Turtle and Tortoise Conservation

The World's Chelonians Need Help

The world is home to about two hundred and ninety different species of turtle and tortoise but they are disappearing from the wild at an ever increasing pace.  Major causes of these declines are anthropogenic, and include habitat loss and degradation due to human encroachment, incidental take, deliberate take of species for the food and pet trade, and now global climate change is adding insult to injury.

California Turtle and Tortoise Club has been active in promoting conservation of chelonians (turtles and tortoises) since it was founded in 1964.  This page provides links to articles on CTTC's ongoing and historic conservation efforts and issues of concern.

Michael J. Connor

Desert Tortoises

Saving the Tortoise
Conserving the Desert Tortoise in the Southwestern Deserts

	Federal Judge Stays Plan to Increase Cattle in Desert Tortoise Habitat at Ord Mountain, California
	USFWS Releases Draft EA On Raven Management (external link)
	BLM Proposes 10 Year Renewal Of Sheep Grazing in Desert Tortoise Habitat - CBD/WWP/CTTC Comments
	Conservation Groups File Suit to Overturn NECO and West Mojave Plans 8/14/06
	West Mojave Plan Record Of Decision Signed
	West Mojave Plan Biological Opinion Released
	Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert Plan
	Proposed Fort Irwin, National Training Center Expansion
	Western Rand Mountains ACEC Vehicle Closure
	Desert Planning Efforts - West Mojave Plan
	Desert Tortoise Status and Critical Habitat

Join the Tortoise Consortium list for updates on desert tortoise conservation.

Western Pond Turtles

	February 7, 2008: Good news for San Onofre State Park - the California Coastal Commission denied the Toll Road builders a permit to build road through the state park.
	San Onofre State Park Threatened by 6 Lane Toll Road. The Toll Road will disrupt San Mateo Creek, Home to One of Orange County's Last Populations of the Western Pond turtle.
	Western Pond Turtle habitat in Southern California.