2nd International Chelonian Congress; Muenster 15-18th April 2010

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by harwood09

Makes sense, best get saving then

What was also interesting from the congress is that many of these Asian Turtle Farms, seem to be producing close to 100% females. One of the farms at the congress produces 2000 Cuora trifasciata, and Cuora cyclornata per year.
In consequence, this problem, incubation temp too high. Adult male Cuora spp can fetch spectacular prices. We heard the an adult male Cuora McCordi was being offerred in China at the equivalent of €17,000.00. If this really is a persistent problem, then the future of these farms is likely to be fairly short lived.
The methods used for incubating the eggs is to place them in sand and allow "natural" incubation. However, if the farms are at low elevation, and ambient temps are too high they will only produce female hatchlings.

[harwood09]

Thats a lot of turtles!
I read on an american forum that the prices were skyrocketing in china, however I did not know the reason behind this, and that makes perfect sense (supply and demand and all that economics lark). I wonder if they'll start artificially incubating them, or if they'll purposely keep the male numbers low?

[snapingmata]

Originally Posted by harwood09

From the programme its sounds like a great experience to go to (thank you for that by the way ) Out of curiousity how much of what was presented is likely to be published, I particularly would like to read what was presented about the Platysternon megacephalum

I've put my handycam on the beamer during that lecture.
The film is almost one hour long.

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by snapingmata

I've put my handycam on the beamer during that lecture.
The film is almost one hour long.

What did you think of the Chinese C trifasciata film

[snapingmata]

Originally Posted by Geomyda

What did you think of the Chinese C trifasciata film

It was like a commercial, too long and boring.
But thanks to that man there are fewer animals caught in the wild.

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by snapingmata

It was like a commercial, too long and boring.
But thanks to that man there are fewer animals caught in the wild.

Yes indeed, it struck me that it was a prospectus for potential investors, who might all become rich by Farming rare and highly endangered Fresh Water Turtles. The continual repeat of the almost ritual of feeding, showing all the best ingredients, that are used to sustain the Golden Coin Turtles. The quoted annual production of these Turtles did seem quite staggering though.
That said,I purchased the Book "Atlas of Turtles Farmed in China", and got it signed by Ting Zhou.