Excerpt from: December 24, 2010 Turtle Survival Alliance Newsletter

Help the TSA Meet its Match (by 12/31)!
Donations made to TSA India by December 31, 2010 will be matched 50 cents on the dollar by long time TSA supporter Nature's Own (up to $40,000). That means if you donate $100, the TSA will receive $150 - it's that easy! Click here to learn more or make your (tax-deductible) gift.

Happy Holidays from the TSA!


Cris Hagen
With projects in Belize, Brazil, Madagascar, Senegal and throughout Asia, the global impact of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) has expanded in ways that barely seemed possible when the group was formed in 2001. From that single meeting of a small group of concerned individuals, a conservation organization was born that has been able to "rise to the occasion" time and again as a recognized force for turtle conservation.

2010 has truly set a high water mark for the Turtle Survival Alliance. Our commitment to the captive management of rare and endangered species was given a boost with the hiring of Cris Hagen as the TSA's first-ever Director of Animal Management. Cris will be responsible for the strategic development and management oversight of turtle assurance colonies to support our conservation mission.

Herilala Randriamahazo

We have also made great strides for our programs in Madagascar and Myanmar by hiring two individuals to oversee the TSA's programs in those countries. Herilala Randriamahazo, PhD has come on board to manage multiple tortoise conservation initiatives in
Madagascar and Kalyar Platt, PhD will begin work in Myanmar in January. Having someone "on the ground" in each of these countries will increase our effectiveness substantially - especially given that both speak multiple languages and are well-versed in the cultures and politics of the countries in which they will be working.

Kalyar Platt

Hopefully by now you have had a chance to read the 2010 magazine, the TSA blog or our biweekly newsletters and have seen the latest updates from our other programs in places like India, Bangladesh, China and Belize. While some of the news is encouraging (a new education center in India) and some is disappointing (infertile Yangtze Giant Softshell (Rafetus) eggs once again in China), all of it inspires us to move forward and work every day toward our goal of zero turtle extinctions.

We'd like to take the opportunity to thank our donors who gave $200 or more over the past year (below). These gifts make the TSA's work possible - we truly could not do it without you!

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2011.

An Excert From - "Turtle Survival Alliance Newsletter December 17- 2010"

Belize Mobilizes to Do Something "Transformational" for Hickatee On December 7, 2010, the first ever Hickatee Conservation Forum and Workshop was held at the University of Belize (UB), Belmopan Campus. The event was organized by the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), in collaboration with the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at UB and the Belize Fisheries Department. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together members of the scientific community, government officials, and Belize's extensive NGO community to share information regarding the Hickatee or Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawi).

Playing Soccer for Endangered Tortoises TSA Madagascar recently participated in a very special event to raise awareness for the endangered radiated tortoise. A soccer tournament was organized and sponsored in Antananarivo on December 11-12 by Eco-Sys Actions and Salamandra Nature (conservation NGOs) and their partners. The main objective of the event, held at Alarobia Stadium, was to raise public awareness by using soccer - a very popular sport in Madagascar. Flat Tailed Spider Tortoise The Henry Doorly Zoo's Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership (MBP), Conservation Fusion, Conservation International and the TSA shared a booth at the event to raise awareness of their work in the region.

Spider Tortoise Research Click here for an article recently published in the journal Herpetologica. The work details some of the spatial mapping work that the TSA has supported to enable a better understanding of the current distribution of the critically endangered Madagascar spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides). The results describe the decline of approximately 80% in the spatial distribution of the northern subspecies of Madagascar spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi). Despite the worrying decline in range, this work has enabled researchers to identify priority areas for conservation efforts for this threatened tortoise. They are currently using project funds to work closely with one of their partners; the locally based NGO, Blue Ventures (BV) Conservation, within the recently formed Velondriake Community Managed Marine and Coastal Protected Area. BV are driving forward community-based management strategies and environmental awareness programs for the tortoises. BV, in partnership with the community of Lamboara and the Velondriake Management Committee are now developing and implementing a community-driven tortoise monitoring project. A number of tortoise monitors from Lamboara are currently undergoing training within this area, which now represents one of the last remaining strong holds for the northern spider tortoise.

