Breeding and Husbandry Program
Our core breeding program maintains multiple breeding groups of spotted turtles in carefully controlled environments that simulate natural conditions. We focus on maintaining genetic diversity by working with unrelated breeding lines and tracking genealogies to prevent inbreeding.
Key aspects of our breeding program include:
- Temperature-controlled incubation systems
- Naturalistic habitat setups for adults and juveniles
- Health monitoring and veterinary care
- Detailed record keeping for genetic management
- Preparation of juveniles for wild release
Release and Monitoring Partnerships
We collaborate with environmental agencies and research institutions to identify suitable release sites and conduct post-release monitoring. These partnerships are crucial for understanding the success of our conservation efforts and improving our methods.
Our partnership criteria include:
- Suitable habitat with appropriate water quality and vegetation
- Commitment to long-term population monitoring
- Protection from major threats like development or collection
- Access for research and data collection
- Integration with broader conservation planning
Research and Data Collection
We support and conduct research on spotted turtle biology, habitat requirements, and conservation effectiveness. This research informs our husbandry practices and helps identify the most effective conservation strategies.
Current research areas include:
- Juvenile survival rates and factors affecting success
- Habitat use patterns and movement ecology
- Breeding success in wild populations
- Genetic diversity assessment and management
- Climate change impacts on turtle populations
Future Program Development
We are continuously expanding our conservation impact through new partnerships and program development. Priority areas for 2025 include establishing additional release sites, expanding our breeding capacity, and developing educational outreach programs.