Radiated Tortoise SAFE Program Plan 2018
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Radiated Tortoise SAFE Program Plan 2018
Contents
Radiated Tortoise SAFE Species Program Goal ............................................................................................ 3
Program Operational Structure .................................................................................................................... 4
Conservation Target ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Status of Taxon within the AZA Community ................................................................................................ 5
AZA Conservation Activities ......................................................................................................................... 6
AZA Public Engagement Activities ................................................................................................................ 7
Conservation Status of Taxon ....................................................................................................................... 8
Population and Habitat Viability Assessment .............................................................................................. 8
Threats ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Strategic Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 11
Literature Cited .......................................................................................................................................... 12
2
Radiated Tortoise SAFE Species Program Goal
The Radiated Tortoise, Astrochelys radiata, is one of Madagascar’s most iconic and culturally significant
species (Figure 1). It’s also the flagship species of the critically endangered spiny forest ecoregion along
the southern most region of the island (Figure 2). Consequently, conservation efforts for the Radiated
Tortoise will also benefit other key species including endangered lemurs, reptiles, invertebrates and
vegetation (Pritchard 2013).
Figure 1. Radiated Tortoise, Astrochelys radiata (Photo Rick Hudson).
Despite only being close in size to the state of Texas, Madagascar supports nearly 5% of all the plant and
animal species on earth; nevertheless, most of this exceptional wildlife is threatened with extinction
(Goodman and Benstead 2003). The Radiated Tortoise, one of the island’s many endemic species, has
disappeared from more than half of its historic range and scientists predict that we could lose this
species forever sometime with the next few decades if far‐reaching and immediate conservation action
is not taken (Leuteritz 2005).
The mission of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Species program is to bring groups of
AZA members together with field‐based partners to enhance the probability of conservation success for
threatened species or a group of related taxa in the wild (AZA 2017). Therefore, the Radiated Tortoise
SAFE species program aims to prevent the extinction of the Radiated Tortoise by:
Leveraging the collective expertise and resources of the AZA community, particularly those
members that participate in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program for this species, to support
our field‐based partners in implementing existing recovery plans through collaborative and
strategic conservation and public engagement activities.
3
Program Operational Structure
The operational structure of the Radiated Tortoise SAFE program includes Program Leaders, Program
Partners – Steering Committee and expert Advisors (Table 1). Descriptions of these roles and the
associated responsibilities are included in the AZA SAFE Species Handbook (AZA 2017).
Affiliation Representative(s) Title Contact Information
Program Leaders
Christina woodturtle@gmail.com
Castellano, PhD
Curator, Department of
Archelosaurs & Lepidosaurs; mogle@zooknoxville.org;
Zoo Knoxville Michael Ogle
Chair, Chelonian Taxon 865‐637‐5331 Ext 1201
Advisory Group
Program Partners ‐ Steering Committee
Turtle Survival rhudson@fortworthzoo.org;
Rick Hudson President/CEO
Alliance 817‐343‐7380
Program Advisors
AZA Field
Vice President, Conservation priger@houstonzoo.org;
Conservation Peter Riger
and Education, Houston Zoo 713‐533‐6745
Committee
Nautilus Ecology Ryan Walker, PhD Biologist ryan@nautilusecology.org
Table 1. Contact Information for Radiated Tortoise SAFE Program Team.
Figure 2. Spiny Forest habitat in Ifaty, SW Madagascar (Photo unknown).
4
Conservation Target
The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is endemic to Madagascar. It lives in the dry, spiny forest in
the southern and southwestern regions of the island. Recent population survey data indicates a more
than 50% reduction in this species range since 1865 (Rafeliarisoa et al. 2011) (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Comparison between the historic (top) and current (right) distribution of the
Radiated Tortoise indicates a greater than 50% range reduction (Rafeliarisoa et al. 2013).
Status of Taxon within the AZA Community
The Radiated Tortoise has been an important species in AZA institutions for more than 60 years. The
first wild tortoises arrived at the Saint Louis Zoo in the early 1960’s. Subsequently, the Bronx Zoo
created the Species Survival Program (SSP) for Radiated Tortoises in 1985. The Radiated Tortoise SSP
was one of the very first AZA animal programs to be established for a reptile (Ogle pers. comm.).
