TTN 1:14

Turtle and Tortoise Newsletter, 2000, 1:14
© 2000 by Chelonian Research Foundation

Asian Turtle Conservation Effort

Dave Collins
Asian Turtle Conservation Program Coordinator, Tennessee Aquarium, PO Box 11048, Chattanooga, TN 37401

The Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation and Ecology Project centered at the Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam has been identified by the American Zoological Associations Chelonian Advisory Group and the Australian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria as a primary site for a much needed regional conservation programs of Asian turtles. Cuc Phuong has established a multi-faceted approach to turtle conservation addressing the serious impacts of the illegal wildlife trade of the region’s turtles and tortoises. Aspects of the project include species reintroduction’s to protected areas, captive breeding for genetic preservation, conservation awareness, and research.

To help raise needed funds for Asian turtle conservation an account has been set up at the Tennessee Aquarium to receive donations for Cuc Phuong. To help jump start the effort the Tortoise Reserve will match one donation from any single herpetological society or turtle and tortoise club up to the amount of $1,000. Donations in any amount are encouraged. All donations will be acknowledged and contributors will receive periodic updates on the program’s progress. Donations can be made to Asian Turtle Conservation Program and sent to the author at the address given above.

In order to help provide on-going support beyond the fund-raising effort the Tortoise Reserve also pledges all funds generated from its newly initiated sale of educational chelonian slide sets to the Asian Turtle Conservation Effort. Societies, clubs, and institutions can directly promote fund raising through sales of regional slide sets to members, or by offering them in museum, zoo, and aquarium gift shops. Annual reports on this program will be provided to all participating organizations. See article on p. 24.