Turtle Survival Alliance

Turtles have inhabited the earth virtually unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. Unfortunately, these remarkable reptiles are now facing extinction. Within the next 20 years, as many as one-third of the world‘s tortoises and freshwater turtles (nearly 300 species) may be gone due to poaching for the international black market.

 

In response to this crisis, the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) was formed in 2001 and in recent years has emerged as a global force for turtle conservation. The TSA focuses on critically endangered species and employs a two-prong approach to conservation. We work in range countries to secure the species in captivity (as a hedge against extinction) while at the same time supporting field research and conservation programs.  The TSA also develops captive breeding programs outside the range countries as an extra measure of protection. Today, the TSA supports and manages recovery programs for endangered turtles and tortoises in more than ten Asian countries including China, India, Myanmar and Malaysia, as well as Africa and Madagascar.

 

Our model is successful because of partnerships, and we believe strongly in building capacity for saving turtles in the countries where they live. We identify individuals and facilities that are already involved in turtle conservation and work to help them get better at what they do through technical assistance, training, workshops and education. We do so because in the end, the battle to save species will be won or lost in the countries where they live.

 

Committed to zero turtle extinctions, the TSA is widely recognized as an action-oriented group capable of tackling difficult challenges and we appreciate your support.