Turtle and Tortoise Ecology
The Behler Chelonian Center (BCC) has made several expeditions over the past few years to observe wild turtle and tortoise populations, and to study intact wild habitats. Surprisingly little is known about the ecology and natural history of many species in the wild. We aim to increase existing knowledge to promote conservation and to improve management practices in captivity. To date, we have made research expeditions throughout the United States, Europe and to Galapagos, Mexico, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Myanmar. In the field, we have installed data loggers to record ambient habitat temperatures, humidity and precipitation data. Also, we have collected substrate and wild diet samples, plants and mushrooms. We have assessed the current status and threats of each species we have studied in the wild. Additionally, we have an ongoing project to study our native Pacific Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) in Northern California and Los Padres National
Forest.
Captive Management and Husbandry
We feel that it is critical for us to understand the ecology of each species in the wild that we care for at the Center. The staff at the BCC records the behavior and health conditions of all individuals to continually evaluate the best practices for care of each species in captivity. We have visited other captive management facilities around the world to gather additional information on successful rearing and care techniques, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, in the United States, and the Jersey Zoo in England, Darwin Station on the Galapagos, and Bernard Deveaux’s Tortoise Village in Madagascar, and numerous zoos and museums. We apply our direct observations of each species in the wild, and analyses of their habitat, to the captive management of the animals at the BCC. We constantly evaluate the conditions for successful nesting, egg-laying and incubation to describe and document the best practices for producing viable offspring. These data are reviewed and analyzed to determine what factors, such as temperature, substrate and humidity, result in hatchling success and survivorship for species endangered in the wild.
Protocols
We are developing detailed protocols for each species at the BCC. Each protocol includes information on the range, habitat, climate, diet, behavior, incubation requirements, status and threats for each species in the wild, including the data we collect in the field, as well as the relevant specific care regimen at the Center. Once completed, the protocols will be made available as a resource for the most up to date tortoise and turtle care. 
Film Projects
The BCC has an ongoing film program as part of the Center’s goal to promote conservation education, and appropriate care and conservation of turtles and tortoises in captivity, and in the wild. The development of the Center and the transfer of the animals from St. Catherine’s Island to California were documented. Also, foraging, mating and breeding, nesting and egg-laying have been filmed at the Center. As well, the expeditions to the Florida Springs, Pennsylvania, the Mojave Desert in California, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mexico, Europe and the Galapagos have been filmed. Upon request, our latest film is available for purchase.