Today, the SSP population of Radiated Tortoises is thriving with 338 individuals living at 63 AZA
institutions. Breeding at these facilities has been ongoing with the result being a high‐level of genetic
diversity (97%) within the SSP population (Ogle et al. 2016). Over the last few years, the SSP has
reached out to our partners in the Prosimian TAG, and have worked on creating several successful mixed
exhibits with the Ring‐tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) along with a few other lemur species. These hardy
tortoises also work well as outreach ambassadors.
5
AZA Conservation Activities
AZA institutions and their project partners are playing an important role in the conservation of the
Radiated Tortoise in Madagascar (Figure 4). According to the 2015 and 2016 AZA Annual Report on
Conservation and Science (ARCS) databases, eight institutions participated in field conservation
programs and one participated in mission‐focused research. These projects were implemented through
partnerships with both non‐profit and governmental organizations (Table 2).
Reporting Institutions Category Project Partners
Audubon Zoo Field Conservation Conservation Fusion
Duke University Lemur Center Field Conservation Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group
Lincoln Park Zoo Field Conservation US Fish and Wildlife Service
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Field Conservation Turtle Survival Alliance
Toronto Zoo Field Conservation Turtle Survival Alliance
Utah's Hogle Zoo Field Conservation Turtle Survival Alliance
Zoo Knoxville Field Conservation Turtle Survival Alliance
Zoo Miami Field Conservation Turtle Survival Alliance
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Research Turtle Survival Alliance
Table 2. Reporting Institutions, project categories and project partners identified in the 2015 and 2016
ARCS databases associated with the Radiated Tortoise.
Figure 4. Stephen Nelson, Animal Keeper at Zoo Knoxville, conducting population surveys with Riana
Rakotondrainy, TSA Scientist, southern Madagascar (Photo Jason Bell).
6
AZA institutions that participated in Radiated Tortoise conservation in 2015 and 2016 focused their
efforts on raising awareness, capacity building/training, assurance populations, reintroduction,
population management, behavior/ethology, anti‐poaching/patrolling, disaster emergency response and
animal health (Table 3).
Reporting Institutions Keywords
Audubon Zoo Awareness, Capacity Building/Training
Duke University Lemur Center Awareness, Capacity Building/Training
Assurance Populations, Reintroduction, Population
Lincoln Park Zoo
Management
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical
Assurance Populations, Reintroduction, Behavior/Ethology
Gardens
Toronto Zoo Capacity Building/Training
Awareness, Population Biology/Monitoring, Anti‐
Utah's Hogle Zoo
poaching/Patrolling
Assurance Population, Reintroduction, Capacity
Zoo Knoxville
Building/Training
Zoo Miami Disaster/Emergency Response
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo &
Animal Health
Aquarium
Table 3. Reporting institutions and the keywords they selected in their 2015 and 2016 ARCS
submissions to describe their conservation efforts for the Radiated Tortoise.
The AZA institutions included in the 2015 and 2016 ARCS database spent a total of $200,645 on 11
projects for the Radiated Tortoise over those two years (Table 4).
# Reporting # Project
Category Amount Spent
Institutions Submissions
Field Conservation $196,115 8 10
Mission‐Focused Research $4,530 1 1
Table 4. Project categories, amount spent for each, number of reporting institutions reporting in the
2015 and 2016 ARCS databases and number of projects for the Radiated Tortoise.
AZA Public Engagement Activities
In 2011, Utah’s Hogle Zoo and the Turtle Survival Alliance started a comprehensive public awareness
campaign about tortoise conservation in Madagascar. The campaign includes workshops on providing
care for confiscated tortoises; distributing stickers, T‐shirts and posters with conservation messaging
(Figure 5); a film on tortoise conservation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6njssQnyblQ); activity
books for school children; and an education program called Soccer for Sokake that connects people to
tortoise conservation through the international language of soccer (CONNECT 2015).
7
Figure 5. Children with stickers messaging tortoise conservation (Photo Christina Castellano).
Conservation Status of Taxon
The Radiated Tortoise is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. As a result it is listed as Critically
Endangered by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and is included on
Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora),
which limits its trade internationally. In addition, Malagasy law (Decree 60126) prohibits the collection
of this species from the wild (Leuteritz 2005).
