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Dedicated to California & Club Turtle & Tortoise Conservation, Preservation, the Tortuga Gazette and Education Since 1964 Volume 56, Number 1 • January/February 2020

Glyptemys muhlenbergii, the , photographed during a long-term study tracking bog turtle populations. This image was captured in habitat in a south- ern Appalachian bog in western North Carolina by US Fish and Wildlife staff. Public domain. Bog Turtle, muhlenbergii (Schoepff, 1801) A Flagship by M. A. Cohen he smallest species of turtle The bog turtle (C. muhlenbergii) What is a flagship species ? Tendemic to , the prior to 2001 was one of four A phrase used in the field of conserva- semi-aquatic bog turtle inhabits species belonging to the tion biology, the term “flagship species” is wetlands and bogs in the eastern Clemmys in the . characterized by theWorld Wildlife Fund United States. For those who may The (C. gutatta), the for Nature as “a species selected to act be unfamiliar with the term, “a bog (C. insculpta), and the as an ambassador, icon or symbol for a is a freshwater wetland of soft, (C. marmora- defined habitat, issue, campaign or envi- ronmental cause.” spongy ground consisting mainly ta) were the three other members of partially decayed plant matter of the genus at that time. The concept of the flagship species, called peat,” according to the Na- Following DNA analyses of the four whether a plant or an , was con- tional Geographic Society. “Bogs ceived to raise awareness of biodiversity Clemmys species, researchers are generally found in cool, north- conservation within an ecosystem. By determined that the bog turtle prompting recognition and conservation ern climates. They often develop in and the wood turtle were closely of the flagship species itself, this concept poorly draining lake basins created related. These two species were promotes the protection of the species’ by glaciers during the most recent subsequently assigned to a new entire biological community. ice age“ (Bog, no date). genus termed Glyptemys, a name 2 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

C A Critically Endangered Flagship Species by M. A. Cohen 1 O Galápagos Conservancy News 4 N Our Galápagos Adventure by Vicki and Alex Jaramillo 6 T Turtle & Tortoise Care Society’s 2019 “OkTurtleFest” 8 E Largest Turtle Release on Record For Guatemala 11 N Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. 12 T Meetings and Programs S 2020 CTTC Directory 13 derived from the Latin root words scutes may be solid in coloration or northwestern South Carolina, glypt-, meaning carved, and , may have a lighter center. northern , and eastern Ten- meaning turtle ( Her- Lacking any hinges, the species’ nessee (Ernst and Lovich 2009). petological Society). Following plastron is brown to black with The preferred habitats of the bog publication of the DNA analyses lighter asymmetrical markings turtle include spring-fed sphag- in 2001, the bog turtle became at the midline (Ernst and Lovich num (peat moss) bogs, swamps, known as Glyptemys muhlenbergii 2009). and marshy meadows with clear, and the wood turtle, G. insculpta. The head of the bog turtle is typ- slow-moving rivulets and brooks As for the other two species in the ically dark brown with prominent having soft bottoms, according to genus Clemmys, the spotted turtle blotches of bright yellow, orange, Ernst and Lovich. remained in that genus as the sole or red above and behind the tym- Diurnal Activities species. Taxonomists assigned panum (ear drum) on both sides A word meaning ‘active in the day- the western pond turtle to a new of its head. Its limbs and tail are time,’ the term diurnal typically genus, and it became dark in color and may have mottled implies two periods of activity with marmorata. markings of orange or red. an interval of inactivity in between. Also known as Muhlenberg’s turtle, The male bog turtle is typically In many chelonian species, includ- this species was named in honor larger than the female. The tail of ing the bog turtle, activity begins of Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlen- the male is noticeably longer and in early morning as the animal berg (1753-1815), an American thicker than that of the female, emerges from nighttime cover clergyman who was a self-taught and his plastron is concave. The to bask. Being ectothermic, i.e., botanist. While studying the native female has a comparatively higher dependent on the external tem- on his property in Lancaster and wider carapace than that of perature, many bask until County, , Muhlenberg the male, and her plastron is flat. they gain sufficient warmth to be- discovered this diminutive turtle gin actively seeking food or mates. in his millpond (Virginia Herpeto- Although there are minor varia- logical Society, no date). In 1801 tions in the appearances of bog As the air temperature rises during Johann David Schoepff, a German turtles from different geographical the warmest part of the day, many botanist and physician, formally regions, there are no recognized ectotherms seek protective cover described the species, naming it of G. muhlenbergii. for purposes of . muhlenbergii. Range and Habitat They rest to lower their body tem- Occurring in disconnected pop- perature until the air temperature Description cools in the evening, at which time Rarely exceeding a carapace ulations in the , the bog turtle primarily bog turtles emerge from their mid- length of 4 inches (10 centime- day cover for an evening feeding. ters), the bog turtle averages 3 to inhabits western Massachusetts, 3.5 inches (7.6 to 8.9 centimeters) Connecticut, eastern New York, Of course, there are variations in long (Oguni). Varying in coloration eastern Pennsylvania, , these activity patterns depending from light brown to mahogany to northern Delaware, and north- on geography, weather, and other black, the carapace of the species ern Maryland. Populations also factors. Basking occurs predom- is somewhat domed with a low occur in northwestern New York inantly on land, and occasionally medial keel, and its scutes have a and Pennsylvania, southern Vir- in shallow water. Researchers ob- roughened, “carved” texture. The ginia, western North Carolina, serve that G. muhlenbergii is 3 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

