CheloniaCast

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Nicole Valenzuela, Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University and principal investigator in the Laboratory of Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics at Iowa State University. Dr. Valenzuela is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and researches a variety of areas of evolutionary ecology and biology, using turtles as model systems primarily. She has published over 100 peer reviewed papers and co-edited the book “Temperature Dependent Sex Determination in Vertebrates.” The conversation dives deeper into her experiences both in the field and lab pertaining to her study of sex determination of turtles, turtle genomics, and evolutionary ecology. There is also valuable discussion on the challenges turtles can pose in developmental studies due to their slow growth and natural history.    To learn more about Iowa State University's Laboratory of Evolutionary and Ecological Genomics visit: https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/nvalenzu/   To view “Temperature Dependent Sex Determination in Vertebrates” visit: https://smithsonian.figshare.com/articles/book/Temperature-Dependent_Sex_Determination_in_Vertebrates/9761783   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by both Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson. Sy, a naturalist and writer, has authored 38 books to date. Sy has been on the New York Times Bestseller list five times and has recieved numerous other awards and distinctions for her work including the 2024 Cook Prize. Sy utilizes narrative on animals to convey various messages surrounding issues of human nature, compassion, and philosophy. Matt is a turtle fanatic, artist, and explorer. His primary focus is on turtles and his award-winning illustrations have been featured in fine art galleries, museums, and numerous publications. The conversation centers around Sy and Matt's collaboration in the creation of “Of Time and Turtles” as well as diving into both of their unique upbringings into the world of turtles and wildlife. There is discussion on the value of the philosophy turtles emulate as well as further detail on the creative journeys of both respected artists, be it the writing or art process.   Purchase “Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell” here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/of-time-and-turtles-sy-montgomery?variant=41323553062946   Purchase "The Book of Turtles" here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-book-of-turtles-sy-montgomery?variant=40695888609314   Learn more about Sy Montgomery's work here: https://symontgomery.com/   Check out Matt Patterson's page here: https://www.mpattersonart.com/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Fred Caporaso, Professor of Food Science at Chapman University, and turtle man extraordinaire. Fred has decades of experience working with turtles, both in the field and in captivity. He has traveled the globe in pursuit of turtles, and spent many hours with Dr. Peter Pritchard in the Galapagos and elsewhere. Join us for this fun discussion focused on Fred's trips in pursuit of turtles, and what he has learned along the way. Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Brad Nahill, cofounder and president of SEE Turtles, a unique conservation group pairing ecotourism with turtle conservation and focusing on the legacy of J Nichols. Brad has authored book chapters, blog posts, scientific abstracts, and case studies all with a focus on sea turtles and their plight. The conversation covers Brad's experience founding SEE Turtles, and all the early chalenges involved in forming an ecotourism project that supports wildlife. The interesting component of this episode is the uniqueness of the conservation approach SEE Turtles champions. Uniting profit and conservation rather than the typical negative dynamic of profit and vulnerable fauna, and serving as a way to unite communities with their local sea turtle populations. There is also heavy emphasis on the legacy and impact of the late J Nichols, and his integral role in developing SEE Turtles and the Billion Baby Turtles initiative.   For more information about SEE Turtles and their initiatives conserving turtles as well as aiding coastal communities, visit: https://www.seeturtles.org/   Contact Brad here: Brad@seeturtles.org   Learn more about J Nichols here: https://www.seeturtles.org/jnichols   Book a sea turtle conservation tour with SEE Turtles here: https://www.seeturtles.org/upcoming-tours   Visit Brad Nahill's website here: http://www.bradnahill.com/   Find SEE Turtles on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/see_turtles/?hl=en   Find SEE Turtles on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SEEturtles/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast sits down with renowned turtle ecologist Dr. Justin Congdon, Professor Emeritus at University of Georgia. From a comparison of life history between the shortest lived and long-lived turtles, to analysis of the ‘bigger is better' hypothesis in reference to snapping turtles, Dr. Congdon has done intimate, long-term work with fascinating aspects of chelonian ecology. It is difficult to study long-term shifts in turtle ecology due to long lifespans of individuals, however Dr. Congdon boasts vast data sets spanning multiple decades. The conversation sheds light on some of the deeper findings in prolonged study of the life history of turtles, as well as interesting discussion about turtle lifespans, reproductive strategy, and many other topics.   To see some of Dr. Congdon's research, visit https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin-Congdon-2   To learn more about Dr. Congdon's long-term, ongoing, turtle ecology project at the E.S. George Reserve visit: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/esgr/research-projects/turtles-of-the-esgr/   To learn more about the Congdon-Dickson Research Fund named in his honor visit: https://chelonian.org/cdrf/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Craig Stanford, professor of Biological Sciences and Anthropology at the University of Southern California and Chair of the IUCN-SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Dr. Stanford is renowned for study of the behavior, ecology, and conservation biology of great apes. He has published over 140 scientific papers and over 17 books. Dr. Stanford also specializes in turtles and tortoises. The conversation blends Dr. Stanford's vast knowledge of both behavioral and social ecology with conservation biology in relation to Testudines. There is exchange of views on the greater implications of conserving turtles in relation to the strategy behind IUCN listing. There is also dialogue on the intelligence of chelonians from an empirical perspective. To purchase one or multiple of Dr. Stanford's books, click here: https://craigstanford.wordpress.com/other-books/ To learn more about Dr. Stanford check out his website at: https://craigstanford.wordpress.com/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Jeff Seminoff, Program Lead of Marine Turtle Ecology and Assessment in the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The conversation focuses on Dr. Seminoff's upbringing into the world of turtles and thesis work focused on prolonged study of Green Sea Turtles. Whether it's satellite tracking, trans-oceanic movement of individual turtles, or trophic ecology of eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles, Dr. Seminoff has unique experiences and perspectives in every aspect of these turtles. There is also valuable discussion of the culture surrounding the harvest of sea turtles and the evolution of their public perspective. To view some of Dr. Seminoff's publications, check out: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CaOhZJAAAAAJ&hl=en To purchase Dr. Seminoff's book "Sea Turtles of the Eastern Pacific: Advances in Research and Conservation" visit: https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Turtles-Eastern-Pacific-Arizona-Sonora/dp/0816511586 Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is on location at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), located on a 1,153 acre preserve in Belize. BFREE serves as a space for wildlife conservation, study, and education. This episode is comprised of two conversations, the first being with Jacob Marlin: founder and Executive Director of BFREE. Jacob is renowned in the world of herpetology and conservation holistically. We focus on his upbringing into the world of wildlife conservation, the origins of BFREE, and insight into the work BFREE is doing to preserve the critically endangered Hicatee. The second part of the episode is a conversation with Heather Barrett, Deputy Director of BFREE, along with Tom Pop, Jonathan Dubon, and Barney Hall. This part of the conversation focuses on their indvidual experiences at BFREE, working with the Hicatees, freshwater turtles, and experiencing the wildlife that is present.   