Dwarf Tortoise Conservation was founded in 2001 as Homopus Research Foundation. Its name changed in 2018, after the dwarf tortoise genus Homopus had been split in two genera Chersobius and Homopus. Moreover, the name change reflected a shift of the organisation’s scope from scientific research to conservation, particularly conservation breeding.

The scientific-basis of Dwarf Tortoise Conservation makes it a leading entity in the collection and distribution of ecological data on dwarf tortoises, and in the genetic management of captive assurance populations. Only with such a detailed approach can effective protective measures be developed that are compatible with the growth in the South African human population, and that will allow the continued existence of Chersobius and Homopus tortoises.

Collaboration is key to successful conservation. Dwarf Tortoise Conservation collaborates closely with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, European Studbook Foundation, Turtle Conservancy, and European Turtle Alliance. Zoos in Amsterdam, Basel, Munich, Plzen, Prague, Wroclaw and Wuppertal participate in Dwarf Tortoise Conservation studbooks. Past collaborations include the University of the Western Cape, University of Cape Town, Utrecht University, Nijmegen University, Frankfurt University, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and CapeNature.

Dwarf Tortoise Conservation is based in the Netherlands. To reduce its ecological footprint, it uses renewable energy sources (i.e., wind, solar) to heat and illuminate dwarf tortoise enclosures. Furthermore, journeys to dwarf tortoise habitats in southern Africa are restricted to rare cases where it is absolutely necessary for European staff to conduct the work. The bank account of Dwarf Tortoise Conservation is based at a bank that does not make profit at the expense of the world’s most pressing environmental problems, such as the emission of CO2 and global warming.

Because Dwarf Tortoise Conservation only works with dedicated and well educated volunteers, 100% of all donations is available for gathering and distribution of data, and conservation. A financial overview is produced annually where all income and expenditure is accounted for. This overview is part of an integral  annual report and action plan that also presents progress made in studbooks and projects.

Donations?

Dwarf Tortoise Conservation, IJsselstein
IBAN bank account: NL92TRIO0198330111
BIC/SWIFT address bank: TRIONL2U

Registration number with the Chamber of Commerce
30170493

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