pondweed, arrow arum, skunk populations because the species cabbage, dryland blueberry, and is comparatively small, attractively cattail, among others (Ernst and colored and does well in captivity. Lovich 2009). Furthermore, biologists have iden- Reproduction tified various external parasites Because the bog turtle is so small and disease-causing bacteria that and so secretive, its reproduc- pose serious health threats to G. Bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii, basking. tive cycles and behavior are not muhlenbergii. Photo by R. G. Tucker, Jr./USFWS. Public domain. well-studied. Biologists surmise Additionally, that the onset of reproductive of wetlands for development, usually more active on cloudy days maturity will vary by geographic pollution of watershed lands, and than on days with bright sunshine location; typically the bog turtle vehicle traffic all threaten remain- (Oguni). matures in 5 to 8 years (Oguni). ing bog turtle populations (Ernst While the bog turtle is generally Researchers have observed mat- and Lovich 2009) diurnal, researchers have doc- ing in the afternoon not long after Conservation umented nocturnal activities in bog turtles emerge from bruma- Listed as CITES I (international some northern populations. Sim- tion. G. muhlenbergii will frequently commercial trade is prohibited) ilarly, there is a prevailing belief mate with more than one partner and ‘Endangered’ under the federal that the species is most active in during each mating season. Endangered Species Act, the bog spring, yet researchers have found Having a low rate of reproduction, turtle is classified as ‘Critically En- some individuals to be active as the female bog turtle lays only 1 to dangered’ by the IUCN Red List of late in the year as December. 6 per clutch in June and July, as of 2010. v Dormancy the average clutch size being 3. References Brumation ( ) Females may then “become unre- Ernst, C.H. and Lovich, J.E. (2009). Turtles of the ceptive” after one or two mating United States and Canada. Second edition. for the bog turtle begins from late Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University September to November, and end- episodes, typically nesting just Press. Pp. 263-271. ing in March or April. Likely spots once per season, and may not pro- Bog. [online]. Available from: https://www.na- for brumation include the bases duce a clutch every season. tionalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/bog/ of tree stumps, meadow vole and In contrast, males will continue Oguni, J. Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii. burrows, and the soft, Savannah River Laboratory. [online]. attempting to mate with as many Available from: https://srelherp.uga.edu/ silted bottoms of waterways. Bog females as they can throughout turtles/glymuh.htm. turtles may brumate singly or in the species’ April-to-July mating Bog Turtle. [online]. Available from: https://www. small or large groups. season (Ernst and Lovich 2009; virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/ This species may estivate in sum- Oguni). turtles/bog-turtle/bog_turtle1.php. mer when the air temperature Stanford, C. (2018). Turtles in Trouble: the Threats World’s 25+ Most Endangered and rises. Bog turtles often seek sub- Because it is so small, the bog Freshwater Turtles: Bog Turtle. Ojai, CA: Tur- terranean places such as wetland turtle is prey for an array of larg- tle Conservation Coalition. tunnels, either partly or completely er , including , flooded, in which to estivate. skunks, snakes, snapping turtles, Foods and Feeding , birds such as egrets and An that will eat in water herons, and canids such as , or on land, G. muhlenbergii con- coyotes, and (Ernst and sumes both live prey and carrion. Lovich 2009). Feeding on a wide array of prey G. muhlenbergii is not an aggres- items, the bog turtle ingests sive species, and will dive into earthworms, crayfish, insects, the silted bottoms of waterways spiders, butterflies, moths, wood to hide from predators if at all ticks, , salamanders, snakes, possible. and nestling birds, among others (Ernst and Lovich 2009). Besides its many predators from the animal kingdom, the bog turtle Plant materials, primarily seeds, is impacted by several human ac- Bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii. Rendering consumed by bog turtles include by John Edwards Holbrook, 1794-1871, from tivities. Collection for the pet trade North American ; or, A description sedge grasses, winter cress, has taken a substantial toll on wild of the inhabiting the United States, wild strawberries, duckweed, published in 1842. Public domain. 4 4 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