Historically the Radiated Tortoise has been abundant throughout its range and still remains the iconic
symbol of the south. Today, however, this species is in drastic decline; population models suggest that
the Radiated Tortoise could be extinct in the wild within the next 45 years (Randriamahazo et al. 2007).
Population and Habitat Viability Assessment
A Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) workshop was conducted for two Madagascar
tortoise species, including the Radiated Tortoise, in Ifaty, Madagascar on 25‐28 August 2005. The
workshop involved a wide‐variety of stakeholders, including local community members, legislators,
decision‐makers, academic biologists, wildlife managers and other interested parties. The Radiated
Tortoise SAFE program is designed to address many of the key conservation issues facing tortoise
populations that were identified through this process and are included in the final report that was
generated from the workshop entitled Population and Habitat Viability Assessment for Endemic Tortoise
8
Species in Madagascar (Randriamahazo et al. 2007). The actions included in the Radiated Tortoise SAFE
program plan are aligned with the recommendations put forward in the PHVA.
Threats
The primary threats to the survival of the Radiated Tortoise are: 1) collection for food and the
international wildlife trade, and 2) habitat loss. Scientists estimate that between 22,000 and 241,000
tortoises are illegally collected each year (O’Brien et al. 2003). Although local tribes consider touching,
or harming the tortoises to be taboo, people from other tribes collect large numbers of tortoises
(Leuteritz 2005) (Figure 6).
Habitat loss is caused mainly by the practice of slash‐and‐burn agriculture and the production of
charcoal, but the land is further degraded due to grazing livestock (Nussbaum & Raxworthy 1998)
(Figure 7). A consistent annual forest loss rate of 1.2% was documented for the spiny forest (primary
Radiated Tortoise habitat) throughout the 30 year period from 1970‐2000, despite the high level of
endemism of the flora (95%) and its status as a Critically Endangered bioregion (Harper et al. 2007). The
Radiated Tortoise SAFE program includes actions to address habitat loss and support law enforcement
efforts to stop poaching (Figure 8).
Figure 6. Juvenile Radiated Tortoises confiscated before transport to international pet markets.
Smugglers tape their limbs against their shells to prevent movement (Photo Mongabay.com).
9
Figure 7. Slash and burn agricultural practices destroy habitat and cause direct mortality for tortoises
trapped in the fires (Photo Aaron Gekoski)
Figure 8. Checkpoint in Tsiombe constructed to inspect vehicles for illegally collected tortoises (Photo
Herilala Randriamahazo).
10Strategic Objectives
The primary goal of the Radiated Tortoise SAFE Program is to re‐establish tortoise populations through
rehabilitation, release and subsequent protection of confiscated individuals. The strategic objectives
included in the Radiated Tortoise SAFE Program plan are aligned with the recommendations put forward
in the PHVA (Randriamahazo et al. 2007). The main program objectives are summarized below; however
specific actions, metrics, timeframes, and estimated budgets are included in the following Radiated
Tortoise 3‐year Program Plan.
Public Engagement Objectives
Strategic Objective 1. Increase Public Engagement in Radiated Tortoise conservation and the
SAFE Program.
Communication Objectives
Strategic Objective 2. Increase Radiated Tortoise conservation messaging by AZA member
institutions and field partners.
Funding Objectives
Strategic Objective 3. Increase funding for Radiated Tortoise conservation and SAFE program.
Conservation Objectives
Strategic Objective 4. Repatriate confiscated Radiated Tortoises to re‐establish locally extinct
and depleted populations.
Strategic Objective 5. Build the capacity of law enforcement agencies and communities to
stop illegal collection of tortoises.
Strategic Objective 6. Continue to build the Ala Mahavelo Tortoise Conservation Center (TCC)
in the Androy region to foster regional development, attract tourists and rehabilitate
confiscated tortoises that will be included in the reintroduction program.
Strategic Objective 7. Continue to build the Ala Mahavelo Community Education and
Outreach Center to raise awareness locally for tortoise conservation, provide content and
opportunities for in‐school delivery, out of school delivery and media outreach and host
community workshops, research scientists and tourists.
Strategic Objective 8. Develop an applied research program to address social (e.g. disrespect
for traditional practices) and environmental (e.g. habitat destruction and reforestation)
issues, support reintroduction strategy (e.g. population and habitat monitoring), and benefit
tortoise health, husbandry and breeding programs at the Ala Mahavelo Tortoise Conservation
Center.
