EAZA Ex situ Programme (EEP)

Roti Island snake-necked turtle

(Chelodina mccordi)


Coordinator:
 Jimmy Helgesson
Institution:  Nordens Ark


EAZA Member Area

  

Nordens Ark

IUCN Red List status

IUCN Red List CR

 
 
 

Programme roles

Direct Conservation icon  Ark + insurance
Chelodina mccordi is probably extinct in the wild. For this reason, this role contemplates the possibility to maintain a long-term ex situ population to preserve the population for the future. The first part of this role is an Ark role, because the species is probably extinct in the wild. After reintroduction has taken place, an ex situ population will still be needed as insurance population for at least two generations. Given that the generation time is around 13 years for Chelodina mccordi, this means that the Ark population is needed for at least 30 years, until there is a sustainable global in situ insurance population against the extinction in the wild of Chelodina mccordi. Furthermore, there is a need for molecular genetic research on the ex situ population.

 Source
The aim of this role is to use the ex situ population for restoration to re-establish the species as part of its former range from which it has been extirpated. It means providing disease-free, behaviourally competent individuals and genetically viable population for release into the wild. Although this may be challenging as there are no protected area in Roti Island. There is work on mitigating threats carried on at the moment in cooperation with local communities.

 Capacity Building
Training in region for ex situ initiatives keeping the species in-range. Although this role is already ongoing, there is potential for a longer term commitment. It can be used as a model reintroduction species for institutions to get involved and to get experience.

 Education
In-range education with focus on raising awareness on turtle conservation. The threat of habitat loss (due to agriculture leading the land-use change) and illegal trade needs to be reduced in country. EAZA can provide expertise through a coordinated programme by sharing its expertise and/or staff for efforts towards education of local people as well as the government. This role is essential to allow for any future population restoration efforts to be successful.

 Research/training
This is the first species of the Reptile TAG with a reintroduction role and therefore research and training will be ongoing which can then be used to inform future reintroduction for other chelonian species which is likely to be needed to conserve chelonia.
   
Non Conservation icon  Exhibit
It is a very attractive species that can also be kept in mixed enclosures.
 
 
 

Programme numbers

In November 2019 the Roti – island snake necked turtle had 112 animals in 22 institutions

Programme highlights

 
 
 

LIFE logo with white paddingThis work is supported by the European Union LIFE NGO funding programme. The European Union is not responsible for the views displayed in publications and/or in conjunction with the activities for which the grant is used.