Galápagos Conservancy News: November and December 2019 press releases Park Repatriates 109 Young Initiative (GTRI), which is jointly “The final results of this census will Tortoises to Pinzón and developed by the GNPD and Gala- provide information that will allow Santiago pagos Conservancy. us to make management decisions to guarantee the conservation of 6 November 2019 — Rangers § § § the native and endemic species from the Galapagos National Park Giant Tortoise Census on of this area,” said Jorge Carrión, Directorate (GNPD) recently re- Darwin Volcano Indicates Director of the Galapagos National patriated two groups of tortoises Ecosystem Recovery Park. from the duncanensis 25 November 2019 — A healthy and Chelonoidis darwini species to § § § population of growing giant tor- their islands of origin: Pinzón and toises, large numbers of Opuntia Breaking News: Intensive Santiago, respectively. insularis cacti, and abundant pres- Search on Fernandina Island The Park rangers, with the help ence of bird species are several Confirms the Presence of of a helicopter, transferred 93 indicators that the ecosystem on Tortoises tortoises to Pinzón Island and 16 to Darwin volcano, Isabela Island is 9 December 2019 — The discov- the southeast of Santiago Island. recovering after the eradication of ery of a giant tortoise on Fernandi- The tortoises, which were hatched wild goats there in 2006, accord- na Island earlier this year — an is- and raised at the Tortoise Breeding ing to Wacho Tapia, Director of the land where tortoises were believed Center on Santa Cruz Island, are Giant Tortoise Restoration Initia- to be extinct — increased the need between the ages of five and six tive (GTRI). for an intensive, thorough expe- years — which ensures a higher As part of the activities of the dition to search the entire island’s survival rate in the wild. GTRI, thirty scientists and park possible tortoise habitat for more § § § rangers covered approximate- tortoises. Since 1967, there have been reports of trails that suggest Twenty Baby Tortoises ly 200 square kilometers of the volcano during a recent ten-day the presence of more than one ani- Hatch at the Santa Cruz mal on the island. Breeding Center expedition and managed to locate, take data from, and mark 1,150 Last month, the Giant Tortoise 20 November 2019 — Twenty tortoises with microchips. The Restoration Initiative (GTRI) team baby tortoises of the Española population of the Darwin Volca- from the Galapagos National Park Island (Chelonoidis hoodensis) no tortoise species (Chelonoid- Directorate (GNPD) and Galapa- and Floreana Island (Chelonoidis is microphyes) was previously gos Conservancy executed an niger) species recently hatched estimated at 400 individuals and expedition in which 10 groups of from the incubators at the Gala- categorized as “Endangered” by scientists and Park rangers were pagos National Park Directorate’s the International Union for the deployed to thoroughly search the (GNPD) Fausto Llerena Breeding Conservation of Nature (IUCN). island for tortoises. However, in Center on Santa Cruz Island. The spite of their efforts, poor weather nesting period began in July when “We consider the population of this conditions that persisted through- the first eggs were collected, and species of tortoise to be healthy, out the six-day expedition made it they began to hatch after 120 days with an estimated size of 2,000 difficult to fulfill the entire search in the incubators in which Park individuals — of which 40% are plan, and only trails and feces of rangers control the temperature to females and 60% is made up of tortoises (possibly female) were obtain females (85.1° F | 29.5° C) undetermined males and juveniles. found. and males (82.4° F | 28° C). The figure confirms a good state in reproductive terms, because “The trails suggest that there is This marks the beginning of the according to preliminary results still at least one tortoise on the hatching period within the giant there are 1.1 females for each island, but the dense vegetation, tortoise program male,” said Tapia. especially ferns, made it impos- at this Tortoise Center, which has sible to locate,” said Washington seven pens housing tortoises from Stool samples of the tortoises Tapia, Director of the GTRI and Española and Floreana Islands. were also collected for the sub- leader of the expedition. The team Park rangers have collected 125 sequent study of their diet; for is planning a new and final search eggs from 35 nests there in the decades, the tortoises here had to when weather conditions should 2019 season. compete for food with introduced goats but the habitat has now be improved; most likely in January The breeding program is part of v improved immensely. 2020. the Giant Tortoise Restoration 5 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020 6 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