For more information about BFREE, check out their website: https://www.bfreebz.org/   Be sure to follow BFREE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfreebz/?hl=en   Be sure to follow BFREE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BFREEBZ/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Jordan Gray, External Relations Manager of the Turtle Survival Alliance. Jordan has extensive experience in the study of many chelonians. The conversation dives into Jordan's experiences with all corners of North American turtles as well as ventures abroad, be it related to terrapins, Macrochelys, or Batagur, Jordan has been involved in it all.   To learn more about Turtle Survival Alliance check out: https://turtlesurvival.org/   To learn more about how you can volunteer with the Turtle Survival Alliance and their North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG) visit: https://turtlesurvival.org/programs/naftrg/?srsltid=AfmBOorP2tNW8KjFtDl7wUjBoAA0AWJlF7WyuqjMciagp6GS1d18NWW6   Be sure to follow Jordan and the Turtle Survival Alliance on social media at: Jordan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanturtleman/ Jordan's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LVs73XGxK/?mibextid=wwXIfr The Turtle Survival Alliance's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turtlesurvival/?hl=en The Turtle Survival Alliance's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurtleSurvival/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Tony Monahan, both an educator and turtle enthusiast. Dr. Monahan is an author and artist with a love and passion for turtles. He recently authored the “Turtle Lovers' Guidebook”, which is a worthy addition to any turtle or natural history library. The conversation ranges from Dr. Monahan's firsthand experiences in his travels across countries to experience the world's turtle diversity as well as his experiences witnessing the captive breeding of rare species. Be sure to purchase Dr. Monahan's book, available here: https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Lovers-Guidebook-Tony-Monahan/dp/B0DC8Z88DK You can also enjoy his turtle art here: https://carapacedesigns.com/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Mike Knoerr, who is a wildlife biologist in the Southeastern United States. Mike has contributed to the conservation and study of the Bog Turtle in a very large capacity. The discussion covers multiple angles of Bog Turtle conservation, be it camera traps, water samples, or nest tracking, Mike has used it all in pursuit of preserving a truly unique chelonian.   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Ty Park, founder of IguanaLand Incorporated, an amazing facility housing a wide array of reptile species, roughly 140 of which being chelonians. Ty has vast experience in many aspects of the reptile world including in keeping rare and endangered species, funding important research, and providing an educational space for all levels of interest in reptiles. The conversation covers the upbringing of Ty and IguanaLand as well as insights into what's most important for captive reptiles and the value of in-situ research. There is also emphasis on the IguanaLand Conservation Fund, which is allocating $500,000 to research and conservation in herpetology in 2025.   The 2025 International Herpetological Symposium (IHS) will be held at IguanaLand from June 18th-21st: https://www.iherpsymp.org/   Those doing research in herpetological conservation or biology should look into the IguanaLand Conservation Fund, you can learn more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1240218894258287&set=a.217079206572266   Be sure to visit IguanaLand if you get the chance: https://www.iguanaland.com/   Visit IguanaLand's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iguanalandzoo/?hl=en   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by George Balazs, a Global Independent Sea Turtle Scientist and former leader of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Turtle Research Program, a position that he held for over 30 years. George is, and has been, a massive force for sea turtles and ocean conservation. Over the course of his career George has authored or contributed to over 400 scientific papers and articles, and has played a major part in providing both federal agencies and NGO's with information guiding the conservation of sea turtles. The conversation covers multiple angles of the conservation struggle of Green Sea Turtles, their unique ecology, and stories from George's career.   To learn more about George's work check out his website at (it is a treasure trove of information): https://georgehbalazs.com/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host and production crew social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Pamela Plotkin, a renowned conservationist and biologist with a particular focus on sea turtles, and specficially the ridley turtles in the genus Lepidochelys. The conversation focuses on the unique ecology of ridley sea turtles such as their propensity to mass nest in arribadas which is unique to their genus. Various other topics relevant to Lepidochelys and sea turtles as a whole are covered in relation to their conservation and study.   Find Dr. Plotkin's book "Biology and Conservation of Ridley Sea Turtles" here: https://www.amazon.com/Biology-Conservation-Ridley-Sea-Turtles/dp/0801886112   To see some of Dr. Plotkin's publications, check out: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BQNRM-8AAAAJ&hl=en   To see more about Dr. Plotkin's work while affiliated with Texas A&M University, check out https://plotkinlabtamu.wixsite.com/plotkinlab   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Kristin Berry, an expert in desert tortoises and a key player in their study. The conversation covers various topics both in Dr. Berry's personal upbringing into the world of tortoises and about the ecology of desert tortoises holistically. This episode dives into subjects like invasive vegetation, survival rates of relocated tortoises, and desert tortoise evolutionary biology.    To see some of Dr. Berry's work, check out: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristin-Berry-2   To learn more about the Desert Tortoise Council visit: https://deserttortoise.org/   For more information about USGS, check out: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/werc   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Blair Witherington, assistant professor at the University of Florida, member of the Marine Turtle Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and current vice president/director of Inwater Research. The conversation ranges from different angles of sea turtle conservation with a particular focus on the impact of artificial photopollution on the nesting and hatching cycle of sea turtles. The information is relevant to sea turtles as a whole but geographically pertains towards Florida as far as anecdotes discussed.   To access Blair and Dawn Witherington's fantastic natural history book collection, including "Our Sea Turtles: A Practical Guide for the Atlantic and Gulf, from Canada to Mexico" click here: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Blair-Witherington/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABlair%2BWitherington   Find the Witherington's on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/blairanddawn/   For more information about Inwater Research, check out their website: https://www.inwater.org/   To learn about ways you can make a difference with respect to light pollution visit: https://darksky.org/   For a great resource on light pollution and ways to help mitigate it check out this paper by Dr. Witherington (extensive appendices starting at page 50 with detailed information): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/42765150_Understanding_Assessing_and_Resolving_Light-Pollution_Problems_on_Sea_Turtle_Nesting_Beaches   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast sits down with two-time Emmy Award winning photographer Ben Hicks to discuss his passion for sea turtle photography, conservation, and science. The conversation ranges from delving into Ben's approach to sea turtle photography, learning more about his adventures across the globe in pursuit of sea turtles, and reasons why we should all care about sea turtles.   Ben's website can be accessed here, where you can learn more about his work and find some of his prints available: https://benjhicks.com/    Find Ben's work on Instagram @benjhicks and on Facebook at Ben Hicks Fine Art    Learn more about his business here: https://bocaratonphoto.com/   Check out his sustainable merchandise here: https://benhicks.teemill.com/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione / Ethan Hancock - @ethankinosternonlover / Torsten Watkins - @t_0_.e

