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Turtle Survival Alliance: Working to Prevent Turtle Extinctions

Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA)
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) is a globally recognized conservation organization dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wild populations of tortoises and freshwater turtles.
With a focus on evidence-based conservation, international leadership, and local stewardship, the TSA was established in 2001 as an independent entity after operating as a task force for the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Through collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders including zoos, universities, government agencies, and conservation organizations, the TSA implements various initiatives such as captive breeding programs, reintroduction efforts, research projects, and habitat restoration to combat threats faced by these species.
By addressing challenges like habitat destruction, predation, collection practices, fishing gear entanglement, road mortality, and climate change impacts on turtles and tortoises globally through its extensive network of partners and programs worldwide.
Turtle Survival Alliance | |
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Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) – global partnership for turtle conservation Formed in 2001 as IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group Task Force Became independent non-profit in 2004 | |
Activities and Mission | |
Overview |
Mission is ‘Zero Turtle Extinctions in the 21st Century Runs captive breeding and reintroduction programs Conducts field research and surveys Initiates community engagement and outreach Provides training on turtle conservation techniques |
Work in India | |
Activities |
Partnership with Pilibhit Tiger Reserve for turtle conservation Launched KURMA app for turtle identification and data collection |
Key Challenges | |
Challenges |
Habitat loss, exploitation, climate change threatening turtles Over 50% of turtle species at risk of extinction Lack of enforcement capabilities in India |
Conclusion | |
Final Thoughts |
Collaborates globally to catalyze science-based conservation Breeding programs, outreach, research to restore wild populations Urgent need to support turtle conservation efforts |
Introduction
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) is a global partnership that aims to achieve zero turtle extinctions in the 21st century by protecting and restoring wild populations of tortoises and freshwater turtles through science-based conservation, global leadership, and local stewardship.
Formed in 2001 as a Task Force of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, TSA was established in response to the Asian Turtle Crisis, which involved unsustainable harvesting of Asian turtle populations for Chinese markets.
In 2004, TSA became an independent nonprofit organization based at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. The mission of TSA is to protect and restore these species through various initiatives such as captive breeding programs, research and surveys, reintroduction programs, as well as engaging with local communities for sustainable conservation efforts.

Activities and Mission
Conservation breeding programs, field research, and community engagement are some of the activities undertaken by Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) to protect and restore wild populations of turtles and tortoises. TSA’s mission is to achieve zero turtle extinctions in the 21st century through science-based conservation, global leadership, and local stewardship.
The organization operates captive breeding programs to ensure the survival of endangered species and conducts field research and surveys to gather data on wild populations. TSA also engages with local communities, promoting culturally appropriate conservation initiatives and outreach efforts.
Through collaborations with various institutions and organizations, TSA shares new research techniques and knowledge to catalyze turtle conservation globally. With its science-based approach and decisive action, TSA has established itself as a leader in protecting and restoring wild turtle populations.
TSA’s Work in India
Recently a partnership between the Turtle Survival Alliance and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve for turtle conservation, as well as the launch of the KURMA mobile app in collaboration with ITCAN and WCS-India.
The partnership aims to safeguard turtles and tortoises within and outside the reserve through species identification and population estimation.
The KURMA mobile app serves as a digital field guide, providing information on turtle identification, threats, rescue centers, and utilizing AI-based species identification technology.
Partnership with Pilibhit Tiger Reserve for turtle conservation
Partnering with the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, the Turtle Survival Alliance aims to safeguard turtles through a comprehensive 5-year plan that includes species identification and population estimation. This collaboration is a significant step towards conservation efforts for turtles in India.
The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, located in Uttar Pradesh, forms part of the Terai Arc Landscape and is known for its diverse and productive ecosystems. The reserve has formulated a 5-year plan to protect turtles and estimate their populations within and outside the reserve.
Through activities such as species identification, population estimation, and protection measures, this partnership seeks to ensure the survival of turtle populations in the region.

Launched KURMA mobile app with ITCAN and WCS-India
The KURMA app aims to enhance turtle protection in India by serving as a digital field guide, facilitating species identification, and establishing a nationwide database for turtle sightings.
This initiative is crucial due to the significant threats faced by turtles in India, including illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking. Enforcement agencies often struggle with species identification, which hampers conservation efforts.
The KURMA app addresses this challenge by providing information on 29 freshwater turtle and tortoise species found in India, enabling users to upload photos and data about turtles they encounter.
With sufficient data collection, the app will utilize artificial intelligence technology to automatically identify turtle species.
Conclusion
Considering the multitude of threats faced by turtles and tortoises, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to take action in order to ensure their survival and prevent further loss of these species. Habitat destruction, fragmentation, increased predation, over-exploitation, fishing bycatch, road mortality, and climate change are just some of the challenges that turtles and tortoises face.
With more than half of existing turtle species threatened with extinction according to IUCN criteria, urgent conservation efforts are needed. The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) collaborates with partners worldwide to implement science-based initiatives aimed at preventing further loss of turtles.
Through assurance colonies, captive breeding programs, community engagement, and sharing of research findings, TSA works towards restoring wild turtle populations and achieving zero extinctions. Supporting such efforts is essential for conserving these ancient creatures and ensuring their survival.