The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) is an action-oriented global partnership that works to conserve turtles and tortoises, focusing on species that are at high risk of extinction. The TSA was originally established in 1996 as an official task force of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG), but it became an independent NGO in 2007.
The TSA’s mission is to “secure the future of turtles and tortoises by preventing extinction, promoting sustainable populations, and ensuring a future for all chelonians.” The TSA works to achieve this mission through a variety of programs, including:
- Captive breeding programs: The TSA maintains a global network of captive breeding facilities, where endangered turtles and tortoises are bred in a safe and secure environment.
- Range-country conservation programs: The TSA works with partners in turtle range countries to develop and implement conservation programs that address the threats facing turtles in the wild.
- Public education and outreach programs: The TSA works to raise awareness about the plight of turtles and tortoises and to encourage people to take action to conserve them.
The TSA is a highly successful organization that has made significant progress in conserving turtles and tortoises. Since its inception, the TSA has helped to prevent the extinction of several species, and it has increased the number of wild populations of many others. The TSA is also a leader in the field of captive breeding and range-country conservation, and it has played a key role in developing international standards for the care and management of turtles and tortoises.
The TSA is a valuable partner of the IUCN/TFTSG. The TSA shares the IUCN’s commitment to conservation, and it works closely with the IUCN to develop and implement conservation strategies for turtles and tortoises. The TSA also provides the IUCN with data and information on the status of turtles and tortoises, and it helps to raise awareness about the threats facing these animals.
The TSA and the IUCN are working together to ensure the future of turtles and tortoises. By combining their expertise and resources, they are making a real difference in the fight to conserve these amazing creatures.