CheloniaCast is joined by both Dr. Justin Perrault and Valerie Tovar from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving Florida's Sea Turtles. The conversation focuses on sea turtle conservation particularly in Florida, additionally focus is put on topics such as the logistics and practices of sea turtle rehabilitation and sea turtle reproductive biology and endocrinology. There is also some insight into unique characteristics and phenomena shown in sea turtles.   To learn more about the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and some of their sea turtle and ocean conservation initiatives, check out: https://marinelife.org/   Be sure to also keep up to date with their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loggerheadmarinelifecenter/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

CheloniaCast sits down with Rod Mast, one of the most prominent figures in sea turtle conservation. Rod is the President and CEO of the Oceanic Society and the co-founder of The State of The World's Sea Turtles (SWOT) and Chief Editor of the annual SWOT Report. Additionally Rod co-chairs the IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group. The conversation covers sea turtle conservation as a general topic with some specifics into Rod's experiences as well as larger concepts in sea turtle ecology.   To learn more about the Oceanic Society visit: https://www.oceanicsociety.org/   The State of the Worlds Sea Turtles: https://www.seaturtlestatus.org/   To view some of Rod's publications check out: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Roderic-Mast   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

CheloniaCast is joined by Dr. Oz Ossiboff to discuss turtle and tortoise veterinary medicine and pathology. Dr. Ossiboff is DVM/PhD at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine. The conversation ranges from pathology to the relationship between captive reptile keepers and exotic veterinarians. The testudine immune system is also discussed in some detail, with discussion of various diseases including testudine herpesvirus and Testudine Intranuclear Coccidiosis. The technology used in pathology is fascinating and also discussed.   To learn more about Dr. Ossiboff and view some of Dr. Ossiboff's publications check out: https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/profile/ossiboff-robert/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

CheloniaCast is at the Ashton Biological Preserve joined by both Peter Warny and Chase Pirtle. The discussion focuses on the history and upbringing of the Ashton Preserve and the work they do preserving several species primarily Endangered Tortoises. There's also some discussion of the role captive keeping can have in long term conservation of species. The background of both Peter and Chase are talked about as well as a more specific dive into the status of the Gopher Tortoise as well as the captive colony of Radiated Tortoises present at the preserve.   To learn more about the Ashton Biological Preserve check out: https://ashtonbiodiversity.com/   To learn more about Florida's Gopher Tortoises and ways you can help them check out the Gopher Games film co-produced by Chase Pirtle here: https://gophergamesfilm.com/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