Table 5. Summary of the strategic objectives listed in the Radiated Tortoise SAFE 3‐year Program Plan.
11Literature Cited
Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 2017. SAFE Species Program Handbook. Association of Zoos and
Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD.
CONNECT Magazine 2015 Teaming up for Radiated Tortoises Mary Ellen Collins p. 22‐29
Goodman, S. M., and Benstead, J.P. 2003. The Natural History of Madagascar. University of Chicago Press
Harper, G.J., Steininger, M.K., Tucker, C.J., Juhn, D. and Hawkins, F. 2007. Fifty years of deforestation in
Madagascar. Environmental Conservation 34(4): 1‐9.
Leuteritz, T. 2005. Distribution, status, and conservation of Radiated Tortoises (Geochelone radiata) in
Madagascar. Biological Conservation 124: 451‐461.
Nussbaum, R.A. and Raxworthy, C.J. 1998. Commentary on conservation of “Sokatra,” the radiated
tortoise (Geochelone radiata) of Madagascar. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 2: 6‐14.
Ogle, M., Nelson S., and Sullivan, S. 2016. Population Analysis and Breeding and Transfer Plan, Radiated
Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) AZA Green SSP. Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
O’Brien, S., Emahalala, E.R., Beard, V., Rakotondrainy, R.M., Reid, A., Raharisoa, V. and Coulson, T. 2003.
Decline of the radiated tortoise Geochelone radiata due to overexploitation. Oryx 37: 338‐343.
Pritchard, P.C.H. 2013. Madagascar: Island continent of tortoises great and small. In: Castellano, C.M.,
Rhodin, A.G.J., Ogle, M., Mittermeier, R.A., Randriamahazo, H., Hudson, R. and Lewis, R.E. (Eds.). Turtles
on the Brink in Madagascar: Proceedings of Two Workshops on the Status, Conservation, and Biology of
Malagasy Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Chelonian Research Monographs 6: 17‐24.
Rafeliarisoa, T.H., Walker, R.C.J. and Louis, E.E. Jr. 2013. Decline in the range and population density of
Radiated Tortoises, Astrochelys radiata, in southern Madagascar. In: Castellano, C.M., Rhodin, A.G.J.,
Ogle, M., Mittermeier, R.A., Randriamahazo, H., Hudson, R. and Lewis, R.E. (Eds.). Turtles on the Brink in
Madagascar: Proceedings of Two Workshops on the Status, Conservation, and Biology of Malagasy
Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Chelonian Research Monographs 6: 83‐89.
Randriamahazo, H., Traylor‐Holzer, K., Leus, K. and Byers, H.O. 2007. Population and Habitat Viability
Assessment Workshop for Endemic Tortoise Species in Madagascar Geochelone radiata (Madagascar
Radiated Tortoise) Pyxis arachnoides (Spider Tortoise). IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist
Group, Apple Valley, MN.
12Radiated Tortoise SAFE 3‐year Program Plan (2018‐2020)
Public Engagement Objectives
Strategic Objective 1. Increase Public Engagement in Radiated Tortoise conservation and the SAFE Program.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Increase the number of
AZA member institutions Two new institutions
Zoo Knoxville, Turtle
that participate in the added to the steering
1.1 X X X Utah's Hogle Survival
Radiated Tortoise SAFE committee each year of
Zoo Alliance
Program to at least eight the program.
by 2020.
16 institutions
Increase the number of represent 25% of
10 new institutions
AZA member institutions Zoo Knoxville, Turtle the AZA member
celebrate World Turtle
1.2 that celebrate World X X Utah's Hogle Survival institutions that
Day in years two and
Turtle Day by 25% by Zoo Alliance participate in the
three of the program.
2020. Radiated Tortoise
SSP.
Celebrate World Turtle
Program activities
Day and Radiated
created in year one and Turtle
Tortoise conservation at
1.3 implemented in years X $1,500 $1,500 Survival
the Tortoise
two and three of the Alliance
Conservation Center in
program.
Madagascar each year.
