Conservation of turtles: the Chelonian dilemma
Document Type
Conference Paper
Journal/Book Title
Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation
Publisher
NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFC-341
Publication Date
1-1-1994
First Page
35
Last Page
38
Abstract
t is becoming evident that the Order Testudines contains an alarming number of species that require conservation efforts. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists 30 turtle species as either endangered or threatened with extinction. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) lists 81 turtle species on its Red List of Threatened Animals. We suggest that turtles may be especially vulnerable to population decline because they exhibit reproductive strategies incompatible with exploitation of significant loss of habitat. Our intent is to place the decline of sea turtles into the broader context of the decline of chelonians. Before proceeding, however, a review of the population ecology principles central to this discussion is necessary.
Recommended Citation
Burke, V. J., N. B. Frazer, and J. W. Gibbons. 1994. Conservation of turtles: the Chelonian dilemma. pp. 35-38. In. B. A. Schroeder and B. E. Witherington (Compilers). Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFC-341. Miami, FL.