Cheloniacast, accompanied by Charlie Moorcroft, sits down to talk with Chris and Casey Leone. With over 30 years of experience working with turtles. The Leones are dedicated to using preservation and conservation methods as well as education and outreach to promote the long term conservation of turtles and tortoises threatened with extinction. Additionally Garden State Tortoise is a huge contributor to The Terrapin Conservation Initiative, a program aiming to save the Northern Diamondback Terrapin. The conversation focuses on Mediterranean tortoises and captive keeping of Testudo Tortoises. Additionally there is some discussion of the Terrapin Conservation Initiative. For more information about Garden State Tortoise, be sure to check out their: Website: https://www.gardenstatetortoise.com/about Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/gardenstatetortoise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garden_state_tortoise/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GardenStateTortoise/ For more information about the TCI: https://theturtleroom.org/project/terrapin-conservation-initiative/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

CheloniaCast is joined by both Dr. Russ Mittermeier and Dr. Anders Rhodin to holistically discuss the origins of chelonian conservation as well as the founding and evolution of some of the largest organizations in the field. The conversation ranges from the beginnings of IUCN-SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group to the future outlook on chelonian conservation. Dr. Mittermeier has been a part of wildlife conservation for the last 50 years. From primates to South American side-necked turtles, Russ has had a diverse and impactful effect on wildlife conservation. Russ was previously President of Conservation International for 25 years, and then Executive Vice Chair until 2017. Russ is currently the Chief Conservation Officer of Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation) and an active member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which he used to serve as Vice President of. Russ is the author of 40 books and almost 800 scientific papers. Dr. Rhodin is a retired orthopedic surgeon that has had a lifelong passion for turtles and tortoises. He is the Founder and Director of the Chelonian Research Foundation, Founding Editor and Publisher of the journal Chelonian Conservation and Biology and the monograph series Chelonian Research Monographs, and has served as both Chair and Co-Chair of the IUCN-SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.   You can learn more about the Chelonian Research Foundation here: https://chelonian.org/    Access Chelonian Conservation and Biology here: https://chelonian.org/ccb/    Or through BioOne Digital Library here: https://bioone.org/journals/chelonian...    Access Chelonian Research Monographs here: https://chelonian.org/crm/    Learn more about the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group here: https://iucn-tftsg.org/pub-chron/   To learn more about Russ and his work with Re:wild visit: https://www.rewild.org/    To learn more about seed grants for conservation, like the Turtle Conservation Fund, visit: https://turtleconservationfund.org/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

Cheloniacast sits down to speak with the renowned Dr. Russ Mittermeier to discuss and dive further into the vast array of conservation efforts he's been a part of for the last 50 years. From primates to South American side-necked turtles, Russ has had a diverse and impactful effect on wildlife conservation. Russ was previously President of Conservation International for 25 years, and then Executive Vice Chair until 2017. Russ is currently the Chief Conservation Officer of Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation) and an active member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which he used to serve as Vice President of. Russ is the author of 40 books and almost 800 scientific papers. The conversation centers around Russ' work with the conservation of turtles and tortoises but also encompasses his journey and accomplishments.   To learn more about Russ and his work with Re:wild visit: https://www.rewild.org/   To learn more about seed grants for conservation, like the Turtle Conservation Fund, visit: https://turtleconservationfund.org/   ....

Cheloniacast sits down with Dan Roselli to discuss his work as a content creator and his experiences with Diamondback Terrapins, particularly in his captive collection. Many important pieces of the future of our terrapins are discussed ranging from the impact of regulations on private ownership of terrapins, the impact of content creators and captive keepers, and protective measures for wild populations. Dan is one of the most popular content creators centered around turtles amassing millions of viewers.   To see more of Dan's content, check out his YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dantheturtleman_?si=2BmrkSJiojdp8RL-   To learn more about Dan's Turtle Preservation Foundation and his other initiatives visit: https://linktr.ee/dantheturtleman   His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan.theturtleman?igsh=dXN3MWZrcWl4cGNp   His Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/kGhxQwGmV3BwWSBj/?mibextid=LQQJ4d   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

Cheloniacast sits down with Kim Titterington to discuss her career and lifelong passion for conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife. Kim is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with over 28 years of experience of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation in both captive and field settings. Kim is also the founder and director of Swamp Girl Adventures, a nonprofit organization that provides public education about Floridas wildlife as well as helping wildlife in need since 2009. The discussions centers around Kim's experience starting her nonprofit organization as well as becoming a licensed rehabilitator in the state of Florida.   For more information about Swamp Girl Adventures, check out https://www.swampgirladventures.org   Keep up with Kim's work on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swamp_girl?igsh=NTM3cWtram1ncXBl   And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwampGirlAdventures?mibextid=LQQJ4d   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Paul Cuneo - @paul_turtle_conservation42 / Alex Mione - @alex.mione

