DALTON, Ga — Dalton State College is making efforts to preserve an endangered species of turtles.
Four male and female turtles, known as Heosemys spinosa, currently reside in the Dalton State College Turtle Assurance Colony, where they are monitored, fed and encouraged to breed. According to Misty Watson Wheeler of Dalton State College, the colony is part of the International Turtle Survival Alliance in response to the disappearance of turtles in Asia, where they are sought for food.
The project began in May and is overseen by Chris Manis and Dr. John Lughart. The work being done there can help ensure the survival of the species.
“Anywhere in China, these turtles a decade ago were numerous,” Manis said.
Manis said that field studies in China happen on an 8-10 year time span.
“When they went back to conduct field surveys, they couldn’t find these turtles anymore. They were common animals 15 years ago…they’re not sustainable anymore.”
“We’re dealing with species on the brink of extinction,”Lughart said. “It’s really cool to have a part in the project.”
Wheeler said turtles are harvested at such a high rate in Asian countries, especially in China, however the species cannot keep up with the demand.
The project is long term and the turtles won’t be re-released into the wild anytime soon until the culture in China changes. He said the rarer the turtles, the more they want them. Manis said some species don’t even lay eggs every year, but lay one or two eggs at a time.
WSBTV
