The 11th issue of The Tortoise is here! In this year’s magazine we highlight the conservationists, artists, and scientists who have devoted their lives to awareness and conservation for turtles and tortoises. With stories about the illicit trade and the conviction of poachers, historical and current exploitation of chelonians by humans, and artistic interpretations that connect us with the natural world, readers will enjoy the diverse approaches through which today’s conservation challenges are met.

The cover story features an interview with actor and lifelong environmentalist Ted Danson discussing his journey from acting to activism and how the power of celebrity can be leveraged to effect change. We also examine the life and extensive career of Russell A. Mittermeier, who has worked tirelessly to document and conserve the world's most endangered species and their habitats.

We explore the cabinets and wonders documented and interpreted by Mark Dion, an artist who has explored the dusty, dim storage rooms of some of the world’s most esoteric museums. Dion’s work has given the art world a unique perspective drawing from the input of curators, ecologists, engineers, biologists, archaeologists, and historians, among many other fields.

This issue also promotes the work of biologists saving the shrinking habitat of America’s smallest chelonian, the Bog Turtle, as well as African tortoises like the Karoo Dwarf Tortoises, and the diversity of African species that have evolved hinges in their shells to evade predators.

And as always, we detail the Turtle Conservancy’s work saving species both globally and locally, like our visit to Ted Turner’s New Mexico ranches to help release Bolson Tortoises into the wild in the United States for the first time in 12,000 years, and our educational partnerships enabling our population monitoring work for  the Southern Pacific Pond Turtle in Southern California.

Magazines will begin shipping to Turtle Conservancy members in August. If you are not already a member, consider becoming one to enjoy the benefit of receiving copies of The Tortoise every year. All back issues can also be purchased at our online store.