*DUE TO A RECORDING ISSUE EARLY ON, THE FIRST 1 HOUR 6 MINUTES OF THIS RECORDING IS A BIT SCRATCHY. EVERYTHING SHOULD STILL BE AUDIBLE, AND IT CLEARS UP AFTER THE AFOREMENTIONED TIMESTAMP. WE ARE SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE* CheloniaCast sits down with Sibille Pritchard to talk about her adventures with the late Dr. Peter Pritchard. The conversation ranges from early trips to Baja California and Mexico in pursuit of turtles and wildlife, finding rare and endangered species, bailing out of sinking ships, living in the Galapagos on remote islands, close calls with weather and village chiefs, the early days of the Chelonian Research Institute and visits with Ernst Mayr, lessons learned from different cultures and travel, and much more. To learn more about Sibille Pritchard and her work with Hart Communications and a multitude of other organizations visit: https://www.turtleconservancy.org/contact/sibille To access a list of Dr. Peter Pritchard's contributions to turtle and tortoise biology and conservation visit: https://meridian.allenpress.com/ccb/article/19/1/5/439947/Bibliography-of-Peter-C-H-Pritchard To learn more about the Chelonian Research Institute, the world's largest private collection of turtle artifacts and biofacts, visit: https://www.turtleconservancy.org/pritchard-collection Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Jack and Michael are joined by Dr. Richard Vetter, Professor and Researcher in the Departamento de Recursos Faunísticos y Medio Natural at the National University of Asunción in Paraguay, to talk about the biology, ecology, and treatment of Paraguay's unique Testudine fauna. The conversation ranges from the primary conservation issues in Paraguay, what it is like to work as a veterinarian in Paraguay, distribution of Chaco and Red-Footed Tortoises, the ecology of Acanthochelys swamp turtles and the Argentine Snake-Necked Turtle, and more.   Follow Dr. Richard Vetter on Instagram/Facebook @ j.richardvetter (IG) / J. Richard Vetter (FB)   You can learn more about the National University of Asunción's Departamento de Recursos Faunísticos y Medio Natural and their Faculty of Veterinary Scientists at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057140813184&locale=es_LA   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Michael and Jason are joined by Dr. Jeanette Wyneken, Professor of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University and Director of FAU's Marine Lab at Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex. The conversation focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of sea turtles. Topics discussed include unique anatomical adaptations of sea turtles in the heart, lungs, and other organs, how sea turtles navigate as adults and when young, what is meant by the “lost years”, why the Leatherback Sea Turtle is so unique, and much more.   You can learn more about Dr. Wyneken's lab and research here: https://biology.fau.edu/directory/wyneken/index.php   The Biology of Sea Turtles Vol. I: https://www.amazon.com/Biology-Sea-Turtles-Vol-1/dp/0849384222   The Biology of Sea Turtles Vol. II: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-biology-of-sea-turtles-volume-ii/1783617/item/10707226/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_new_books&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnrOtBhDIARIsAFsSe51OTxZD8JWzt1PuTQiG6nb2HHSMuITZ2DpT7YtlKTgo1EsHa6qco1IaAlIXEALw_wcB#idiq=10707226&edition=3449877   Biology of Turtles: From Structures to Strategies of Life: https://www.routledge.com/Biology-of-Turtles-From-Structures-to-Strategies-of-Life/Wyneken-Godfrey-Bels/p/book/9780849333392   Access the Anatomy of Sea Turtles here: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/8502   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Jason, Michael, Jack, Ken, and Wyatt sit down with Charlie Moorcroft, founder of the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation, to talk about his conservation, education, and husbandry projects and philosophy. The conversation focuses on Charlie's story, the goals of captive keeping, the role of education in forming the future of conservation and biology, tips for how to keep turtles and tortoises, and more.   You can learn more about the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation here: https://moorcroftconservationfoundation.org/   Find Moorcroft Conservation Foundation on social media @moorcroftconservation   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and CheloniaCast Fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast   Find the CheloniaCast Podcast on social media @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

CheloniaCast sits down with Dr. Arthur Georges, Distinguished Professor in the Institute for Applied Ecology at the University of Canberra, to talk about his research on the ecology, evolution, and systematics of Australian turtles. The conversation ranges from the biogeography of and current threats to Australian Chelid species, the evolutionary and genetic basis of temperature dependent sex determination, the use of calculus in biology, what constitutes a species, turtle taxonomy, and much more.   You can learn more about Dr. Georges' lab here: http://georges.biomatix.org/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

