Headstarting Turtles—Is it a Valid Strategy for Wildlife Rehabilitators?

Authors

  • Harriet Forrester Turtle Rescue of New Jersey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v24.185

Keywords:

Headstarting turtles, conservation, predation, turtle, sea turtle

Abstract

Headstarting is the hatching and rearing of turtles in captivity until they reach a size that will discourage predation. Headstarted turtles may be kept in captivity from several months to a few years before they are released. There are two purposes: to boost populations, and/or to establish new nesting sites (most often used with sea turtles). Although some have argued that headstarting turtles increases their chances for survival, others believe that headstarting is useless if it does not address other causes of species decline. In some cases, it may actually be harmful to turtles.

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Author Biography

Harriet Forrester, Turtle Rescue of New Jersey

Harriet Forrester is a New Jersey state licensed wildlife rehabilitator and the founder of Turtle Rescue of New Jersey.

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Published

2006-06-30

How to Cite

Forrester, H. (2006). Headstarting Turtles—Is it a Valid Strategy for Wildlife Rehabilitators?. Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin, 24(1), 20–25. https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v24.185

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