Ourtext Galápagos by Vicki Jaramillo and photographs Adventure from Alex Jaramillo

As a lifelong lover and owner all should go while we of tortoises and turtles, I often have the time, energy had dreamed of traveling to the and money, so with our Galapagos Islands to visit the giant two adult daughters tortoises there. My husband Alex who also love wildlife and I figured it was just a dream we made our reserva- until the opportunity came that tions. It was about a convinced us to act on that idea. year and a half before My older sister Louise is an avid we left our own pet bird-watcher and a Master Nat- cats, turtles and tor- uralist, and learned through her toises with a sitter in membership in the Cornell Lab of our Southern California Ornithology that trips were avail- home and embarked on able. our Fall journey. Offered and operated by Galápa- We flew from Guaya- gos Best, the Spring and Fall quil, Ecuador to Baltra A Galápagos tortoise photographed in a forested area. voyages promised an 8-day expe- airport and boarded our dition to several of the Galápagos new home, a handsome Assured that the motion of the catamaran named the boat traveling between islands Tip Top II. Our tour during the night would “rock us group consisted of 14 to sleep in our cradles”, we were fellow passengers who alarmed on the second night by the were photographers, rough rising and dropping action bird watchers, librari- of the boat lasting several hours, ans and snorkelers and and not much sleep happened that all very compatible and night! Morning brought smooth fun. The leaders were turquoise seas again and a broken PhDs from Cornell, and anchor winch which was eventually the Naturalist Guide replaced. was Fausto Rodriguez, a delightful energetic We had been prepared for hot sun- man very familiar with ny weather since we are located the animals, geolo- along the equator, but often the gy, and history of the weather was cool and misty and Galápagos Islands. very pleasant and the air, sweet and clean. We got used to clam- Each day followed a bering in and out of the “pangas,” schedule of early rising, with the help of our excellent an expedition, break- crew, in to reach the various fast, an expedition, a islands. A wet landing meant you’d snack, lunch, another be wading in the shore of a white expedition, delicious sandy beach and a dry landing may The Jaramillo family — Alex, Vicki, Sonja, and Kathy — on Santa Cruz healthy dinner and a mean balancing along a narrow Island with a large native tortoise. review of the day’s strip of concrete or lava. We began sightings, a lesson seeing exciting animals as soon about island adaptation as we arrived on the islands: the Islands highlighting the many rare or animal behavior, and a descrip- iconic blue-footed boobies, land and unique species of birds as tion of the next day’s plans. well as reptiles. Soon to observe a iguanas, Darwin’s various finches milestone birthday, Louise said we Thanks to Dramamine we did not and frigate birds. Later we saw suffer too much from sea sickness. 7 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020 flamingos, penguins, that operated our boats was Rolf mockingbirds, hawks, Wittmer, who was born in a cave on and albatrosses and this island in 1932. other sea birds. We loved seeing the Post Office If you were able to nav- Bay, where whalers centuries igate the very steep ago would leave mail in a barrel Cliffside Prince Phillip awaiting the next ship to take and Steps on the remote deliver it. Now it is a fun tradition island of Genovesa, you for tourists to leave in a barrel an were rewarded with the un-stamped post card addressed sight of many nesting to self or friend, and other tourists boobies, tropic birds, look for cards addressed to loca- iguanas, and an owl. tions near their homes. They are Snorkeling provided Alex Jaramillo hiking near a pond and meeting three local tortoises. supposed to take those cards and views of beautiful trop- hand-deliver them to the recipi- ical fish, green sea tur- Park. such as ents. Two cards we “sent” this way tles, sharks, rays and playful sea goats and pigs have been con- did arrive amazingly at their desti- lions who swam right up to your trolled. nations within a couple weeks! face and invited you to roll and somersault in the sea. The animals Some early human and birds really were not afraid of arrivals to the “En- people and did not run away from chanted Islands” us at all. The marine iguanas and believed that the giant sea lions owned the beaches, and tortoises could see into the boobies made weird whistling your soul, and cursed sounds and danced for each other. the settlers. To us they appeared fat, happy Visiting the island of Santa Cruz and benevolent. On was special: that is where thou- the bus ride back down sands of wild Galápagos tortoises from the highlands live in harmony with the farmers. we counted 65 giant We rode up into the highlands by tortoises visible just bus and enjoyed hiking across the from one side of the Ecuadorian Naturalist Guide Fausto Rodriguez at the Post Office grassy areas where many enor- road and some casually Bay on Floreana Island. mous tortoises soaked in mud traveling along the red- puddles and grazed in the grass dish dirt road, so the driver had to One clear night several of us gath- along with cattle and birds. These wait for them. One clever member ered on the top deck of the Tip tortoises with dome-shaped of our group liked to make up funny Top and gazed at the myriad stars, carapaces, nigrita, are poems each day about what we Milky Way, and constellations we strictly protected as are all inhab- saw, and I wrote a haiku describing never see from home. itants of the Galápagos National the scene: It was a trip of a lifetime, and we Red Cloud Forest road. have many memories of this won- derful place! Our contact person Giant tortoise slowly strolls. with Cornell was Myrah Bridwell Disregards the bus. whose email address is mb252@ cornell.edu. v On the island of Floreana, the native tortoises have gone Special thanks to Vicki and Alex Jaramillo, extinct but other tortoises members of the CTTC Inland Empire chapter brought there are thriving. This since 1976, for sharing their Galápagos travel island has a beautiful cloud for- adventure with the CTTC membership. est environment and many lush tropical plants. The immigrant human history is fascinating The subject of Vicki Jaramillo’s haiku as photographed and scandalous. The founder from the tour bus window. of the eco-tourism company 8 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

