CheloniaCast

The History of Turtle Conservation

CheloniaCast is joined by both Dr. Russ Mittermeier and Dr. Anders Rhodin to holistically discuss the origins of chelonian conservation as well as the founding and evolution of some of the largest organizations in the field. The conversation ranges from the beginnings of IUCN-SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group to the future outlook on chelonian conservation. Dr. Mittermeier has been a part of wildlife conservation for the last 50 years. From primates to South American side-necked turtles, Russ has had a diverse and impactful effect on wildlife conservation. Russ was previously President of Conservation International for 25 years, and then Executive Vice Chair until 2017. Russ is currently the Chief Conservation Officer of Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation) and an active member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which he used to serve as Vice President of. Russ is the author of 40 books and almost 800 scientific papers. Dr. Rhodin is a retired orthopedic surgeon that has had a lifelong passion for turtles and tortoises. He is the Founder and Director of the Chelonian Research Foundation, Founding Editor and Publisher of the journal Chelonian Conservation and Biology and the monograph series Chelonian Research Monographs, and has served as both Chair and Co-Chair of the IUCN-SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.
 
You can learn more about the Chelonian Research Foundation here: https://chelonian.org/ 
 
Access Chelonian Conservation and Biology here: https://chelonian.org/ccb/ 
 
Or through BioOne Digital Library here: https://bioone.org/journals/chelonian... 
 
Access Chelonian Research Monographs here: https://chelonian.org/crm/ 
 
Learn more about the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group here: https://iucn-tftsg.org/pub-chron/
 
To learn more about Russ and his work with Re:wild visit: https://www.rewild.org/ 
 
To learn more about seed grants for conservation, like the Turtle Conservation Fund, visit: https://turtleconservationfund.org/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

Turtles, Travels, People, and Daring Adventure

Cheloniacast sits down to speak with the renowned Dr. Russ Mittermeier to discuss and dive further into the vast array of conservation efforts he’s been a part of for the last 50 years. From primates to South American side-necked turtles, Russ has had a diverse and impactful effect on wildlife conservation. Russ was previously President of Conservation International for 25 years, and then Executive Vice Chair until 2017. Russ is currently the Chief Conservation Officer of Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation) and an active member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which he used to serve as Vice President of. Russ is the author of 40 books and almost 800 scientific papers. The conversation centers around Russ’ work with the conservation of turtles and tortoises but also encompasses his journey and accomplishments.
 
To learn more about Russ and his work with Re:wild visit: https://www.rewild.org/
 
To learn more about seed grants for conservation, like the Turtle Conservation Fund, visit: https://turtleconservationfund.org/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

Spreading the Word About Turtles

Cheloniacast sits down with Dan Roselli to discuss his work as a content creator and his experiences with Diamondback Terrapins, particularly in his captive collection. Many important pieces of the future of our terrapins are discussed ranging from the impact of regulations on private ownership of terrapins, the impact of content creators and captive keepers, and protective measures for wild populations. Dan is one of the most popular content creators centered around turtles amassing millions of viewers.
 
To see more of Dan’s content, check out his YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dantheturtleman_?si=2BmrkSJiojdp8RL-
 
To learn more about Dan's Turtle Preservation Foundation and his other initiatives visit: https://linktr.ee/dantheturtleman
 
His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan.theturtleman?igsh=dXN3MWZrcWl4cGNp
 
His Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/kGhxQwGmV3BwWSBj/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

Mending Turtles of the Southeast

Cheloniacast sits down with Kim Titterington to discuss her career and lifelong passion for conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife. Kim is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with over 28 years of experience of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation in both captive and field settings. Kim is also the founder and director of Swamp Girl Adventures, a nonprofit organization that provides public education about Floridas wildlife as well as helping wildlife in need since 2009. The discussions centers around Kim’s experience starting her nonprofit organization as well as becoming a licensed rehabilitator in the state of Florida.
 
For more information about Swamp Girl Adventures, check out https://www.swampgirladventures.org
 
Keep up with Kim’s work on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swamp_girl?igsh=NTM3cWtram1ncXBl
 
And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwampGirlAdventures?mibextid=LQQJ4d
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

