Rare Yniphora???

[Radiated]

I know that there are rare radiated tortoises like high yellow...but are there any rare yniphora(ploughshare)? Like different color? Or different dome shape of carapace?

Thanks

 

[tortoises101]

This species is rarely kept in private collections so there aren't any bloodlines. The only breeding facility in the U.S. is in Honolulu Zoo.

 

[HLogic]

The Behler Conservation Center also has an assurance colony.

Any aberrant phenotype of A. yniphora would be rare; for that matter normal morphology is rare when one considers the remaining population.

 

[Kristina]

Yniphora themselves are rare. They are critically endangered, buying them only supports poaching and further destruction of the species, and they do not belong in private collections for this reason.

 

[tortoises101]

Yniphora themselves are rare. They are critically endangered, buying them only supports poaching and further destruction of the species, and they do not belong in private collections for this reason.

Unless it's for breeding; and even then, the hatchlings should not be sold. This species is predicted to go extinct the wild in 10-15 years, and unless Madagascar's wild can be offered strict protection, captive breeding is the best chance we have.

 

[HLogic]

Yniphora themselves are rare. They are critically endangered, buying them only supports poaching and further destruction of the species, and they do not belong in private collections for this reason.

Unless it's for breeding; and even then, the hatchlings should not be sold. This species is predicted to go extinct the wild in 10-15 years, and unless Madagascar's wild can be offered strict protection, captive breeding is the best chance we have.

The following is completely OT with respect to the OP but is on topic considering of the direction the thread has taken...

All of the Madagascan tortoises are critically endangered according to the IUCN (http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/search). Even if all commerce in these animals and habitat loss was to cease immediately, the tortoises are doomed to extinction in the wild. The current situation in the Malagasy Republic is such that food is not readily available and the citizenry of the country are taking whatever means are necessary to survive. Ceasing commerce, in which a single tortoise can feed a family for an extended period, will only shift the threat to direct consumption - which currently exists particularly with respect to A. radiata, in which a single tortoise can feed a family for one day. Evidence of the inclusion of the Pyxis species in the local diet is now demonstrable and is the result of the increasing rarity of the larger Astrochelys species. There are laws in place, locally and internationally, that prohibit the exploitation of these animals in any way. Unfortunately, enforcement is utterly lacking locally and the profit realized from such exploitation far outweighs the risks.

Captive breeding programs can and in many cases have been the only recourse (e.g. California Condor, Philippine Crocodile, Galapagos Tortoises). Everyone is likely familiar with two of those listed, but the third, the Philippine Crocodile, is probably not as well known. The underlying reason for the 'anonymity' of the crocodile's story is because crocodiles do not inspire the 'warm and fuzzy feeling' many other animals do (e.g. pandas, koalas, large cats).

Considering that zoos are corporate endeavors with the ultimate goal of profit, it is understandable that the specimens that generate the most profit will be the ones upon which the focus of the resources will be concentrated. Although lately the focus has been changing toward conservation (but only because that term now drives profit), historically and continuing today, zoos have generally avoided propagation of any but the 'cash cows' of their collections, including the separation of breedable stock and the destruction of offspring (particularly of eggs).

Now, consider the private collection... In most cases, the ultimate goal is profit, prestige or 'bragging rights' - no real difference between them and zoos. However, and particularly with respect to more costly specimens, more resources can and are devoted per specimen. Private collectors are more likely to persue propagation because profit, prestige and 'bragging rights' are bestowed upon them resultant solely from that accomplishment without the need to bring clients on the premises to garner gate fees, ancillary sales, etc. The sale or transfer of specimens or their offspring provides additional incentive for their propagation and with concerted effort, ultimately eliminates the need for the exploitation of wild populations. This has been proven time and again. There is absolutely no further need to recruit additional wild stock of Red-footed, Leoapard, Indian Star, African Spurred and several other species of tortoise for the pet trade due to the ex-situ propagation successes of private breeders - not zoos.

The wild population of A. yniphora will not withstand exploitation for sustenance of local populations and/or the pet/collector trade. The latest estimates indicate the population in the wild to be ~200 adults with a total population of ~600 (http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/9016/0) with a total annual recruitment of 430 individuals assuming a 1:1 adult sex ratio - not including losses of adult stock. Some estimate there are as many specimens in captivity as there are left in the wild. With the number of confiscations noted (~50) you can be sure far more than that are making it to private, albeit illegal, collections.

For additional information of the history & current status of these incredible animals, please read: The Ploughshare Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora): a Struggle for Survival.

One additional suggestion... consider researching the specimens you currently keep on the IUCN website, consider the source of your specimens and their status - something that may make you say "hmmm?".

...and now back to our regularly scheduled program...

 

[tortoises101]

Art, I totally agree with your opinion. As much as I'd like to be optimistic about the situation, I find it harder and harder when I find out increasingly more about the plight of Madagascan tortoises. Madagascar is indeed a poverty-stricken country and it's because of this that the taboo involving eating radiated tortoises has been removed. Madagascar has a rapidly increasing human population and on top of that, there are many hungry people in that one island nation. People are starting to clear out more and more land and destroying more and more wild habitat for agriculture. Education is an incredibly powerful tool in conservation, but a country where people need to feed themselves and their family saving a few trees or a few tortoises would probably be one of the last things on their mind. The only hope: live like the Seychellois people who are capable of living in harmony with nature. But with a corrupt government, very little conservation laws and a people affected by poverty, can it be done? Just something else which has caused me to hate humanity.