CheloniaCast sits down with Dr. Peter Paul van Dijk, Senior Director of Wildlife Trade at Re:wild, to discuss turtle conservation and the turtle trade. The conversation ranges from exploring what drives the turtle trade globally, turtle trade dynamics, how turtle trade is quantified, stories from studying wildlife trade, and the prospects of effectively protecting turtles and tortoises.    You can learn more about Re:wild (formerly Global Wildlife Conservation) here: https://www.rewild.org/   Learn more about the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group here: https://iucn-tftsg.org/pub-chron/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast podcast at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast  You can contribute directly to student led turtle and tortoise research through the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow CheloniaCast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Michael, Ken, and Jack sit down with Dr. Gerald Kuchling, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia and Principal Investigator of the Western Swamp Turtle Recovery Team, and Scott Thomson a researcher with the Centro de Estudios dos Quelônios da Amazônia based out of Manaus, Brazil, to learn more about the ecology, biology, anatomy, and conservation of the Critically Endangered Western Swamp Turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina) endemic to Western Australia. The conversation primarily focuses on the Western Swamp Turtle, but also branches off into subjects in general Testudine reproductive biology, best conservation practices, and stories from adventures in pursuit of turtles.   To learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast visit: theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast All donations to the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund go towards supporting student led chelonian-focused research and are greatly appreciated, you can access the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Follow CheloniaCast on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Michael, Ken, and Wyatt are joined by Dr. Brad Shaffer, Director of the UCLA/La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Institute of Environment and Sustainability at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Shaffer has published over 300 peer-reviewed publications, many of which have focused on the phylogenetics and conservation of the world's turtles and tortoises. The conversation ranges from the reasons for the characteristically slow rate of molecular evolution of Testudines, common elements and problem areas in general/chelonian phylogeny reconstruction, interesting branches and how they have changed over time on the turtle tree of life, the potential utility of harnessing testudine molecular pathways in human therapeutics, the evolutionary basis of physical traits like megacephaly, and stories from adventures in pursuit of turtles.   You can learn more about Dr. Shaffer's work here: https://sites.lifesci.ucla.edu/eeb-shafferlab/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ All donations to the CheloniaCast Podcast Student Research Fund go directly towards supporting student led research on turtles and tortoises: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ All donations are greatly appreciated   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media – Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography  

Michael and Wyatt are joined by Emma Browning, Senior Research Associate for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, to discuss her research and experiences working with turtles and tortoises. For her graduate research at the University of Georgia, Emma studied box turtle home range, movement, and ecology at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. The conversation ranges from working with Gopher Tortoises, studying box turtle translocations, and learning about individuality in North American Box Turtles. To help support Emma's graduate research and the ongoing box turtle project at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory visit: https://gail.uga.edu/giving/wfnr/bulldogs-for-box-turtles All donations are greatly appreciated and directly support this important project monitoring the efficacy of translocating confiscated box turtles. You can find Emma @herpetologistemma on Instagram   Learn more about the CheloniaCast podcast at: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ All donations to the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund go towards supporting student led turtle and tortoise research and are greatly appreciated: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow the CheloniaCast podcast on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @cheloniacast Host social media – Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Jack and Michael sit down with Dr. Juliana Sterli who is a researcher with the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) based out of the Museum of Paleontology Egidio Feruglio in Argentina. Dr. Sterli is an authority on fossil turtle morphology and evolution and has worked on multiple research projects aimed at investigating turtle phylogenetics at different scales. The conversation ranges from discussing what it is like to incorporate different types of data into phylogenetic analyses, the functional significance of specific features that made prehistoric turtles unique, chelonian neuroanatomy, the time of the Meiolaniid turtles, and much more.   Learn more about Dr. Sterli's research here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=U3JbknMAAAAJ&hl=en   Follow Dr. Sterli's work and adventures @yatachelys on Instagram/Twitter   Learn more about the Museum of Paleontology Egidio Feruglio here: https://mef.org.ar/home/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast here: theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast   All donations to the CheloniaCast Podcast Student Research Fund go towards supporting student led research projects focused on turtle and tortoise conservation and biology. Learn more here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/   Host social media – Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi

Wyatt, Michael, and Ken sit down with professor emeritus of zoological medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Elliott Jacobson, to discuss a variety of topics related to turtle and tortoise health, infectious disease, and treatment. The conversation ranges from what it is like to research Testudine Intranuclear Coccidiosis and a variety of other infectious diseases, studying sea turtle diseases, adventures in the Mojave Desert to learn more about Testudine Mycoplasmosis, and many other adventures and stories. Advice for those interested in pursuing veterinary school, in general and specializing in exotic species, is scattered throughout the podcast. To learn more about Dr. Jacobson's research visit: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elliott-Jacobson To learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and CheloniaCast Student Research Fund visit: theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @cheloniacast Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi

Michael, Wyatt, and Ken sit down with Gabriel Jorgewich-Cohen, a PhD student at the University of Zurich, to discuss the evolution and characteristics of turtle communication. The discussion touches on implications of turtle vocalizations in the choanate tree of life, the types of sounds turtles make and how they produce them, the ways in which turtles use vocalizations to communicate, and where the current mysteries in the field of turtle vocalization and communication exist. You can learn more about Gabriel's work here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gabriel-Jorgewich-Cohen and access his most recent publication "Common evolutionary origin of acoustic communication in choanate vertebrates" here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364720919_Common_evolutionary_origin_of_acoustic_communication_in_choanate_vertebrates For anyone interested in turtle communication, Gabriel is happy to answer questions and can be reached here: gabriel.jorgewichcohen@pim.uzh.ch Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @cheloniacast Host socials - Jason Wills is @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted is @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson is @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang is @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil is @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Michael, Jack, and Wyatt sit down with Dr. Tyler Lyson, Associate Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, to discuss the origin, evolution, and purpose of the turtle shell and body plan. Topics covered include early stem turtle biology and anatomy, the dilemma associated with the phylogenetic position of turtles with respect to other amniotes, how turtles breathe, and what it is like to work with fossil chelonians.   Learn more about Dr. Lyson's work at: https://www.dmns.org/science/earth-sciences/staff/tyler-lyson/   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and Student Research Fund at: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography

