Over ten percent of a species' total population found in smuggler's bag

Reptile smuggling is a serious threat to reptiles.  For those of you who do not know, reptile smuggling is only second to drug smuggling worldwide.  It's really sad that there are people who don't care that they are wiping out populations of wild reptiles.  The only thing they care about is money:(

Take some time and click on the link to read about a smuggler who got caught.  Yea for the tortoises!  I hope they live long enough to be relocated back to where they came from.

Over ten percent of a species' total population found in smuggler's bag

 

Ploughshare and radiated tortoises confiscated in Bangkok. Photo by: P.Tansom/TRAFFIC.
Read more at http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0325-hance-ploughshare-trafficking.html#8H5TLUHrKGoEQzrL.99

First Prehistoric Pregnant Turtle And Nest Of Eggs Discovered In Southern Alberta

How cool is this!?  Click on the link below and check it out!

First Prehistoric Pregnant Turtle And Nest Of Eggs Discovered In Southern Alberta

 

"Although it is relatively rare to find the eggs and babies of extinct animals, it is even rarer to find them inside the body of the mother," says Darla Zelenitsky. (Credit: Photo by Ken Bendiktsen)

Biting back: Snake venom contains toxic clotting factors

Click on the link below to learn how snake venom might one day be used in human medicine.

Biting back: Snake venom contains toxic clotting factors

In tiny Amazon frogs, males observed extracting oocytes from females killed in mating struggles

OMG, click on the link below and learn about male frogs who fertilize the eggs of dead females!

In tiny Amazon frogs, males observed extracting oocytes from females killed in mating struggles

Giant fossil turtle from Colombia round like car tire

Click on the link below to learn about this cool fossil turtle!

Giant fossil turtle from Colombia round like car tire

 

The round shape of a new species of fossil turtle found in Cerrejon coal mine in Colombia may have warmed readily in the sun. (Credit: Liz Bradford)

New report lists 25 most endangered turtle species; Some turtle species number less than 5 individuals

Click on the link below to learn about endangered turtles.

New report lists 25 most endangered turtle species; Some turtle species number less than 5 individuals

The Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) is characterized by well defined, symmetrical star patterns that radiate across the reptile's carapace or shell. Very little is known about the species, which is threatened by both the pet trade and a demand for meat. The Burmese star tortoise is listed as "Critically Endangered." (Credit: Brian D. Horne/Wildlife Conservation Society)

Getting under the shell of the turtle genome

Click on the link below to learn about how turtles evolve.

Getting under the shell of the turtle genome

 

The genome of the western painted turtle, one of the most widespread, abundant and well-studied turtles in the world, has been sequenced. (Credit: © Willee Cole / Fotolia)