Tortoise Lab scientist participates in workshop to evaluate extinction risk for Central American freshwater turtle species
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) aims to perform ‘Red List Assessments’ to evaluate extinction risk for all global plant and animal species and provide recommendations to policy makers. The IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group recently held a Red List Assessment workshop in Mexico City, Mexico, during July 9–11, 2023, where scientists from North and South America convened and assessed species of freshwater turtle species that occur in Central America. Participants had a productive three-day workshop that resulted in draft Red List Assessments for 29 species. CSP Lead Scientist Brian Folt participated in the workshop and lead the assessment of the Black Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys funerea). Over the next few months, Brian and other participants will work together to revise draft assessments, which will ultimately be published on the IUCN’s website and provide reference documents to policy makers about species-specific extinction risk, threats, and management actions that might decrease extinction risk in the future.