Jack, Michael, Ken, and Wyatt sit down with Dr. Pete Koplos, owner and veterinarian at the El Paso Animal Emergency and Veterinary Specialty Center, to discuss his veterinary experience with turtles and tortoises. Topics discussed include pathology and treatment of Testudine Intranuclear Coccidiosis (TINC), aspects of Testudine Herpesviruses, antibiotic use in turtle and tortoise treatment, how to prevent diseases from occurring in captive colonies, and interesting surgery cases. Dr. Koplos provides many accounts related to his clinical experience that can be useful to those with captive turtles and tortoises. You can learn more about the El Paso Animal Emergency and Veterinary Specialty Center here: https://www.epanimalemergency.com/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and Student Research Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook @cheloniacast Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Wyatt Keil - @wyatts_wildlife_photography / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi

Michael, Jack, and Ken sit down with Rusty Reed the Turtle Man to talk about his passion and work with Alligator Snapping Turtles. Rusty has dedicated many days and nights to sharing the incredible world of the Alligator Snapping Turtle with people across the United States, and is curator of the Blackwater Turtle Refuge. This is an inspiring conversation filled with interesting bits of knowledge and many stories from Rusty's travels. The conversation touches on Rusty's ongoing Alligator Snapping Turtle Life and Development Documentation Study, what it was like to visit commerical trapper Al Redmond's facilities and what he learned about snapping turtles there, driving around the United States with Crunch the Alligator Snapping Turtle, showing a contestant on the bachelor the beauty of snapping turtles, and much more. You can learn more about Rusty's work at the Blackwater Turtle Refuge at: http://www.crunchinfo.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Tvyuvosh8j9HD0X8k0m39_YUzEpGqyb3smg3F63esbYcaw1Kmmo8nEqI Keep up with Rusty Reed the Turtle Man's many adventures on his Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/rustyreedtheturtleman/ Find Rusty Reed the Turtle Man on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/rustyreedtheturtleman/ Learn more about the CheloniaCast and CheloniaCast Student Research Fund at: theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast Follow us on Facebook/Instagram @cheloniacast Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi

Cheloniacast sits down with Dr. Natalia Gallego-García, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southern California Los Angeles, to discuss her work investigating population and conservation genetics of different species of turtle and tortoise. Topics such as what it is like to work in the field with the Magdalena River Turtle, temperature-dependent sex determination variation and how this impacts conservation, common mistakes in conducting experiments and next generation technology for analyzing genetic questions, and Dahl's Toad-Headed Turtle ecology are discussed. Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and CheloniaCast Student Research Fund at: https://theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast/ Help support student led research on turtles and tortoises by contributing to the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund at: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ Follow us @cheloniacast on Instagram and Facebook Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi

Jason, Michael, Jack, and Ken sit down with Dr. Anders Rhodin to discuss his adventures in pursuit of turtles and his research focused on Testudines. Dr. Rhodin is a retired orthopedic surgeon that has had a lifelong passion for turtles and tortoises. He is the Founder and Director of the Chelonian Research Foundation, Founding Editor and Publisher of the journal Chelonian Conservation and Biology and the monograph series Chelonian Research Monographs, and has served as both Chair and Co-Chair of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. The conversation ranges from challenges in implementing and assessing aspects of chelonian conservation, stories from traveling in pursuit of turtles and working in various museum collections, and vascularization of Leatherback Sea Turtle limbs.   You can learn more about the Chelonian Research Foundation here: https://chelonian.org/ Access Chelonian Conservation and Biology here: https://chelonian.org/ccb/ Or through BioOne Digital Library here: https://bioone.org/journals/chelonian-conservation-and-biology Access Chelonian Research Monographs here: https://chelonian.org/crm/ Learn more about the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group here: https://iucn-tftsg.org/pub-chron/ You can learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast Consider making a donation to the CheloniaCast Podcast Student Research Fund here: https://theturtleroom.org/project/cheloniacast-podcast/ All donations go toward furthering turtle and tortoise research and conservation. You can make a difference for turtles by listening to the show. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @cheloniacast Host Instagram - Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd

CheloniaCast returns after a spring semester hiatus. Jack, Michael, Ken, and Jason sit down with Cris Hagen, Director of Animal Management at the Turtle Survival Alliance's Turtle Conservation Center and accomplished explorer, to discuss his many adventures in pursuit of Testudines. Cris has traveled extensively throughout the world to conduct research on turtles and tortoises. The conversation ranges from Cris' experience working with Hawksbill Sea Turtles in the Hawaiian Islands to getting caught under gunfire while traveling in Asia in pursuit of Side-Necked Turtles.   Learn more about the CheloniaCast podcast and CheloniaCast Student Research Fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast   All donations to the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund support turtle research and conservation directly and are greatly appreciated.   You can learn more about the Turtle Survival Alliance here: https://turtlesurvival.org/   You can learn more about the Turtle Survival Center here: https://turtlesurvival.org/pages/turt...   Follow CheloniaCast on Instagram/Facebook @cheloniacast