Care PhotographySociety’s by Anita 2019 De Leon and “OkTurtleFest” text by John Wong

The Turtle and Tortoise Care Society held its annual “OkTurtleFest” event during its October 19th meeting. The festiv- ities featured bratwurst and (root)beer along with side dishes provided by members and guests, costumed members, and a “show and tell” of mem- bers’ turtles closing the event. It was an evening of good food, good friends, and insights into the members and their turtles.

p John Wong

p Liz Underwood and Anita De Leon q Ginny Doepping

p Rusty Rustuen p Show and Tell time! 9 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

t Robbi Rustuen, Scott Ringwelski and Becky Rustuen

p A pirate and his matey!

p Nicole Perlman

p It’s the cat’s meow!

p George Alcatraz 10 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

p Alex Guererro and Katy Chumly

p Scott Ringwelski p Jerry Weir

u Vicki Salcido-Smith and James Hong

New Meeting Location and Day for TTCS Beginning on 18 January 2020, the Turtle & Tortoise Care Society (Long Beach) will meet on the third Saturday of every month at 7:30 pm at a new location. The address of the new meeting place is as follows: St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 6201 East Street Long Beach, CA 90815. p This turtle will scare the “SHELL” out of you! p Henry Craig and Molly McLaren Craig 11 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020 Largest Turtle Release on Record For Guatemala Estación Biológica el Banco, of the el Banco community to start the temperatures on the beach Guatemala—9 December 2019— collecting turtle eggs and incu- at el Banco and in the nests of This week saw the largest release bating them in hatcheries, known eggs at Tortugario el Banco. Daniel of sea turtles ever recorded in locally as tortugarios.” Ariano-Sanchez from the Depart- Guatemala. From 1st to 8th of Over the last 20 years Tortugario ment of Biology at Universidad del December, 16,643 baby olive ridley el Banco has worked with Gua- Valle says: “In the face of climate sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) temalan NGO Fundaselva to save change, and rising temperatures, were released on the Pacific Coast sea turtles, and their efforts have it is critical for us to understand of Guatemala. This is the largest seen baby turtle releases increase what is happening to the tempera- release of the species in Central from 45,000 per year in 2014 to tures in nests. The sex America, outside of neighbour- over 233,000 during 2018. Funda- of sea turtles is determined by the ing countries, Mexico and Costa selva’s Scientific Director Rowland temperature at which the eggs are Rica. The endangered turtles were Griffin, said: “These increases show incubated. This means that if tem- released as part of ongoing long us just how important long-term peratures rise too high then only term conservation efforts by the efforts are for the conservation females will be produced. Or even local community project, Tortug- of sea turtles. With the com- worse, the embryos will die.” ario el Banco. mitment of the community of el The next step in understanding the Olive ridley sea turtles are the Banco, these once scarce animals of olive ridley smallest of the seven species of are coming back from the brink of sea turtles at el Banco, is for Fun- sea turtles. Like all species of sea extinction. It is so inspiring to see daselva to start a planned moni- turtles, olive ridleys are consid- what can be achieved when a com- toring project of the adult popula- ered threatened with extinction munity comes together and works tion, which it will run from Estación having suffered drastic population tirelessly to solve a conservation Biológica el Banco in collaboration declines in recent years due to the issue.” with Tortugario el Banco. The over harvesting of eggs for human Biologists from Universidad del project which is part funded by consumption. El Banco community Valle de Guatemala and University volunteer participation, monitors member, and Director of Tortugario of South East Norway are current- the number of adult turtles coming v el Banco, Juan Hildago says “It was ly using dataloggers to monitor to the beach to lay their eggs. these declines that led members —Fundaselva press release