Increase the number of
One new field‐based Turtle
field partners that
1.4 partner included each X X X Survival
participate in Radiated
year of the program. Alliance
Tortoise conservation.Communication Objectives
Strategic Objective 2. Increase Radiated Tortoise conservation messaging by AZA member institutions and field partners.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Social media content and 12 institutions
Increase the number of strategy created in year represent about
AZA member institutions one and incorporated 20% of the AZA
Turtle
that deliver Radiated into the social media member
2.1 X X X Survival
Tortoise conservation platforms of six new institutions that
Alliance
messaging via social institutions in years two participate in the
media by 20% by 2020. and three of the Radiated Tortoise
program. SSP.
Six institutions
Increase the number of
Interpretive Utah's Hogle represent about
AZA member institutions
programming created in Zoo, Zoo 10% of the AZA
that deliver Radiated Turtle
year two and Knoxville, member
2.2 Tortoise conservation X X Survival
incorporated into the Chelonian TAG institutions that
messaging at their Alliance
onsite messaging of six Education participate in the
institutions by 10% by
institutions by year three. Advisors Radiated Tortoise
2020.
SSP.
Increase the
Create messaging in year Utah's Hogle
conservation messaging Turtle
two and prepare and Zoo, Chelonian
2.3 at the Turtle X $3,000 Survival
place graphics at TCC in TAG Education
Conservation Center Alliance
year three. Advisors
(TCC) by 2020.
14Funding Objectives
Strategic Objective 3. Increase funding for Radiated Tortoise conservation and SAFE program.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Develop fundraising
strategy to acquire 100% Strategic document
of the funding needed to created in year one and Utah's Hogle Turtle
3.1 implement the 3‐year utilized as a roadmap for X X X Zoo, Zoo Survival
Action Plan for the acquiring funds in years Knoxville Alliance
Radiated Tortoise SAFE two and three.
Program.
Strategic document
created in year three and
Develop a fundraising
utilized as a roadmap for Utah's Hogle Turtle
strategy for operations
3.2 securing funds for in‐ X Zoo, Zoo Survival
and programming at the
country operations and Knoxville Alliance
TCC and CEC for 10 years.
programming for the
long‐term (2021‐2023).
Conservation Objectives
Strategic Objective 4. Repatriate confiscated Radiated Tortoises to re‐establish locally extinct and depleted populations.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Develop reintroduction Turtle
Reintroduction document
4.1 strategy for confiscated $5,000 Survival
completed.
tortoises by 2019. Alliance
Survey suitable Reintroduction sites
Turtle
reintroduction sites selected and surveyed for
4.2 $7,000 Survival
within the species range appropriate conditions as
Alliance
by 2020. outlined in strategy.
15Relationships established
and community needs
Prepare communities for Turtle
met in order for
4.3 stewardship of released $10,000 Survival
successful stewardship of
tortoises. Alliance
reintroduced
populations.
Strategic Objective 5. Build the capacity of law enforcement agencies and communities to stop illegal collection of tortoises.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Re‐write regional pact
(Dina) that ensures
discipline within society
Turtle
and re‐establishes local Revised document has
5.1 X Survival
values and traditions, been created.
Alliance
and ensures that the
terms (Lilitane) are
implemented.
Conduct follow‐up
Follow‐up workshops
workshops in three key Turtle
have been conducted in
5.2 locations to $1,500 Survival
Tsiombe, Lavanono, and
communicate the terms Alliance
Marovato.
of the Dina.
Provide safe
Turtle
transportation to TSA Vehicle purchased and in
5.3 $30,000 Survival
staff members enforcing use by staff.
Alliance
the Lilitane.
16Strategic Objective 6. Continue to build the Ala Mahavelo Tortoise Conservation Center (TCC) in the Androy region to foster
regional development, attract tourists and rehabilitate confiscated tortoises that will be included in the reintroduction
program.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Increase number of
tortoise holding Enclosures built and Turtle
6.1 enclosures to available for up to 1000 $5,000 Survival
accommodate additional additional tortoises. Alliance
confiscated tortoises.
Fences replaced with
Turtle
Harden fences around stronger, weather
6.2 $2,500 Survival
tortoise enclosures. resistant material and
Alliance
secured with metal posts.
Husbandry guidelines and
materials created that Animal Keeper
allow keepers to from Hogle Zoo
Develop husbandry Turtle
maintain an inventory of Utah's Hogle traveling to TCC
6.3 guidelines to monitor $5,000 Survival
tortoises and supplies, Zoo to work with
care and tortoises. Alliance
diets, feeding schedules, staff in May
weights and 2018.
measurements, etc.
