 |
|
Governments should act now to save threatened turtles
November 01, 2006Ecology and conservation experts from the University of Exeter today urge international governments to work together to protect threatened Caribbean sea turtle populations.
The Cayman Islands, a UK Overseas Territory, once supported one of the world's largest sea turtle rookeries, which comprised some 6.5 million adult green and loggerhead turtles. These populations were driven into decline from the mid-1600s onwards, when massive harvesting of nesting turtles began. Only a few dozen individuals survive today.
New research, led by the University of Exeter's School of Biosciences and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment, reveals the astonishing distances these animals travel and the extent to which they are now threatened. The study was published open access today in the international conservation journal Endangered Species Research.
Marine turtles spend most of their lives at sea, but where these Cayman Islands survivors live when they are not nesting has been a mystery until now. Experts from the University of Exeter, the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and Duke University, USA, followed the journeys of ten endangered adult females over three years.
Using satellite transmitters, the team tracked the turtles travelling as far as Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and the USA. On these long journeys, turtles face the risk of being caught for meat, as well as accidentally captured by shrimp trawls, longlines, and gillnets. As turtles travel across boundaries between countries, conservation legislation is inconsistently applied and enforced, leaving them vulnerable.
Dr Brendan Godley of the School of Biosciences at the University of Exeter said: 'Having followed these turtles thousands of miles through the ocean, we now know where they go, so can identify which countries need to be involved in their conservation. We are running out of time and what is now needed is a team effort from all of the governments to save these fragile populations.'
University of Exeter
Marine turtles spend most of their lives at sea, but where these Cayman Islands survivors live when they are not nesting has been a mystery until now. Experts from the University of Exeter, the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and Duke University, USA, followed the journeys of ten endangered adult females over three years.
Using satellite transmitters, the team tracked the turtles travelling as far as Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and the USA. On these long journeys, turtles face the risk of being caught for meat, as well as accidentally captured by shrimp trawls, longlines, and gillnets. As turtles travel across boundaries between countries, conservation legislation is inconsistently applied and enforced, leaving them vulnerable.
Dr Brendan Godley of the School of Biosciences at the University of Exeter said: 'Having followed these turtles thousands of miles through the ocean, we now know where they go, so can identify which countries need to be involved in their conservation. We are running out of time and what is now needed is a team effort from all of the governments to save these fragile populations.'
University of Exeter
Turtles Current Events and Turtles News RSSRemotely Operated Vehicles and Satellite Tags Aid Turtle Studies
Researchers are using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and satellite-linked data loggers to learn more about turtle behavior in commercial fishing areas and to develop new ways to avoid catching turtles in fishing gear.
Loss of top predators causing surge in smaller predators, ecosystem collapse
The catastrophic decline around the world of "apex" predators such as wolves, cougars, lions or sharks has led to a huge increase in smaller "mesopredators" that are causing major economic and ecological disruptions, a new study concludes.
UAB Research Team Working to Keep Terrapin Turtle Off Endangered Species List
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) researchers exploring strategies for conserving the Diamondback Terrapin along Alabama's Dauphin Island coastline are working to keep the once-celebrated turtle off the endangered species list.
Barcoding endangered sea turtles
Conservation geneticists who study sea turtles have a new tool to help track this highly migratory and endangered group of marine animals: DNA barcodes.
Making more efficient fuel cells
Bacteria that generate significant amounts of electricity could be used in microbial fuel cells to provide power in remote environments or to convert waste to electricity.
Secrets of the 4 chambers revealed by reptile hearts
The first genetic link in the evolution of the heart from three-chambered to four-chambered has been found, illuminating part of the puzzle of how birds and mammals became warm-blooded.
Wildlife faces cancer threat
While cancer touches the lives of many humans, it is also a major threat to wild animal populations as well, according to a recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
NOAA Report Finds Threats to California's Cordell Bank Marine Sanctuary
A new NOAA report on the health of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary indicates that the overall condition of the sanctuary's marine life and habitats is fair to good, but identifies several emerging threats to sanctuary resources.
Bone bed tells of life along California's ancient coastline
In the famed Sharktooth Hill Bone Bed near Bakersfield, Calif., shark teeth as big as a hand and weighing a pound each, intermixed with copious bones from extinct seals and whales, seem to tell of a 15-million-year-old killing ground.
UBC researcher solves century-old enigma of prehistoric marine mass grave
Good old-fashioned detective work has turned up the first conclusive explanation for the origin of a massive bonebed in southern California, according to a new study led by a UBC paleontologist.
