Here's another announcement of interest that I saw in the HerpDigest Volume # 8 Issue #21, Wednesday, April 16, 2008

With all the bad news concerning Asian turtles, I was so glad to find this website:

Lately I've been reading more about the demand for turtle meat and other parts for food and use as medicines. My problem is not so much with the idea of using turtles for food and Asian medicine. My problem is with countries allowing the hunting of their native wild turtles to extinction. For example, China has allowed many of their species to become severely endangered or extinct.

There is good news and bad news. Good News: Last month the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission approved a new ruling that will prohibit commercial collection of all wild turtles from public waters and public land in the state. Bad News: It will still allow commercial collection of three varieties of turtles on private property.

I recently ran across a little story that says exactly why wildlife rehabilitators do what they do. I'd like to share it with you:

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The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker

The following is an email that the GCTTS received from the "Save The Alabama Red-bellied Turtle Alliance." I thought it was a good cause so would like to encourage you to send letters to the Alabama officials that need to do something to prevent this turtle from going extinct. Read the Alliance's email and visit their website to download a prepared letter and addresses.