About This Project

Sulawesi, Indonesia, is home to many species found nowhere else on Earth. Although rich in biodiversity, Sulawesi has only two endemic turtles: the Endangered Forsten's Tortoise and the Critically Endangered Sulawesi Forest Turtle. We propose to conduct surveys to determine current population sizes and distributions of these turtles, initiating a long-term project to support turtle conservation, graduate research education, citizen science, capacity building, and community-based awareness.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Turtles are one of the most endangered group of vertebrates, with more than half of the species threatened with extinction. This situation is largely overlooked in the worldwide conservation community due to the fact that turtles are reptiles rather than the typically "cute and cuddly" icons revered in popular culture. Despite being listed in the top 25 most endangered turtles and tortoises and considered by many to be among the rarest tortoises in the world, the Sulawesi Forest Turtle and the Forsten’s Tortoise, respectively, are not well studied with little known about basic wild ecology. Lack of research or conservation efforts are steering these two species toward extinction. Our project is an important first step toward effective conservation strategies.

What is the significance of this project?

Habitats that once held many turtles have undergone illegal logging and conversion to agriculture. There, turtles have been targeted for both the pet trade and for human consumption. These factors led to the current conservation listings, but there are no significant efforts to research and protect the animals in their home country. Our proposed project will be based in sound science; conducting surveys to update status and distribution, documenting ecological data, collecting physiological and genetic samples throughout the range of these understudied species. Our findings will contribute to longer-term programs which include the identification of land preserves, development of captive breeding programs, and building of assurance colonies.

What are the goals of the project?

Our initial priority is to carry out population surveys to assess the current distribution and densities of these imperiled turtles. With Indonesian university students and resident community members to assist, we will conduct range-wide surveys while training the students and facilitating the development of scientific and field skills necessary for a successful long-term project. Long-term, the locally-involved project will comprise a monitoring program to be carried out by the students and community members and supported by international partners (like you!). Through this campaign, we intend to raise the funds to purchase the necessary field supplies and processing equipment to initiate these primary, much-needed field surveys and help develop the skills of partners for the future.