Year of the Turtle Photo Contest Along with our turtle conservation partners, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) announces a photo contest for 2011 Year of the Turtle! We are seeking close-up, digital photos of turtles, preferably in their natural habitats or within an educational or conservation context. One winner will be selected each month to be the featured photo as part of the Year of the Turtle online calendar. Runner-up photos will also be included in the calendar. Additionally, all submitted images will be considered for use in the Year of the Turtle monthly newsletter and website as well as other Year of the Turtle related conservation, outreach, and educational efforts. Give us your best shot! Visit www.yearoftheturtle.org for more information.

The above is an excerpt from the Dec 17th edition of "Turtle Survival Alliance Newsletter!"

Turtle Survival Alliance Newsletter December - 2010

Like Us! Turtle Survival Alliance We have a special opportunity available to make your money go much further! Donations made to the TSA's India program by December 31 will be matched 50 cents on the dollar by longtime TSA supporter Nature's Own (up to $40,000). That means if you donate $100, the TSA will receive $150 - it's that easy! After the recent workshop in Lucknow (read about it in the TSA blog), there is no better time to support the India pr Donate to the TSA www.turtlesurvival.org 2011 - Year of the Turtle Turtle Conservation Groups in partnership with PARC are designating 2011 as the Year of the Turtle Why turtles, and why now? Turtles are disappearing from the planet faster than birds, mammals, and even amphibians. Today, over 40% of turtle species are identified as threatened with extinction; the primary threats are human-caused.  However, it's not too late for our turtle heritage to be salvaged.  The United States has more endemic turtle species than anywhere on Earth; a turtle biodiversity hotspot.  Our careful stewardship can preserve the rare species and keep 'common species common.'  Throughout the year, we will be raising awareness of the issues surrounding turtles through press releases, newsletters, photo contests, and related events. It is our hope that citizens, natural resource managers, scientists, and the pet and food and related industries will work together to address issues and to help ensure long-term survival of turtle species and populations. Supporting Partners (to date) include (and will not be limited to): Turtle Conservancy, Turtle Survival Alliance, IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, US Fish & Wildlife Service International Affairs, Chelonian Research Foundation, Turtle Conservation Fund, AZA Chelonian Taxonomic Advisory Group, SUNY ESF, Virginia Herpetological Society,... and the list keeps growing! Bookmark www.yearoftheturtle.org, and check it often for more information on how YOU can get involved! Sign up for our monthly newsletters, containing: A downloadable turtle photo calendar for each month, including a photo contest - YOUR photo could be in the calendar Information about turtle conservation efforts and groups - we could print YOUR story here Interviews with turtle experts, and answers to selected questions that YOU send us Information on how YOU can help spread the word about turtles Educational materials -- how YOU can teach about turtles Featured turtle artwork, poetry, and cultural information that YOU send us... and much, MUCH, more!   Please contact us at YearOfTheTurtle2011@gmail.com if you would like to help to promote or contribute materials to 2011 Year of the Turtle. Keep watching, we'll be announcing our turtle calendar photo contest very soon.   Winterizing Headstart Facilities in India  Personnel at the Garhaita Turtle Conservation Center have been hard at work winterizing their headstart facilities for endangered turtles, specifically Batagur kachuga. Improvements will allow for increased water oxygenation and better water quality. Additionally, steps have been taken to protect the hatchlings and yearlings from cooler winter temperatures. Put a Turtle Under their Tree Avoid long lines and crowded malls this year, while supporting turtle conservation. Gift memberships are available on the TSA website anytime and they are a great way to give a gift that lasts all year.  We have also slashed prices in theonline store on merchandise including t-shirts, limited edition prints and hats. Click here to check out the low prices! Most of these items are only available in limited quantities, so get yours today before they're gone! As a bonus, a 2011 TSA calendar (featuring beautiful box turtle images) will be included FREE with every order while supplies last. 2011 Conference  It's official! We'll be returning to Orlando for the 9th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. We will be welcomed once again by the Rosen Plaza from August 14-17, 2011. Mark your calendars and keep an eye on the newsletter for more details as they become available. See you there!

