CheloniaCast

The Greatest Mystery in Turtle Science

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Pamela Plotkin, a renowned conservationist and biologist with a particular focus on sea turtles, and specficially the ridley turtles in the genus Lepidochelys. The conversation focuses on the unique ecology of ridley sea turtles such as their propensity to mass nest in arribadas which is unique to their genus. Various other topics relevant to Lepidochelys and sea turtles as a whole are covered in relation to their conservation and study.
 
Find Dr. Plotkin's book "Biology and Conservation of Ridley Sea Turtles" here: https://www.amazon.com/Biology-Conservation-Ridley-Sea-Turtles/dp/0801886112
 
To see some of Dr. Plotkin’s publications, check out: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BQNRM-8AAAAJ&hl=en
 
To see more about Dr. Plotkin’s work while affiliated with Texas A&M University, check out https://plotkinlabtamu.wixsite.com/plotkinlab
 
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 / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Dedication to the Desert Tortoise

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Kristin Berry, an expert in desert tortoises and a key player in their study. The conversation covers various topics both in Dr. Berry's personal upbringing into the world of tortoises and about the ecology of desert tortoises holistically. This episode dives into subjects like invasive vegetation, survival rates of relocated tortoises, and desert tortoise evolutionary biology. 
 
To see some of Dr. Berry’s work, check out: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristin-Berry-2
 
To learn more about the Desert Tortoise Council visit: https://deserttortoise.org/
 
For more information about USGS, check out: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/werc
 
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 / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

From Hatchling to Adult

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Blair Witherington, assistant professor at the University of Florida, member of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and current vice president/director of Inwater Research. The conversation ranges from different angles of sea turtle conservation with a particular focus on the impact of artificial photopollution on the nesting and hatching cycle of sea turtles. The information is relevant to sea turtles as a whole but geographically pertains towards Florida as far as anecdotes discussed.
 
To access Blair and Dawn Witherington's fantastic natural history book collection, including "Our Sea Turtles: A Practical Guide for the Atlantic and Gulf, from Canada to Mexico" click here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Blair-Witherington/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABlair%2BWitherington
 
Find the Witherington's on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/blairanddawn/
 
For more information about Inwater Research, check out their website: https://www.inwater.org/
 
To learn about ways you can make a difference with respect to light pollution visit: https://darksky.org/
 
For a great resource on light pollution and ways to help mitigate it check out this paper by Dr. Witherington (extensive appendices starting at page 50 with detailed information): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/42765150_Understanding_Assessing_and_Resolving_Light-Pollution_Problems_on_Sea_Turtle_Nesting_Beaches
 
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 / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

Capturing Turtle Beauty

CheloniaCast sits down with two-time Emmy Award winning photographer Ben Hicks to discuss his passion for sea turtle photography, conservation, and science. The conversation ranges from delving into Ben’s approach to sea turtle photography, learning more about his adventures across the globe in pursuit of sea turtles, and reasons why we should all care about sea turtles.
 
Ben’s website can be accessed here, where you can learn more about his work and find some of his prints available: https://benjhicks.com/ 
 
Find Ben's work on Instagram @benjhicks and on Facebook at Ben Hicks Fine Art 
 
Learn more about his business here: https://bocaratonphoto.com/
 
Check out his sustainable merchandise here: https://benhicks.teemill.com/
 
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 / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

The Sea Turtles of Florida

CheloniaCast is joined by both Dr. Justin Perrault and Valerie Tovar from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving Florida’s Sea Turtles. The conversation focuses on sea turtle conservation particularly in Florida, additionally focus is put on topics such as the logistics and practices of sea turtle rehabilitation and sea turtle reproductive biology and endocrinology. There is also some insight into unique characteristics and phenomena shown in sea turtles.
 
To learn more about the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and some of their sea turtle and ocean conservation initiatives, check out: https://marinelife.org/
 
Be sure to also keep up to date with their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loggerheadmarinelifecenter/
 
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

Sea Turtle Conservation

CheloniaCast sits down with Rod Mast, one of the most prominent figures in sea turtle conservation. Rod is the President and CEO of the Oceanic Society and the co-founder of The State of The World's Sea Turtles (SWOT) and Chief Editor of the annual SWOT Report. Additionally Rod co-chairs the IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group. The conversation covers sea turtle conservation as a general topic with some specifics into Rod’s experiences as well as larger concepts in sea turtle ecology.
 
To learn more about the Oceanic Society visit: https://www.oceanicsociety.org/
 
The State of the Worlds Sea Turtles: https://www.seaturtlestatus.org/
 
To view some of Rod’s publications check out: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Roderic-Mast
 
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

Turtle Health, Care, and Pathology

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Oz Ossiboff to discuss turtle and tortoise veterinary medicine and pathology. Dr. Ossiboff is DVM/PhD at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine. The conversation ranges from pathology to the relationship between captive reptile keepers and exotic veterinarians. The testudine immune system is also discussed in some detail, with discussion of various diseases including testudine herpesvirus and Testudine Intranuclear Coccidiosis. The technology used in pathology is fascinating and also discussed.
 
To learn more about Dr. Ossiboff and view some of Dr. Ossiboff’s publications check out: https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/ossiboff-robert/
 
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

The Present and Future With Nature in Mind

CheloniaCast is at the Ashton Biological Preserve joined by both Peter Warny and Chase Pirtle. The discussion focuses on the history and upbringing of the Ashton Preserve and the work they do preserving several species primarily Endangered Tortoises. There’s also some discussion of the role captive keeping can have in long term conservation of species. The background of both Peter and Chase are talked about as well as a more specific dive into the status of the Gopher Tortoise as well as the captive colony of Radiated Tortoises present at the preserve.
 
To learn more about the Ashton Biological Preserve check out: https://ashtonbiodiversity.com/
 
To learn more about Florida's Gopher Tortoises and ways you can help them check out the Gopher Games film co-produced by Chase Pirtle here: https://gophergamesfilm.com/
 
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

A Force for Turtles

Cheloniacast, accompanied by Charlie Moorcroft, sits down to talk with Chris and Casey Leone. With over 30 years of experience working with turtles. The Leones are dedicated to using preservation and conservation methods as well as education and outreach to promote the long term conservation of turtles and tortoises threatened with extinction. Additionally Garden State Tortoise is a huge contributor to The Terrapin Conservation Initiative, a program aiming to save the Northern Diamondback Terrapin. The conversation focuses on Mediterranean tortoises and captive keeping of Testudo Tortoises. Additionally there is some discussion of the Terrapin Conservation Initiative.
For more information about Garden State Tortoise, be sure to check out their:
Website: https://www.gardenstatetortoise.com/about
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/gardenstatetortoise
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garden_state_tortoise/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GardenStateTortoise/
For more information about the TCI: https://theturtleroom.org/project/terrapin-conservation-initiative/
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

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