Wilson (b. 1929) Year American biologist/naturalist