On the season one finale of CheloniaCast, Michael, Jack, and Ken sit down with Dr. Peter Meylan, Professor Emeritus of Biology at Eckerd College, to discuss his past, and present, turtle research and adventures in the field. The discussion ranges from what it is like to work with specimens at the American Museum of Natural History, softshell and side-neck turtle phylogenetics, trips to Mexico in pursuit of turtles, the experience of overseeing the amalgamation of the volume Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles, and what it is like to run a long-term freshwater turtle population survey in Florida. This episode also incorporates segments with Dr. Peter Scott, Assistant Professor of Biology at Eckerd College, focused on his work with Desert Tortoises recently published in the journal Science, and the current taxonomic arrangement of the Pseudemys complex. A segment with Gabe Weikert, president of the Eckerd College Herpetology Club, focuses on the student perspective at the Rainbow Run turtle surveys, and what it is like to organize such an event. You can learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and Student Research Fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast You can learn more about Dr. Meylan's research here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Meylan You can learn more about Dr. Scott's research here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=e_5GppEAAAAJ&hl=en Follow Gabe Weikert on Instagram/Facebook @gabeweik Learn more about Eckerd College here: https://www.eckerd.edu/ Follow CheloniaCast on Instagram/Facebook @CheloniaCast Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi

In Episode 29 of CheloniaCast Jason, Michael, and Ken sit down with Eric Munscher. Eric is a researcher with SWCA Environmental Consultants as well as co-founder of the North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG). A variety of topics pertaining to North American turtle research are covered, including turtle ecology in various spring systems, growth rates of various species of turtle, turtle movements, upcoming NAFTRG projects in Belize, and much more.   Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and Student Research Fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast   You can learn more about Eric's work at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric-Munscher You can learn more about the North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG), and ways you can get involved with this group here: https://turtlesurvival.org/pages/united-states   Follow CheloniaCast on Instagram/Facebook @cheloniacast   Host social media - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi

On episode 28 of CheloniaCast Ken and Michael sit down with ecologist Dr. Luca Luiselli of Rivers State University and Roma Tre University and Pearson McGovern of the African Chelonian Institute to discuss turtle conservation in West Africa and using mathematical models to make predictions about turtle populations. The discussion ranges from what it was like to discover the Nubian Flapshell in South Sudan and Uganda, use of Lotka-Volterra models to understand turtle population dynamics, Kinixys conservation, and what it is like to do conservation work in Africa.    Learn more about the CheloniaCast Podcast and Student Research Fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast - 100% of proceeds from donations to the CheloniaCast Fund go towards enhancing turtle conservation programs.    You can learn more about Dr. Luiselli's work at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca-Luiselli You can learn more about Pearson's work at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pearson-Mcgovern Learn more about the African Chelonian Institute at: https://africanchelonian.org/   Follow the CheloniaCast Podcast on Instagram/Facebook @cheloniacast    Host social media (Instagram/Facebook) - Jason Wills (@chelonian.carter) / Michael Skibsted (@michael.skibstedd) / Jack Thompson (@jack_reptile_naturalist_302) / Ken Wang (@americanmamushi)

On Episode 27 of CheloniaCast Ken, Michael, and Jack sit down with Dr. Michael Graziano, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Bridgewater State University, to talk about the turtles of the northeastern United States. The conversation ranges from stories from working with Blanding's Turtles in the field, spotted turtle ecology and biology, and urban turtle ecology.   Learn more about the CheloniaCast podcast and student research fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast   You can follow along with Dr. Graziano's work at @mikeygraz on Instagram   Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @cheloniacast   Host Socials (Instagram) - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @american.mamushi

On Episode 26 of CheloniaCast Michael, Jack, and Ken sit down with renowned herpetologist and author John Cann and Terence Rogers to talk about Australia's vibrant chelonian fauna. The discussion covers many different topics, ranging from startling events in New Guinea, the ecology of the Pig-Nosed Turtle, hybridization of Cann's Long-Necked Turtle, trips across Australia in pursuit of turtles, diving with salties, and what it was like to compile (the book) Freshwater Turtles of Australia. John Cann and Ross Sadlier wrote multiple editions of Freshwater Turtles of Australia, the latest (2017) edition of which can be found here - https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7770/ Terence Rogers can be found on Instagram @turtaliaa You can learn more about the CheloniaCast podcast and research fund at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast Follow us on Instagram @cheloniacast Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @american.mamushi

On Episode 25 of CheloniaCast Jason, Michael, Jack, and Ken sit down with Christel Griffioen, Deputy Country Director at Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity, and Sitha Som of the Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia to talk about the conservation and biology of Cambodia's turtles and tortoises. The discussion ranges from the status and process of searching for giant softshells in situ, what it is like to work with Batagur both in the wild and in captivity, the current status of the Yellow-Headed Temple Turtle, and strategies for successful conservation programs. You can learn more about the Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) here: http://www.accb-cambodia.org/en/index.php Click here to learn more about WCS Cambodia: https://cambodia.wcs.org/ To learn more about Sitha's research: https://explorer-directory.nationalgeographic.org/sitha-som You can learn more about the CheloniaCast Student Research Fund and podcast at theturtleroom.org/cheloniacast - all proceeds from donations go directly back into turtle conservation Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @cheloniacast Host socials - Jason Wills - @chelonian.carter / Michael Skibsted - @michael.skibstedd / Jack Thompson - @jack_reptile_naturalist_302 / Ken Wang - @americanmamushi