Terrapin breeding with Nicola

Hey, my name is Nicola. I am a 25-year-old vet student from Austria and I am currently doing one of my final internships at the Rescue and Rehabilitation center at the banyan tree resort. 

At University I did the special education module for conservation medicine so this internship is the perfect opportunity for me to round off my knowledge. 

In the two weeks, I have been here I have already learned a lot about the different aspects of a conservation sector. Not only does MCSS take care of the animals, they also map out the habitats, check out possible threats to them and raise awareness within the local community. 

Yesterday a group of school kids visited the center and we talked to them about the wetlands, terrapins and sea turtles. After the presentations, we carried out bird monitoring and tried to show them how important conservation work is. 

One of the two species of terrapins you can find here, the Seychelles yellow belly mud turtle is an endemic species and is critically endangered. That's why I am currently working on a proposal to start a captive breeding program.
For the captive breeding program, I have to figure out what the terrapins need and how many individuals are necessary for successful reproduction. 
I am comparing them with other species to see how they have been bred, but it is difficult to develop a plan because so little is known about terrapins. But I'll figure it out as I go. 

What I like most about MCSS is that every volunteer gets their own project in their special field of interest and the staff always tries to work together and help where they can. 
Right from the start, I felt welcome here and I am looking forward to my next two weeks working with this great team! 

Spencer in the team

Hello all I am the new intern………. Spencer!

Over the next 9 weeks, I am set to willingly commit my mind body and soul to the Anse Forbans Community Conservation Project (AFCCP). As someone who is wholeheartedly passionate about wildlife and habitat preservation, this represents itself as an exciting opportunity to put into practice everything I have learnt through my academic endeavours; and to gain valuable hands-on experience.

As someone with a freshwater background, the opportunity to work in the wetlands of South Mahé is something that I am very keen to get stuck into. However; as I wish to broaden my areas of expertise, being able to work in the mangroves and coral reefs that surround Anse Forbans is one of the major factors of why I applied to MCSS and the AFCCP project.

The team here has been unbelievably friendly and welcoming. Finding the perfect balance between independent work and guidance whilst out in the field or working on new software back in the office. My somewhat short amount of time already spent here has flown by, and suddenly 9 weeks may feel like too short a time.

One team, one dream.

Spencer

Hello Beth!!

Hi all!

My name is Beth, I currently study Marine Biology at the University of Southampton so the Banyan Tree Turtle and Terrapin Project was the perfect place for me to get some field experience. Since joining MCSS last week, I feel like I am already a true member of the team, everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.

Picture 1: Beth and our terrapin Truck at the WCRC

During my first week, I have been carrying out bird surveys (my favourite bird so far is the Seychelles Blue Pigeon), sea turtle patrols, daily terrapin catches and talking to members of the public informing them about what goes on at the centre whilst making descriptive tags for the exhibition room. It has been a busy first week!

On my first day, we caught 6 terrapins in one catch! We brought them all back to the centre for a health check-up where we weighed and measured all individuals. We identified them using photo-identification (to discover their unique name) and discovered one had never been caught before! I had the privilege of giving him a name, after a lot of thought I went with Buzz.

Picture 2: Buzz 

Unfortunately it is not turtle nesting season but it is still vital to check all the beaches weekly for any signs of Hawksbill or Green turtles. I have learned a lot already about how to identify sea turtle tracks, find a nest and how to make sure she successfully lays her eggs and gets back into the ocean unharmed. I am gaining more independence in carrying out these tasks so my confidence is increasing daily. I can’t wait to see what the next 5 weeks will bring!