This is a forwarded copy of the original, "Turtle Survival Newsletter" - Dec 3 2010

Fisherman in Bangladesh

A local Fisherman in Bangladesh with an Adult, Female, Gatagur Turtle

   

Turtle Survival Alliance News - November 19, 2010

Turtle Survival Alliance Newsletter Emergency Measures for Batagur in Bangladesh November 7, 2010:  "We succeeded in securing an additional three males however we missed saving one male by 5 minutes as it was slaughtered at the market.  If we had been just a few minutes earlier we could have stopped it from being slaughtered, but unfortunately we arrived after they had already started chopping the plastron off." These were the anguished words of Brian Horne after leaving the weekend turtle market in Dhaka, Bangladesh in what he would later describe "as one of the worst days of my life, the whole experience left me feeling numb." Working with Ms.. Rupali Ghose (pictured), Brian was plying the turtle markets on behalf of TSA to secure additional breeding stock of the Sundarbans river terrapin, Batagur baska, recognized as one of the most threatened of Asia's large river turtles, ranking just behind the Yangtze giant softshell, Rafetus swinhoei. The Sundarbans Batagur is believed to be functionally extinct with only a few isolated specimens remaining in the wild, a victim of chronic and intensive fishing pressures and egg harvesting at nesting beaches. Biologists are hard at work on behalf of the TSA in Bangladesh, vigilant for any opportunity that arises to acquire additional stock for a captive program, most likely the species' only chance for survival.  Indian Workshop is a Success Recently the Indian Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP), in association with Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and IUCN/SSC Tortoises and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group hosted the "Indian Freshwater Turtle and Tortoises Conservation Priority Areas & Initiatives" workshop and core-group meeting. The main objectives of the meeting were to review the implementation of the 2005 TSA/MCBT "Conservation Action Plan for Indian Endangered Turtles and Tortoises" and to discuss and prioritize important turtle areas for conservation action across India, while reviewing their potential to support new programs. Participants also were tasked with identifying competent local partners and collaborators for key turtle conservation initiatives. Click here to read the full story. Put a Turtle Under their Tree Avoid long lines and crowded malls this year, while supporting turtle conservation. Gift memberships are available on the TSA website anytime and they are a great way to give a gift that lasts all year.  We have also slashed prices in the online store on merchandise including t-shirts, limited edition prints and hats. Click here to check out the low prices! Most of these items are only available in limited quantities, so get yours today before they're gone! As a bonus, a 2011 TSA calendar (featuring beautiful box turtle images) will be included FREE with every order while supplies last.

Soft Iguana Plush Toy

Five Full Pages of Webkinz are available in my store!
See earlier post, with direct buying links!

Webkinz store

 Shopping Cart

Product Details

Webkinz HM340 Iguana Plush Animal From Ganz Price: $13.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by PAC's 21 new or used available from $9.48 Average customer review:

Product Description

Webkinz HM340 IGUANA Plush Animal

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32557 in Toys & Games
• Color: Green
• Brand: Ganz
• Model: HM340
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• Full Sized Webkinz
• Play Online!

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Customer Reviews

Webkinz Iguana
My son collects critters that most kids would think were disgusting, but he loves this one. It's actually cuter than I thought it would be, even my daughter wants one now. It looks so innocent, and is bigger than I expected. He's big enough to love on, and small enough to store on your bed, or shelf. I think it's approximately 12 inches long, maybe longer, I didn't measure it. Very sweet looking, and adds to my son's critter collection just fine. He wants all the Webkinz lizards, and snakes, so this one fits just fine in his crowd of weird and crazy animals. He also likes putting the code into the computer that comes on it's tag and plays in the world of Webkinz online. You can decorate their rooms and buy stuff for your virtual pet, they have lots of fun playing with the Webkinz online, and the stuffed animal too. This way the animal doesn't get thrown to the bottom of the pile like most stuffed animals.
Excellent
I purchased the Webkinz Iguana as a gift for my great nephew. He was very delighted. The igauna is an excellent toy and made very well. I have purchased other Webkinz plush toys also and I am always pleased with the quality of them. I highly recommend this item to others.
Webkinz Iguana
The Iguana is actually cuter than another posted review that we read online. Online it is adorable!! It opened up special gifts like an exclusive couch, W pond and airplane. My kids were totally thrilled. Highly recommend.