More Turtles Current Events and Turtles News Articles
 |
Cloud b Twilight Sea Turtle - Constellation Night Light by Cloud b Enjoy a peaceful night sleep under Twilight Sea Turtle's starry night sky. This fun and educational nightlight is designed to help children sleep easier and also help bring awareness to endangered sea animals. Twilight Sea Turtle's beautiful shell illuminates in 3 soothing colors, while also highlighting 5 endangered sea friends...the Blue Whale, California Sea Otter, Knysna Seahorse, Leatherback Turtle and Vaquita Dolphin. The Twilight Storybook includes a Twilight Sea Turtle story that teaches children about endangered sea animals, a helpful Star Guide and an adoption certificate. A portion of the proceeds from Twilight Sea Turtle will be donated by Cloub b to an international conservation organization. Features: Night sky projection on ceiling Stars project in Ocean Blue, Emerald... |
 |
TURTLE Crystal Necklace in Turtle Gift Box! by MyJewelThief Gorgeous Pendant with genuine European Crystals in a matching Velour Hinged Gift Box! Our entire series of these cute animal necklaces makes wonderful gifts! Each pendant hands on an 18" chain, genuine European crystals and 18 kt gold finish. Get one of each style! |
 |
Melissa & Doug Giant Plush Stuffed Sea Turtle by Melissa and Doug Children can have a swimmingly good time without getting wet with this water-loving friend. This giant sea turtle stuffed animal is the perfect gift for any child who is fascinated by sea life. His body is made from premium plush over a flexible wire frame. Measures 24"H x 17"W x 8.5"D. |
 |
Kenneth Cole Women's Turtle Neck Top,Rich Black,Large by Kenneth Cole |
 |
Cloud B : Twilight Turtle by Cloud B Twilight Turtle gently transforms nurseries and bedrooms into a starry sanctuary that comforts and calms children. From within his plastic shell, Twilight Turtle projects a complete starry night sky onto the walls and ceiling of any room. Choose any one of three soothing color options blue, green, and amber to create magical, tranquil environments that are ideal for helping children of all ages fall asleep easier. Timeout Feature after 45 minutes |
 |
Sterling Silver Sapphire Turtle Charm by Amazon.com Collection Ten rich blue sapphires are set into textured sterling silver to form the shell of this elegant turtle charm. The charm is made from fine quality sterling silver, with matte and polished finishes, and it has a realistic, detailed design that includes a domed shell and polished tail, head, and legs. The interior of the charm is hollowed, allowing light to filter through the stones. The sapphires featured here have a deep blue color and a faceted cut for a beautiful sparkle. The charm dangles from a split ring that allows it to attach easily to a bracelet, pendant, or pin. |
 |
Look Out for Turtles! (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) by Melvin Berger (Author), Megan Lloyd (Illustrator) Turtles are among the oldest living creatures in the world. They have been on earth for nearly 200 million years! In Look Out for Turtles! readers will discover why these creatures have survived so long. Hard shells protect many turtles from harm. Colorful markings on their shells help some turtles to blend in with their surroundings. Different kinds of turtles can live almost anywhere on land or sea and can eat many kinds of plants and animals...Today turtles must struggle to. survive. They are hunted, and threatened by pollution. There is less and less open space for turtles to live in. If turtles are going to be around for another 200 million years, they are going to need our help! |
 |
Save the Turtles: The Turtles Greatest Hits by The Turtles Now on The Turtles own imprint FloEdCo on Manifesto, this is the ONLY Greatest Hits package currently in print from 1960s pop icons, The Turtles. Newly-remastered from the original tapes, this collection features twenty of The Turtles classics, including Happy Together, Elenore, She d Rather Be With Me, You Baby, and It Ain t Me Babe. |
 |
Vtech - Touch and Teach Turtle by V Tech |
 |
Twilight Turtle - Constellation Night Light with Small Plush Turtle by Cloud B This listing includes a BONUS small plush turtle. Twilight Turtle - Sleep Sheep & Friends 2005 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval - Baby Talk Editor's Choice New Amber Color Transform any room into a starry night sky. Cloud b is proud to bring you Twilight Turtle, the newest addition to the award winning Sleep Sheep & Friends Collection. Twilight Turtle, the first and only plush constellation nightlight ever created, gently transforms nurseries and bedrooms into a starry night sky that comforts and calms children and adults alike. From within his plastic shell, Twilight Turtle projects a complete starry night sky onto the walls and ceiling of any room. Twilight comes with three soothing color options green, blue, and amber, each illuminating different brightness levels... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |