Making Ripples in Guadalajara
24th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles
Vertebrate conservation coordinator Andrea Echeverry-Alcendra attended the 24th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Guadalajara, Mexico. This was the first time the symposium was held internationally and was done in partnership with the Guadalajara Zoo.
Andrea supported the leaders (co-chairs) of the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (IUCN SSC TFTSG), of which she is also a member. She was joined by representatives from more than 20 countries as well as local students and other emerging conservationists.
This year, the annual symposium hosted Vivek Menon, chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) as the keynote speaker. The Global Center for Species Survival (GCSS) works in close collaboration with the IUCN SSC chair’s office, so this was an opportunity to show the symposium attendees what the GCSS and other Centers for Species Survival do to support and advance IUCN SSC Specialist Groups’ initiatives and activities.
Andrea’s goal at the symposium was to continue her support and provide guidance for the various IUCN SSC specialist groups as well as network and make key contacts to advance ongoing conservation initiatives.
However, the highlight of her trip was the opportunity to “meet” a Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti), an endemic species from Mexico. This is the smallest turtle in the world (males measure approximately 2.5 inches, females measure approximately 4 inches) and was just discovered in 2018. Unfortunately, this species is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, and it is estimated there are less than 700 individuals left in the world.
Author : Doug Miller, Indianapolis Zoo
Published September 8, 2026