Soft Iguana Plush Toy

Webkinz store

 Shopping Cart

Product Details

Webkinz HM340 Iguana Plush Animal From Ganz Price: $13.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by PAC's 21 new or used available from $9.48 Average customer review:

Product Description

Webkinz HM340 IGUANA Plush Animal

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32557 in Toys & Games
• Color: Green
• Brand: Ganz
• Model: HM340
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• Full Sized Webkinz
• Play Online!

---

Customer Reviews

Webkinz Iguana
My son collects critters that most kids would think were disgusting, but he loves this one. It's actually cuter than I thought it would be, even my daughter wants one now. It looks so innocent, and is bigger than I expected. He's big enough to love on, and small enough to store on your bed, or shelf. I think it's approximately 12 inches long, maybe longer, I didn't measure it. Very sweet looking, and adds to my son's critter collection just fine. He wants all the Webkinz lizards, and snakes, so this one fits just fine in his crowd of weird and crazy animals. He also likes putting the code into the computer that comes on it's tag and plays in the world of Webkinz online. You can decorate their rooms and buy stuff for your virtual pet, they have lots of fun playing with the Webkinz online, and the stuffed animal too. This way the animal doesn't get thrown to the bottom of the pile like most stuffed animals.
Excellent
I purchased the Webkinz Iguana as a gift for my great nephew. He was very delighted. The igauna is an excellent toy and made very well. I have purchased other Webkinz plush toys also and I am always pleased with the quality of them. I highly recommend this item to others.
Webkinz Iguana
The Iguana is actually cuter than another posted review that we read online. Online it is adorable!! It opened up special gifts like an exclusive couch, W pond and airplane. My kids were totally thrilled. Highly recommend.

Some Facts About The Desert Iguana

Author: John Simmons



The desert iguana (Dipsosaurus Dorsalis) is 10 to 16 inches long when fully grown. It has a large, round body with a long tail. In fact, the tail of the desert iguana is longer than its body. Described as "blunt-headed", desert iguanas have very distinct coloring patterns. The head of the desert iguana is colored brown. This coloration diffuses into reddish brown pattern which could be described as looking like a net. 

The desert iguana has gray spots on the trunk and neck. Desert iguanas also have dark spots on their white or gray tails. A row of dorsal scales are located down the center of the back of the desert iguana. 


As can be gleamed from its common name, the desert iguana lives in arid desert regions. Desert iguanas are commonly found in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts founding the southwest of the United States. They are also located in Northwestern Mexico and some islands on the Gulf of California. In the southern part of its habitat, the desert iguana usually lives in arid subtropical areas and deciduous forests. 


In the desert, these animals can usually be found around the range of the creosote bush. The desert iguana makes use of the creosote bush for shelter and for food. There are also several cases of desert iguanas moving into the abandoned lairs of kangaroo rats. 

They are hardy animals, often active even when other lizards have already retreated from the heat. They are also inclined to burrow into the soil near creosote bushes. 


Desert iguanas are primarily herbivorous. This means that they are inclined to eat plant matter. They will eat bud, leaves and fruits of many types of perennial or annual plants that are found in their habitats. They are especially attracted to the yellow flowers of the creosote plant.  


As said before, desert iguanas remain active even during intense heat. However, if the heat proves too much, a desert iguana will climb bushes in order to seek cooler temperatures. They are very quick and they can often be seen crossing roads just before an oncoming car. When a desert iguana runs at these speeds, it often does so on two legs. It folds its front legs near its body and uses its powerful hind legs to propel it forward. 


