In the summer of 2015 and throughout 2016, the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo Myanmar Conservation (IMC) and Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) started witnessing a surge in confiscations by the Vietnamese wildlife protection authorities. Many of these animals were transferred to the TCC. Since 2015, 636 animals of 23 species have been rescued. It has been hard work rehabilitating some of these very sick turtles. Unfortunately, some animals did not make it.
Now we have some groups of turtles who have gone through the quarantine period and have legal cases closed meaning they are cleared for release. On the 8th of June we made the first release of 30 Keeled Box Turtles (Cuora mouhotii). But we have hundred more that need to be prepared for release. We need to transport staff and animals to suitable release sites deep in the forest at a number of protected areas. All animals will require basic health screening for parasites and will be implanted with a microchip identification number (PIT tag). This will also allow future monitoring in the wild or possibly to identify individuals in the trade if they are caught again. If enough funds can be raised, we would also like to fit radio transmitters to monitor small groups of animal’s post release to see how they survive and adapt to their new homes.
With so many animals to deal with and new confiscations being made all the time we URGENTLY need your support our work and ensure more animals can be rescued from the wildlife trade and returned to the wild.
If you can help, please make a donation !!!
Every cent you donate will make a long way.
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