The COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous changes and challenges to life all over the world and this is no less true than for the countless wildlife conservation projects that operate globally. At the start of the pandemic, illegal hunting and trade of wildlife was predicted to slow in response to the news that the virus most likely originated from wet markets with many different species crowded together. However, the number of animals we are seeing in the trade is still high and these threats continue to put pressure on wild populations and threaten endangered species, in particular tortoises and freshwater turtles. In Vietnam, the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC) has been working closely with Cuc Phuong National Park to operate Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) safely and efficiently during this difficult period. Let's learn more about the intensive rescue, care, conservation breeding, release as well as enclosure improvements at the TCC during the period. | |
On the 10th of August, 2021, a new paper from the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo Myanmar Conservation (IMC) team and its partners was published in Herpetology Notes, presenting the findings of a Big-headed Turtle threat assessment in northern Vietnam. This publication is a part of the EDGE of Existence Program Fellowship of the ATP/IMC team, led by Ha Hoang, as well as a broader project aimed to assess release strategies for confiscated Big-headed Turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) in Vietnam. This is even more important now that this species has been upgraded to Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List in 2021. | |
On the 21st of June 2021, the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC) in collaboration with People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature) and Humane Society International Viet Nam (HSI in Viet Nam) launched an art contest titled "Let’s Save Turtles" to create a platform for sharing knowledge and raising awareness of turtle species, their roles in ecosystems and threats to their existence. Participants were invited to submit original art pieces, both hand-crafted and digital, which centre around turtle conservation. | |
In August 2021, we welcomed the scientific recognition of another new member of the Leptobrachella genus, the Mount Pu Ta Leng Leaf-litter Frog (Leptobrachella graminicola). These tiny brown frogs, at only 2-3 cm in body length, have only been observed in a small stream at over 2,300m a.s.l. within the mountainous forest on Vietnam’s Mount Pu Ta Leng, located within the Hoang Lien range. Both names given to the species denote an aspect of the habitat in which it was found; the common name, the Mount Pu Ta Leng Leaf-litter Frog, is clearly a reference to the mountain. The scientific name, Leptobrachella graminicola, refers to the grassy microhabitat each individual was observed in. | |
For making it to the end of this newsletter and for supporting us on every single project, rescue or release. If you would like to receive updates and news from the ATP/IMC, please sign up here!!! | |
You can also view this newsletter in Vietnamese by clicking the below button. | |
We would also like to thank all of our government and non-government partners, donors, and individuals that have been contributing to turtle conservation in Vietnam. Without your support, our works would not be possible! If you would like to see more conservation projects, rescues or releases please make a donation. | |
- American Association of Zoo Keepers - Banyan Tree Global Foundation - Bristol Zoo, the UK - British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums - British Chelonian Group - British Herpetological Society - Browse Poster, the UK - Canon Vietnam - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the USA - Conservation International - Columbus Zoo, the USA - Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund - Danko Group, Vietnam - Drayton Manor Park and Zoo, the UK - Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund - Global Wildlife Conservation - General Motors Vietnam - Houston Zoo, the USA - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - IUCN Netherlands - Purchase of Nature - Munster Zoo, Germany - Nordens Ark, Sweden | - Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong - Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, the UK - Paradise Park Zoo, the UK - Rainforest Trust - Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherlands - Rufford Small Grants for Conservation - Saint Louis Zoo, the USA - Segré Foundation - SSC EDGE Internal Grant - Taronga Zoo, Australia - Thanh Truong Loc Construction Ltd. Company, Vietnam - The HDH Wills Wildlife Maintenance Trust - The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund - The United States Fish and Wildlife Service - Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens - Turtle Conservation Fund, the USA - Turtle Survival Alliance, the USA - Wildlife Conservation Society - World Land Trust, the UK - Zoological Society of London | | | |
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