Latest news with #turtleconservation
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials impose ban on sale of popular pet available at most major retailers: 'Can also transfer diseases and parasites'
Officials impose ban on sale of popular pet available at most major retailers: 'Can also transfer diseases and parasites' Vermont has passed a proactive bill that aims to limit the spread of an invasive species that has threatened vulnerable species in the state. On June 5, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed Act 47 of H.231 into law. The legislation prohibits the sale and possession of pond sliders, a non-native turtle species that poses a threat to native turtle populations when released into the wild. The turtle species has become a popular find in many pet stores in the state. Pond slider turtles, such as red-eared slider turtles, have become a very popular choice as pets in many parts of the country. However, they can be detrimental to pond ecosystems and even pose health risks. They are considered an invasive species in many areas and can outcompete native turtles for resources such as food and basking spots. Additionally, they can carry and transmit diseases like Salmonella, which can be harmful to humans and other animals. Luke Groff, herpetologist with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, applauded the newly signed law. "This is very good news for our native turtles. Pond sliders can outcompete native turtles and cause them to have smaller body sizes, slower growth rates and higher mortality rates," Groff said. Groff added, "Sliders can also transfer diseases and parasites to native turtles. Ultimately, these impacts can result in population declines for our native species." Native to the central and southeastern United States, pond sliders have been introduced to many other parts of the world through the pet trade. Thanks to legislation like H.231, Vermont has started to fight back against the rise of harmful invasive species by attacking the main source of their spread. While pond slider turtles will no longer be able to be sold or purchased in Vermont, people will still be able to own the animals that are already in their possession. But Groff offered up one piece of advice. "If you have a pet slider already, you do not need to do anything different," added Groff. "Just keep taking good care of your pet and never release it into the wild." Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
ABC News
15-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
WYLD Projects helps youths connect to country through turtle protection
Lailani Johnson did not expect to spend her days crouching on the bank of a river, digging up and relocating endangered turtle eggs. The 18-year-old envisioned being a nurse after high school, but has taken on a job protecting the next generation of freshwater turtles. "Being outside and actually doing it, like hands on, [is what] I enjoy," she said. Ms Johnson completed her Certificate II qualifications for conservation and ecosystem management through WYLD (Where Youth Live Dreams) Projects while still in school. The Bundaberg-based not-for-profit organisation helps protect the environment while educating young people and teaching them about caring for country and culture. "WYLD was birthed out of crisis," founder and director, Brad Crosbie, said. He said he had noticed some young people were losing sight of the right path. At the same time, rural communities were doing it tough in the drought. "I just started taking young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth out on country, just to give back to people that were being affected by natural disaster events," he said. He has focused on protecting white-throated snapping turtle, known as milbi in Taribelang Bunda language. The endangered turtle species is thought to only live in the Burnett, Mary and Fitzroy rivers in Queensland. "We don't involve our youth in a lot of the decision-making and future plans. "For us, it's that legacy-based learning that we bring back into our youth and passing on that knowledge. WYLD Projects, which was established 10 years ago, has been offering Certificate II training for the past four years. Student Steven Lane said the program had helped him connect with his ancestors. He said his grandmother was part of the Stolen Generations. "She wasn't taught as much about her culture, so I wasn't able to learn it off of her, so this course really helps me understand a lot better about my people," he said. Tara Cattell said she enjoyed the hands-on experience of the conservation efforts while learning about the milbi. "They're critically endangered and [we're] helping them to come back and to have more of them," she said. WYLD Projects indigenous project officer Bruce Waia said it was vital the students learnt about the relationships between humans and their environment. "The value of having the youth understand that they do have a place in this universe, that they do belong to something much greater than them," he said. Mr Waia said the milbi represented many life lessons. "It's a shame that we've moved away from knowing that we can't live without nature to then just pillaging off it, to now trying to reconnect the dots, trying to get back into that way of life," he said. "So this turtle is just one gateway that we're using to understand that. Ms Johnson said finding a clutch was an incredible experience. "It's exciting because you don't know where it is and you've got to be careful of where you step," she said. She said the necessity of protecting the nests hit home when she found predator tracks around already-relocated nests. "The next day, we came out and the hole was dug up again," she said. "That was scary — and it was a goanna because we saw the tracks. "We need to keep them safe."
CTV News
23-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Turtle taxi drivers wanted; conservationists aim to protect threatened species
Montreal Watch It's World Turtle Day, and conservationists are looking for turtle taxi drivers to help protect animals that may venture onto roads in the spring.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Calling turtle taxi drivers: conservation groups seek volunteers to protect slow-moving reptiles
It's World Turtle Day, and conservationists are looking for turtle taxi drivers to help protect animals that may venture onto roads in the spring.