Provide transportation Three bicycles with carts Turtle
6.4 for staff to travel within purchased and delivered $1,200 Zoo Knoxville Survival
the center. to TCC. Alliance
Rosamond
Gifford Zoo, Turtle
Provide uniforms to TCC Shirts and shorts
6.5 $1,200 Zoo Knoxville, Survival
staff. purchased and delivered.
Utah's Hogle Alliance
Zoo
17Rooms to accommodate
10 staff members and
Turtle
Build staff housing within shower/toilet block built
6.6 $12,000 $2,000 Survival
the core area of the TCC. in year two and
Alliance
kitchen/laundry facility
built in year three.
Rooms to accommodate
Build staff housing 10 staff members, Turtle
6.7 outside the core area of shower/toilet block and $14,000 Survival
the TCC kitchen/laundry facility Alliance
built in year three.
Designated parking area,
workshop with tools and Turtle
Provide designated
6.8 work bench and fuel $3,000 Survival
vehicle area for staff.
storage area created and Alliance
in use by year three.
Create breeding facility
Small building
for confiscated Spider
constructed that includes Turtle
Tortoises (adults and
6.9 incubators and $3,500 Zoo Knoxville Survival
offspring to be included
indoor/outdoor rearing Alliance
in reintroduction
enclosures.
program).
Enclosures expanded,
screens for windows and
shelves installed,
Complete construction partitions in place in Turtle
6.10 and set‐up of tortoise quarantine area and $3,000 Survival
hospital. equipment purchased Alliance
(i.e. thermometers,
microscopes, surgery
lamp, refrigerator, etc.).
Provide security check Turtle
Guard station
6.11 point station at entrance $800 Zoo Knoxville Survival
constructed and in use.
to TCC. Alliance
18Strategic Objective 7. Continue to build the Ala Mahavelo Community Education and Outreach Center to raise awareness
locally for tortoise conservation, provide content and opportunities for in‐school delivery, out of school delivery and media
outreach and host community workshops, research scientists and tourists.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Provide community Pavilion, Demo space,
meeting space and picnic area, Turtle
Utah's Hogle
7.1 outdoor classroom to fireplace/cooking area $25,000 Survival
Zoo
host gatherings, and sustainability Alliance
workshops and students. gardens built and in use.
Provide environmental
education and
Turtle
conservation learning Center constructed and Utah's Hogle
7.3 $22,000 Survival
center with indoor in use. Zoo
Alliance
classrooms and meeting
space.
Provide overnight Dormitories, kitchen,
Turtle
housing for students, shower/toilet block and Utah's Hogle
7.2 $35,000 Survival
scientists, program laundry facilities built and Zoo
Alliance
partners and tourists. in operation.
Gatehouse, offices,
Secure the Ala Mahavelo Turtle
parking stalls, storage
7.4 CEOC to prevent damage $15,000 Survival
shed and perimeter fence
and misuse. Alliance
constructed.
Central and remote Turtle
Create fresh water
7.5 rainwater catchment $5,000 Survival
source for facility.
system built. Alliance
19Turtle
Generate electricity for Solar panel arrays
7.6 $10,000 Survival
site using solar power. installed.
Alliance
Content prepared for use
Prepare educational and in school and at the
Turtle
training content for center, media outreach
7.7 X X X Survival
student and community and community
Alliance
programming. workshops as outlined in
the PHVA.
Identify staffing needs Staffing plan and Turtle
Utah's Hogle
7.8 and budget for operational budget X Survival
Zoo
operations. established. Alliance
Strategic Objective 8. Develop an applied research program to address social (e.g. disrespect for traditional practices) and
environmental (e.g. habitat destruction and reforestation) issues, support reintroduction strategy (e.g. population and
habitat monitoring), and benefit tortoise health, husbandry and breeding programs at the Ala Mahavelo Tortoise
Conservation Center.
Timeframe and Budget AZA Field
Number Action Metric Notes
2018 2019 2020 Members Partners
Conduct social surveys at
potential reintroduction
sites to determine
Turtle
obstacles and
8.1 Survey completed. $5,000 Survival
opportunities for
Alliance
communities to
participate in the
stewardship program.
Conduct habitat Turtle
8.2 assessment at Assessment completed. $5,000 Survival
reintroduction sites. Alliance
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