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Roadkill Part 2 |
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Roadkill Harvesting Permits Laws vary from state to state so it is near impossible for me to give foolproof step by step instructions on acquiring a permit. Instead I will try to point you in the right direction by explaining how I went about getting a permit in Florida. My initial work was with the common and unregulated, at the time, Pseudemys f. peninsularis and P. nelsoni, so no permit seemed to be required. Your state may be different. FYI: possession of the shell of a dead turtle, or turtle eggs is often considered the same as possession of a live turtle. A related FYI: a permit is required in Florida for rehabbing. After I had figured out that I could recover eggs this way I decided to broaden the scope of my collecting. This and some media exposure increased the likelihood that I would come into possession of eggs from restricted species (species where there is a limit to the number that may be possessed, and species that are completely banned from possession). So, I contacted what is now called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, specifically the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation. I explained what I had been doing and what I wanted to do regarding the restricted/protected species. Their suggestion was to submit a proposal and be as detailed as possible. What follows are some points you might want to hit. But first- Forget about harvesting from Sea Turtle carcasses. Sea turtles are Federally protected and a permit to be in possession of sea turtle eggs would have to come from the federal level. Agencies that I have spoken with have shown little interest in permitting an individual for this. There are already agencies and groups handling Sea Turtles. I would suggest becoming involved with them if you have an interest. In Florida, if you find an injured or dead Sea Turtle you can report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 1-888-404-3922. Back to the proposal- 1) State what you want to do--- Harvest eggs from road-killed turtles. If there is a particularly bad spot in the area you plan to patrol, you might want to compile and include some data. Such as, this many turtles of these species were killed on this road in this time period. 2) State why you want to do it---To lessen the impact (no pun intended), on protected species, by automobiles and habitat development. The statistics are out there proving that road mortality can have a significant effect. 3) State how you will go about it---Euthanization of hopeless cases, removal of eggs, method of incubation, release into habitat near collection site. You might also mention removal of carcass from roadway which will save scavengers from being hit. 4) List any experience you have with turtles or with incubating their eggs. 5) List any pertinent education. Work as a rehabber, work at a zoo or nature park, a degree in biology or zoology. 6) Include good contact information. Make it easy for them to get in touch with you. Otherwise, if they have a question it will be asked by mail and delay everything. 7) Invite suggestions. Let them know you are open to advice that will make the permit happen. After submitting it, the ball is in their court. My best suggestion at this stage is be patient. There is no impetus for them to give you the permit, or to rush. It may take a while. I think mine went through three drafts and took over 90 days to be approved. Even if they get right on it, the paperwork will no doubt need to visit multiple desks. Some delay is understandable as this is outside of the normal permits they process and they will need to go over the details so that they don't hand out a permit authorizing something unintended. If you are rejected, ask for an explanation. If you think you can counter their concerns, modify your proposal and resubmit it. Persistence usually pays off. I am not the most patient person and tactful probably isn't how anyone would describe me, but I managed to get this done and you can too. The aggravation of getting the permit is nothing compared to the good feeling you get releasing a group of hatchlings that would not have been, if not for your intercession. |
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The Roadside Kit Semper paratus - Always Prepared
1) Plastic shoebox to hold eggs and rest of kit 2) Plastic bag containing course grade vermiculite 3) Cloth bag to transport lightly injured turtle 4) Trash bag can be used to line collapsible milk crate for large turtle 5) Scalpel and surgical scissors 6) Soap less hand cleaner 7) Latex gloves 8) Water Bottle to moisten vermiculite and rinse eggs 9) Paper towels for cleanup |
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Palpating Females and Removing Turtle Eggs coming soon |
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Incubation Two examples of commercially available incubators.
The top two are "hovabator" incubators. There are other brands with basically the same design, which is a Styrofoam housing with the temperature controlled by a wafer thermostat. Some models have egg turners - do not buy these - turning turtle eggs is not only not necessary, it will ruin the eggs. Others have an air circulating fan. This isn't necessary either. Circulating air can dry out the eggs. The fan can be disconnected. Typically this style incubator runs $30-40 and can be found online and at feed stores. The lower incubator is from Forma Scientific and costs over $5,000. It is better insulated, much larger, allows for humidity control, and more precise temperature settings. It also has alarms that notify you when it is out of water, the temperature is too high, or when power is lost. Designed for culturing bacteria, it has CO2 hookups, and is overkill for turtle eggs. The eggs of some snake species can be tricky and I know a few boid breeders that use this incubator. Between these two extremes are literally dozens of commercial incubators. Another option is building your own. Two versions I have built in the past can be seen here INCUBATORS |