Adventures of the Pritchards

*DUE TO A RECORDING ISSUE EARLY ON, THE FIRST 1 HOUR 6 MINUTES OF THIS RECORDING IS A BIT SCRATCHY. EVERYTHING SHOULD STILL BE AUDIBLE, AND IT CLEARS UP AFTER THE AFOREMENTIONED TIMESTAMP. WE ARE SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE*
CheloniaCast sits down with Sibille Pritchard to talk about her adventures with the late Dr. Peter Pritchard. The conversation ranges from early trips to Baja California and Mexico in pursuit of turtles and wildlife, finding rare and endangered species, bailing out of sinking ships, living in the Galapagos on remote islands, close calls with weather and village chiefs, the early days of the Chelonian Research Institute and visits with Ernst Mayr, lessons learned from different cultures and travel, and much more.
To learn more about Sibille Pritchard and her work with Hart Communications and a multitude of other organizations visit: https://www.turtleconservancy.org/contact/sibille
To access a list of Dr. Peter Pritchard’s contributions to turtle and tortoise biology and conservation visit: https://meridian.allenpress.com/ccb/article/19/1/5/439947/Bibliography-of-Peter-C-H-Pritchard
To learn more about the Chelonian Research Institute, the world’s largest private collection of turtle artifacts and biofacts, visit: https://www.turtleconservancy.org/pritchard-collection
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

The Turtles of Paraguay

Jack and Michael are joined by Dr. Richard Vetter, Professor and Researcher in the Departamento de Recursos Faunísticos y Medio Natural at the National University of Asunción in Paraguay, to talk about the biology, ecology, and treatment of Paraguay’s unique Testudine fauna. The conversation ranges from the primary conservation issues in Paraguay, what it is like to work as a veterinarian in Paraguay, distribution of Chaco and Red-Footed Tortoises, the ecology of Acanthochelys swamp turtles and the Argentine Snake-Necked Turtle, and more.
 
Follow Dr. Richard Vetter on Instagram/Facebook @ j.richardvetter (IG) / J. Richard Vetter (FB)
 
You can learn more about the National University of Asunción’s Departamento de Recursos Faunísticos y Medio Natural and their Faculty of Veterinary Scientists at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057140813184&locale=es_LA
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Anatomy, Physiology, and Behavior of Sea Turtles

Michael and Jason are joined by Dr. Jeanette Wyneken, Professor of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University and Director of FAU’s Marine Lab at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex. The conversation focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of sea turtles. Topics discussed include unique anatomical adaptations of sea turtles in the heart, lungs, and other organs, how sea turtles navigate as adults and when young, what is meant by the “lost years”, why the Leatherback Sea Turtle is so unique, and much more.
 
You can learn more about Dr. Wyneken’s lab and research here: https://biology.fau.edu/directory/wyneken/index.php
 
The Biology of Sea Turtles Vol. I: https://www.amazon.com/Biology-Sea-Turtles-Vol-1/dp/0849384222
 
The Biology of Sea Turtles Vol. II: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-biology-of-sea-turtles-volume-ii/1783617/item/10707226/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_new_books&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnrOtBhDIARIsAFsSe51OTxZD8JWzt1PuTQiG6nb2HHSMuITZ2DpT7YtlKTgo1EsHa6qco1IaAlIXEALw_wcB#idiq=10707226&edition=3449877
 
Biology of Turtles: From Structures to Strategies of Life: https://www.routledge.com/Biology-of-Turtles-From-Structures-to-Strategies-of-Life/Wyneken-Godfrey-Bels/p/book/9780849333392
 
Access the Anatomy of Sea Turtles here: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/8502
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Inspiring the Next Generation

Jason, Michael, Jack, Ken, and Wyatt sit down with Charlie Moorcroft, founder of the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation, to talk about his conservation, education, and husbandry projects and philosophy. The conversation focuses on Charlie's story, the goals of captive keeping, the role of education in forming the future of conservation and biology, tips for how to keep turtles and tortoises, and more.
 
You can learn more about the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation here: https://moorcroftconservationfoundation.org/
 
Find Moorcroft Conservation Foundation on social media @moorcroftconservation
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and CheloniaCast Fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast
 
Find the CheloniaCast Podcast on social media @cheloniacast
 
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Australian Turtles Vol. 3

CheloniaCast sits down with Dr. Arthur Georges, Distinguished Professor in the Institute for Applied Ecology at the University of Canberra, to talk about his research on the ecology, evolution, and systematics of Australian turtles. The conversation ranges from the biogeography of and current threats to Australian Chelid species, the evolutionary and genetic basis of temperature dependent sex determination, the use of calculus in biology, what constitutes a species, turtle taxonomy, and much more.
 
You can learn more about Dr. Georges' lab here: http://georges.biomatix.org/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Turtle Trade and Conservation

CheloniaCast sits down with Dr. Peter Paul van Dijk, Senior Director of Wildlife Trade at Re:wild, to discuss turtle conservation and the turtle trade. The conversation ranges from exploring what drives the turtle trade globally, turtle trade dynamics, how turtle trade is quantified, stories from studying wildlife trade, and the prospects of effectively protecting turtles and tortoises. 
 
You can learn more about Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation) here: https://www.rewild.org/
 
Learn more about the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group here: https://iucn-tftsg.org/pub-chron/
 
Learn more about the CheloniaCast podcast at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast 
You can contribute directly to student led turtle and tortoise research through the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/
 
Follow CheloniaCast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast
 
Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography