A moment with Rachael Harff, Chelonian Keeper at the Turtle Survival Center

Q&A with Samih Young, BFREE Wildlife Education Fellow

This summer, Samih Young and Rachael Harff got to know each other while participating in the Fourth Annual Turtle Survey of the BFREE Privately Protected Area. The survey is a collaboration between BFREE and Turtle Survival Alliance‘s Volunteer Research Team – also known as the North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG). Together, along with others, Samih and Rachael spent eight days collecting data on the turtle species that are found in the area.

In this article, Samih poses questions to Rachael to learn more about her interest in reptiles and also the work that she is doing at the Turtle Survival Center in South Carolina.

Samih – What first drew you to working with reptiles, particularly turtles?

Rachael – I have always appreciated reptiles and began working with them after college through a herpetology-focused internship. It was during that experience that I learned about the Turtle Survival Center and started working with them in 2021. While I have always loved animals, my time at the TSC has deepened my appreciation and a particular fondness for turtles and tortoises.

Samih – What are the biggest threats to turtle and tortoise populations and what is being done to address them?

Rachael – Threats to turtle and tortoise populations include habitat destruction, unsustainable collection for the pet trade, use for food or medicinal purposes, and the impacts of climate change. Several laws, such as CITES, the ESA, and the Lacey Act, aim to protect these species. Additionally, numerous organizations are actively working to conserve turtle populations and their habitats. Effective conservation of the approximately 360 species of turtles and tortoises requires a deep understanding of their ecological roles, including their habitat requirements, reproductive strategies, behaviors, and interactions within ecosystems. This knowledge is crucial for developing and implementing targeted conservation methods.

Samih – Are there a particular species of turtle or tortoise you find most fascinating to work with?

Rachael – I have had the privilege of working with many different species of turtles and tortoises, but my favorite experiences are when I get to observe them in their natural habitat and work with them in the field. It’s always fascinating to be fully immersed in their environment, watching them swim by or interact with other species and their surroundings.

Samih – What is one thing you wish more people knew about turtles or reptiles in general?

Rachael – I wish more people knew about the ecological importance of reptiles. One simple way people can support reptile conservation is by fostering an appreciation for these creatures through observation and education, rather than resorting to actions like killing or displacing them. By learning about their ecological importance, unique behaviors, and roles in maintaining ecosystem balance, individuals can develop a greater respect for reptiles and make more informed, compassionate decisions about how to coexist with them.

Samih – How does the work you do with TSA promote turtle conservation and what are some of your major accomplishments?

Rachael – At the Turtle Survival Alliance’s Turtle Survival Center, we work with over 20 of the world’s most endangered turtle and tortoise species. The center was founded with the mission of achieving zero turtle extinctions worldwide. The species housed at the TSC have been carefully selected based on their conservation status, lack of effective protection in the wild, and challenges with captive breeding.

As a Chelonian Keeper II, I am directly involved in the captive care and breeding of these turtles, and I consider any success in this work an accomplishment. However, the success of the TSC over the past 13 years is the result of the dedication and efforts of many individuals. I look forward to continuing to contribute alongside the team to ensure the future success of turtle conservation.