Galápagos Lizard Photographs by the Jaramillo Family Captions are based on information from the Galápagos Conservancy website.

t The only marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) in the world is found in the Galápagos Islands. Although it is not especially agile on land, the marine iguana is an excellent swimmer, foraging for green algae at sea. At maturity it averages 28 inches (0.7 meter) in length.

u The Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is one of three species of land iguana endemic to the Galápagos Islands. A large lizard, C. subcristatus can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 meter) at maturity, and males can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms). They feed primarily on shrubs and prickly-pear pads and fruit. 12 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

Mike’s Turtle Net Picks by Michael J. Connor, Ph.D. A varied selection of recent articles, stories and sites on the Web that some of you may find as interesting as I did. This list is also posted at tortoise.org/turtlenetpicks/turtlenetpicks.html Tortoises Learn New Tricks and Yellow-Spotted River Turtle New Fossil Sheds Light on the Remember Them Release Evolution of Modern Sea Tur- Aldabra tortoises taught to recognize col- Video of a release of head-started taricaya tles ored balls remembered nine years later. or yellow-spotted river turtle hatchlings in Newly described 75 million year old fossil Feds May Allow New Highway Peru. turtle, Asmodochelys parhami, may have through Red Cliffs Reserve Emmott's Short-neck Turtle been one of the most recent ancestors of The Administration is moving forward with One of Australia’s largest river turtles, modern sea turtles. plans to build a highway through the most the Cooper Creek or Emmott's short-neck Global Turtle Mapping important habitat at Red turtle, macquarii emmotti, appears is leading an effort Cliffs Reserve, St. George, Utah. This is land to be doing well despite drought. to develop interactive maps of the world's that was set aside to protect Utah’s few Western Pond Turtle turtle communities. remaining desert tortoises. Head-Starting New Therapy For Sea Turtles Giant Asian Forest Tortoise Video overview of Woodland Park Zoo’s With Red Tide Poisoning Head-Starting western pond turtle program. A detox therapy used to treat overdoses Efforts to conserve and recover Bangla- US Hawksbill Turtles Show Lit- in humans may help save endangered sea desh’s remaining Asian Forest Turtles are tle Evidence of Recovery turtles from red tide poisoning! paying off. New study shows that nest counts are a Radiolab - There and Back Nesting and poor proxy for estimating adult female Again False Nesting Behavior population status and highlights the need Podcast on long-distance migrations in Biologists describe nesting behaviors of for multiple approaches to estimating turtle birds, turtles, and mammals. (Most of the wild Gopher Tortoises, poly- population trends. turtle discussion is in the second half) phemus, at Archbold Biological Station in The Administration Scales CTTC’s Turtle And Tortoise south-central Florida. Back Moves to Protect Kemp’s Listserve Range Exten- Ridley CTTC’s Turtle and Tortoise list has now sion Final rule exempts most shrimpers from moved to io.groups. If you want to talk A small population of the critically endan- new requirements to include escape hatch- with other turtle and tortoise fans in a gered Pancake tortoise discovered at Lewa es (“TEDS”) in their nets to reduce risks of friendly atmosphere just send an email to: Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. turtles drowning. CTTC-TurtleAndTortoise-list+- [email protected] CTTC on Facebook For breaking news updates visit and “like” us on Facebook!

