The rote island snake-neck turtle (chelodina mccordi) is likely extinct in the wild, driven by illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction in IT s only known habitats on rote island, in…

The rote island snake-neck turtle (chelodina mccordi) is likely extinct in the wild, driven by illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction in IT s only known habitats on rote island, in indonesias east nusa tenggara province. However, there is new hope for its in-situ conservation, as the first individuals will be reintroduced in 2024. Sustaining, growing and expanding this new population now relies on further, meaningful engagement with local communities who own and manage the reintroduction lakes and will stewards the turtle populations into the future. This project builds local engagement in turtle conservation by strengthening traditional rules related to turtle and habitat conservation in 3 communities, and supporting communities to actively monitor of turtle habitat and the reintroduced animals. IT further supports community outreach and education efforts, including the rote turtle festival and an after-school conservation club, to build awareness, pride and support for the reintroduction. This will lever 2 new community-led breeding facilities - sites where residents can become familiar with this rare species, and get involved in supporting the reintroduction into the wild. The project will also support locally-led, applied turtle conservation research with government and local universities that are key to enabling in situ turtle conservation.