CROW Speaker Series presented by LCEC: The World Turtle Crisis

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) weekly Speaker Series presented by LCEC continues on Monday, February 10 with “The World Turtle Crisis and its Local Effects” by Chris Lechowicz, Director of Habitat Management & Herpetologist for Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).
http://www.crowclinic.org/articles/2020-speaker-series-presented-by-lcec?utm_source=SanCapChamber&utm_campaign=SanCapChamber&utm_medium=referral
The southeastern region of the US has the second highest diversity of turtle species in the world, next to Southeast Asia. Increasing human population mixed with high demand for turtles for food, traditional medicine, and pets has created a high demand on these animals, especially in Asian markets. Several continents, including North America, are feeling the pressure on its native populations due to illegal trafficking. This talk will discuss the problem and suggest some ways you can help to minimize these issues. The program will also featuring live animal encounters of turtle species commonly affected by the wildlife trade.

Speaker Series programs begin at 4:15pm in the CROW Visitor Education Center located at 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road and are approximately one hour in length. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for teens (Age 13-17) and free for children age 12 and under. Space is limited, so advanced registration is highly recommended.

CROW’s 2020 Speaker Series presented by LCEC features weekly talks and runs through April 14. For a full schedule of talks, more information or to register in advance, please visit https://members.sanibel-captiva.org/crow-speaker-series-presented-by-lcec-the-world-turtle-crisis/.

About the Speaker:

Chris Lechowicz grew up with a passion for amphibians and reptiles which led him into a career in biology. Chris is the Director of the Wildlife & Habitat Management Program and staff herpetologist at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation where he has worked for the last 14 years. His current research projects on the islands involve eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi), diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), and Florida box turtles (Terrapene carolina bauri) in Pine Island Sound. Chris is also the coauthor of the book Amphibians and Reptiles of Sanibel & Captiva Islands: A Natural History.