2020 Meetings and Programs Chino Valley Low Desert TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) 17 January: Laura Brewer from 3 February 21 January; 18 February Prehistoric Pets; Orange County TTCS (Long Beach) 21 February: David Brunette– 10 January; 14 February 18 January; 15 February Exotic Tortoises Ridgecrest Valley Foothill 13 January; 10 February 17 January; 21 February 24 January; 28 February Santa Barbara-Ventura Executive Board High Desert Contact the chapter for meeting TBA January 2020. Meetings take 13 January; 10 February place at the Los Angeles County information. Inland Empire Arboretum in Arcadia, CA. 3 January; 7 February Santa Clarita Click on your Chapter’s website link for the 18 January latest program information. Programs may Kern County be scheduled after newsletter publication. 13 January; 10 February 13 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020 2020 California Turtle & Tortoise Club Directory Executive Board Kern County Chapter Santa Clarita Chapter General Information: General Information: President: George Ordway [email protected] [email protected] Secretary: Jennifer Fields Chair: Don Williams President/membership: Treasurer/membership/adoptions: Vice-chair: Robyn Kohr Heather Ponek Abigail DeSesa Treasurer: Javier Gonzalez Vice president: Tim Brennan Meeting: Third Saturday of Meeting: quarterly (January, April, Secretary: Lisa Marriott-Smith odd-numbered months at 6:30 July and October) at 10 am at the Treasurer: Kathy Studer pm at Valencia United Methodist Los Angeles County Arboretum, Adoptions: Church, 25718 McBean Pkwy, 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, Richard Marriott-Smith Valencia, California 91355 CA 91007 Meeting: Second Monday, 6:30 pm at St. Philip of the Apostle Church, TOOSLO (San Luis Obispo) Chapter Chino Valley Chapter St. Ann’s Room (east side of President: Brandon Froelicher President: Lynda Misiak church), 7100 Stockdale Hwy (on Vice president: Brian Kusko Vice president: David Bowman the north side, between Ashe and Treasurer/membership/adoptions: Secretary: Rachelle Buck Gosford), Bakersfield, CA 93309 Lola McAulay Adoptions: Jim Misiak Meeting: Second Wednesday, 7:00 Low Desert Chapter Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at pm at Ludwick Community Center General Information: Chino Girl Scout House, 5007 Cen- Meeting Room. 864 Santa Rosa ter Street, Chino, CA 91710 Tony Vaninetti St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Secretary: Marlies Dietrich Foothill Chapter Adoptions: Bill Powers Turtle & Tortoise Care Society President: Robin Robb Meeting: First Monday of every (Long Beach) Chapter Vice president: Joanna Bolt even-numbered month 7:00 pm President: Richard Roosman Secretary: Mardy Graves at The Living Desert Reserve, Vice president: John Kim Treasurer/membership: 47-900 Portola, Palm Desert, CA Secretary/Membership: Jeanette Lea 92260-6156 Anita De Leon Meeting: Fourth Friday, 7:30 pm at Treasurer: John Wong Orange County Chapter Los Angeles County Arboretum, Meeting: Third Saturday, 7:30 pm 301 No. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, General Information: at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, CA 91007 [email protected] 6201 East Willow Street, Long President: Sharon Paquette Beach, Ca. 90815 High Desert Chapter Vice president: John Kim Valley Chapter President: Regene Fonville Secretary: Joyce Keyak President: Bob Hazard Vice president: Dave Zantiny Treasurer: Traci Fields Treasurer: Karen Berry Secretary: Mary Dutro Adoptions Adoptions: Valley Adoption Team Treasurer: Jose Zumudio Meeting: Second Friday, 7:30 pm at Meeting: Third Friday, 7:30 pm at Meeting: Second Monday, 7:00 Grand Street Center (First Pres- Woodland Hills Christian Church, pm at Sterling Inn Regency Room, byterian Church), 146 N. Grand 5920 Shoup Ave., Woodland Hills, 17738 Francesca Road, Victorville, Street, Orange, CA 92866 CA 91367-3327 CA 92395 Ridgecrest Chapter Inland Empire Chapter President: Robert Parker NOTE: The postal mailing ad- President: Monica Dirac Vice president: Sue Parker dresses for each Chapter are Vice president: Richard Roosman Adoptions: Montynne Yates listed on the last page of this Corresponding Secretary: Meeting: Second Monday, 7:30 pm newsletter. Amy Taylor at Maturango Museum, 100 East Treasurer: Robyn Kohr Las Flores Ave., Ridgecrest, CA Meeting: First Friday, 7:30 pm at 93555 “The Ark” Church of the Nazarenes in the Fellowship Hall in Young Hall, Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter 1307 East Citrus Avenue, Red- President: Don Williams lands, CA 92374 Meeting: Contact the Chapter for meeting information. 14 Tortuga Gazette 56(1) • January/February 2020

