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BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Projects
THE TORTOISE PROJECT
Partner:
FREEME Wildlife
Location:
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The Problem:
No tortoise that is bred in captivity or has been held captive for a certain time period may be released back into the wild.
The Aim:
The aim is to rehabilitate and release into the wild the four terrestrial tortoise species found in KwaZulu-Natal.
Funding Proposal:
Request our funding proposal.
A Rocha South Africa, in collaboration with FreeMe Wildlife, has embarked upon ‘The Tortoise Project’ with the goal of rehabilitating and releasing into the wild the four terrestrial tortoise species found in KwaZulu-Natal. With the approval of provincial wildlife authorities, FreeMe Wildlife has developed a nine month rehabilitation protocol which allows for the rehabilitation and release of the Natal Hinged Tortoise, Speke’s Hinged Tortoise and Bell’s (Eastern) Hinged Tortoise, with permits for the release of Leopard Tortoise pending.
A Rocha South Africa, in collaboration with FreeMe Wildlife, has embarked upon ‘The Tortoise Project’ with the goal of rehabilitating and releasing into the wild the four terrestrial tortoise species found in KwaZulu-Natal. With the approval of provincial wildlife authorities, FreeMe Wildlife has developed a nine month rehabilitation protocol which allows for the rehabilitation and release of the Natal Hinged Tortoise, Speke’s Hinged Tortoise and Bell’s (Eastern) Hinged Tortoise, with permits for the release of Leopard Tortoise pending.
The slow walk to freedom.....
Murray Tessendorf of A Rocha South Africa joined the team from FreeMe Wildlife for The Tortoise Project’s very first tortoise release. The 5 Natal Hinged and 11 Eastern Hinged Tortoises released back into their natural habitat in Zululand, mark the projects first rehabilitated tortoises legally authorised to be returned to the wild.The release of these animals is the culmination of a years work that prepared the animals to survive in their natural habitat. Ultimately the success of the project is not marked by the release, but by the tortoises ability to survive and thrive once returned to the wild. The radio transmitters attached to some of the animals will allow for regular monitoring and will help us to gauge the success of the project.A Rocha South Africa is privileged to collaborate with FreeMe Wildlife on The Tortoise Project.There are still many tortoise awaiting rehabilitation: help us set them free by contributing to this pioneering rehabilitation project!
DONATE directly with the reference ‘Tortoise’
BANKING DETAILS
Bank account name:
A Rocha South Africa NPO
Bank: First National Bank
Account number: 62918100380
FNB Branch: Midlands Mall
Universal branch code: 250655
International Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
Did you know?
Of the 54 species of tortoise found globally, South Africa has the largest diversity of tortoise species of any country in the world, being home to 14 terrestrial tortoise species. All South African land tortoise species are listed by CITES which prohibits the trade of the Geometric Tortoise (endangered as per IUCN red data book) and rigorously controls the trade of all other South African tortoise species.
The current protective legislation stipulates that no tortoise that is bred in captivity or has been held captive for a certain time period may be released back into the wild. This is to protect the wild indigenous populations from the risk of contracting diseases, parasites or any other unknown aliments.
The Plan
1. Construction
Construct “Stage 1 reintroduction enclosures” designed to meet functional and hygiene requirements.
2. Landscaping
The landscaping of the rehabilitation enclosures should supply suitable indigenous food plants in order to create as natural a habitat as is possible for the tortoises.
3. Maintenance
Continuous maintenance and / or supply of food plants within the rehabilitation enclosures is needed.