Like other animals, desert iguanas have natural enemies. In fact, even before they hatch, there area lot of animals which would eat iguana eggs. A mature desert iguana also has different birds of prey as its natural enemy. 


Other common enemies of the desert iguana are small animals such as rats, weasels, foxes and snakes. Of course, man is also one common enemy of the iguana. Many a desert iguana has fallen prey to the automobile. These desert iguanas are now referred to as "roadkill" by the human beings who drive these machines carelessly and without regard for the lives of small animals. 

These are just some facts about desert iguanas. As you can see, there are many things about them that people need to know. Hopefully, these facts have opened your eyes and have shown you that desert iguanas are so much more than stupid medium sized lizards. By learning all you can about desert iguanas, you will soon be able to fully appreciate their beauty. 

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_750244_54.html





pets, animals, family, iguana, iguanas, iguana care, red iguana, green iguanas, giant iguana, iguana cage, iguana diet, iguana facts

Iguana Illnesses That Need Immediate Attention

Like humans, these iguanas actually also fall ill. If you have learned to love your pet iguanas, you might as well want to keep them for long. Here are some of the most common iguana illnesses that require immediate veterinary attention and proper medication or else you will lose your pets.


Fibrous Osteodystrophy or the metabolic bone disease. This iguana illness comes as a result of extreme malnutrition especially when they are not fed well. Most of the shops selling the iguanas give out worthy nutritional tips and advices to the buyers of these reptiles. Most of the pet owners prefer to feed their pets with squash and lettuce. In truth, the lettuce is a water sponge-meaning there is no nutrition to be derived from it. Such shortcoming is again aggravated by the insufficient vitamin D3 and calcium intake by the reptile. When they get exposed to this dangerous situation, they might in fact die. Among the vital symptoms of the disease are a swollen lower jaw, listlessness, rubbery or soft face and lower jaw, difficulty in eating, and swollen limbs. At most times, the spine and the limbs also easily get fractured.


The paralysis of the back legs. This is the result of a deficiency in vitamin B1. The tail also gets affected. With this comes the injection of the essential minerals and vitamins to the reptile and a change in its diet is as well recommended.


The nose abrasions. The frequent attempts of the reptile to escape cause the abrasions and scratches to its face and nose. When they are in search for a way to escape, they often rub their noses on the enclosures of their tanks. The abrasions are often caused by the wire, glass, or plastic enclosures of their cages. When the nose abrasions remain untreated, ulceration of the rostrum, bacterial infection, and other deformities could result.


The thermal injuries or burns. The burns are usually acquired through the contact with the heat sources within the tank enclosures. Among the typical culprits are the hot rocks and light bulbs which are left exposed. The lights are advised to be placed above the enclosures which cannot be reached by the iguana.


The bacterial infection. There are several types of bacterial infection that can affect the iguana. The blister disease is caused by the repeated exposure to the filthy and damp environment. The dry gangrene of the toes and tails causes these body parts to turn dark gray to black, and then start to have it breaking off. The main root of these all is the insufficient sanitation. Mouth rot causes the occurrence of inflammation, swelling, and pus in the mouth of the iguana. Abscesses results in the formation of the pus.


The parasites. The parasites settle within the gastrointestinal tract just within the blood of the iguana. The parasites are the major causes of death in the iguanas which are taken captive.


Viral Infection. Researches are ongoing for the causes and cure of viral infections in iguanas.


Organ failure. Organ failure among iguanas is caused by its age or of an existing bacterial infection. The dominant symptoms are weight loss, loss of appetite, listlessness, bloating, and death.


Bladder stones. This causes the abdomen to be enlarged.

Gecko Eggs Hatched

Egg-binding. This causes death among the female iguanas especially when they are unable to let the egg pass through their reproductive tracts.


These and a lot other iguana illnesses require medical attention if you do not want to risk the life of your iguana pet.


Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_750240_54.html


Author: John Simmons