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California Turtle & Tortoise Club: a Society Dedicated to Turtle & Tortoise Preservation, Conservation and Education since 1964. Promoting and Facilitating the Care, Rehoming, and Adoption of Native and Nonnative Turtles and Tortoises.

The Tortuga Gazette (ISSN 1073-1334) is owned by the California Turtle & Tortoise Club Executive Board, which is incorporated in the State of California as a Not-for-Profit Corporation and is tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3). All material is copyright © CTTC unless otherwise attributed. CTTC policy permits reproduction of articles by other not-for-profit groups and educational institutions when permission is requested. Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis and CTTC must be cited as the source of the material. Views expressed in the Tortuga Gazette are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor or the California Turtle & Tortoise Club.

The California Turtle & Tortoise Club (CTTC) CTTC Mailing Addresses is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Contri- butions are tax deductible to the full extent of Chino Valley Chapter: P. O. Box 1753, Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter: P.O. the law. Please pay by USA funds only (US bank Chino, CA 91708-1753 Box 3086, Camarillo, CA 93011-3086 check, money order, or International Postal Order). Foothill Chapter: P. O. Box 51002, Pas- Santa Clarita Chapter: P.O. Box 4012, adena, CA 91115-1002 Castaic, CA 91310 Membership in the CTTC and subscriptions to the Tortuga Gazette are handled through the High Desert Chapter: P. O. Box 163, TOOSLO Chapter: P.O. Box 763, Grover CTTC Chapters. The Chapters also manage Victorville, CA 92393 Beach, CA 93483 membership renewals (see postal addresses below). Inland Empire Chapter: P.O. Box 2371, Turtle & Tortoise Care Society Chap- Many members choose to join a nearby Chapter San Bernardino, CA 92406-2371 ter: P O Box 15952, Long Beach, CA 90815 to participate in Chapter meetings and other Kern County Chapter: P.O. Box 81772, activities. Print membership forms from the Bakersfield, CA 93380-1772 Valley Chapter: P.O. Box 7364, Van CTTC website. Nuys, CA 91409-7364 Your Chapter and your renewal date (month/ Low Desert Chapter: P.O. Box 4156, year) are displayed on your newsletter notifi- Palm Desert, CA 92261 Tortuga Gazette cation. Mail your new or renewal membership/ California Turtle & Tortoise Club subscription to the Chapter of your choice. Orange County Chapter: P.O. Box Post Office Box 7300 11124, Santa Ana, CA 92711 Membership fees Van Nuys, California 91409-7300 Student membership $1500 Ridgecrest Chapter: P. O. Box 1272, • Ridgecrest, CA 93555 •Individual membership $2500 •Family membership $3500 Is your email address changing? •Life membership $50000 Update your email address through your MailChimp account by clicking the “Update Your Preferences” link on your newsletter notice. Or send your changes and corrections to [email protected]