Last Updated: 18 January 2010
NEXT MEETING
What: First meeting of 2010
When: 19 JANUARY, 7:00 pm
Where: OAKLAND NATURE PRESERVE 747 Machette Trail, Oakland, FL. For directions click here: Oakland Nature Preserve
Daniel Parker will be our guest speaker who will talk about box turtles. We will also receive legislative updates and lots of news.
HEADLINES
The Turtle & Tortoise Club of Florida will be going on a field trip on Saturday, 23 January to Reptile World Serpentarium in St. Cloud with the Suncost Herpetological Society. The cost will be $3.00 per person.
Groups Allege HSUS Fraud - This is pretty interesting stuff. Although the club is definitely for the humane treatment of animals, and feel that the Humane Society is doing good stuff, we are beginning to think they may be over stepping their grounds. With all the legislation trying to shut down various aspects of the reptile trade, we wonder if they may be going to far. Strict regulations are fine with me, but trying to shut down the ownership of reptiles without just cause is not exceptable. I think members should be aware of the following article. What do you think?
Special thanks for club member Wayne Hill for giving the club space at the Reptile Breeders Expo in Daytona - http://www.reptilebreedersexpo.com/
Join the Turtle Survival Alliance - Read their recent newsletter for more information
The UNITED STATES ASSOCIATION OF REPTILE KEEPERS has an on-line petition that lets the Florida Wildlife Commission know that you support the actions of the reptile industry and its efforts protect our beautiful environment, ensure human and animal safety and ensure the ability to pursue our hobby and business. Click here to sign the petition.
SALMONELLA SURVEY - Marvin Bennett had a survey on table at three major reptile shows in 2007 to determine whether people who thandle turtles in Central Florida are affected by salmonella. Check out the survey at the link (Microsoft powerpoint required) to see the results for yourself.
Check the new and improved members section where pictures from Marvin Bennett and Harry & Christi Straub have been uploaded for all to view. Send pictures of your turtle and tortoise enclosures to turtleandtortoiseclubofflorida@gmail.com so we can upload them onto the website for all to see.
Shown above is a soft-shell, freshwater turtle. Until October of 2008, turtles like these could legally be taken in unlimited numbers. A temporary rule that limited the number that could be taken per day will be reviewed by the state in April, at which time the state could go back to the old, unlimited harvest or enact stricter limits.
FLORIDA BOARD PROPOSES BAN OF SALES OF FRESHWATER TURTLES - The staff of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee has proposed a complete ban on the commercial harvest and sale of wild freshwater turtles. Click here for more details.
GOV. CRIST REQUESTS BAN ON TURTLE HUNTING - Governor Charlie Crist wrote a letter to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asking the members to ban the harvesting of freshwater turtles in Florida.
FWC Passes New Rule on Limits for Freshwater Turtle Harvests