"Scientific research involves going beyond the well-trodden and well-tested ideas and theories that form the core of scientific knowledge. During the time scientists are working things out, some results will be right, and others will be wrong. Over time, the right results will emerge."
Lisa Randall
Research Focus:
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Conservation, ecology, taxonomy and evolution of the Genus Cuora
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Studying the phylogeny and taxonomy of Genus Cuora.
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Active field research to gain a better understanding of the species native ecology to improve captive husbandry and set the path for future release projects.
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Linking protective measures for species conservation in the field, in-situ and ex-situ.
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Studying the genetic composition and best population sizes to guarantee the long-term survival of this Genus in captivity and in nature and manage/advice the Studbooks accordingly.
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Actively collaborating with the Studbooks for the different Cuora species to improve captivey husbandry and to conserve the species through captive breeding with the best possible genetic variability.
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Raise awarness of this imperiled Genus via Publications, Presentations and local awareness raising.
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Surveying the Chinese Turtle Market dynamics and the growing Chinese Turtle Farming Industry.
Publications:
Cuora zhoui Zhao in Zhao, Zhou, and Ye 1990 –
Zhou’s Box Turtle
Blanck, T., Iverson, J., Zhou, T., Meier, E., Mccord, W. P.
2024
In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., van Dijk, P.P., Stanford, C.B., Goode, E.V., Buhlmann, K.A., and Mittermeier, R.A. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs 5(18):127.1–16. doi: 10.3854/crm.5.127.zhoui.v1.2024; www.iucn-tftsg.org/cbftt/.
Shedding Light into the Confusing History of Pelodiscus axenaria (Zhou, Zhang et Fang, 1991), Clarifying and Correcting Its Taxonomic Position within the P. axenaria Complex with the Description of Yet Another Pelodiscus Species
Liu J.-Y., Fu, W., Ma, Y.-H., Zhou, T., Blanck, T., Zhou, G.-J., Xiao, Y.-M., Mo, X.-Y.
2024
Russian Journal of Herpetology 31 (6): 337 - 350
A Taxonomic Hide and Seek: Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic Relationships in the Southeast Asian Box Turtle, Cuora amboinensis (Riche in Daudin, 1801).
Blanck, T., Gaillard, D., Protiva, T., Wheatley, M., Shi, h., Liu, L., Ray, P. C., Anders, B.
2023
Russian Journal of Herpetology 30 (6) (Supplement): 1 – 52
Snake shed skin consumed by Kinosternon vogti: a case of interspecific keratophagy.
Cupul-Magaña, F.G., López-González, N.E., Barraza-Soltero, I.K., Blanck, T., Praschag, P., Diruzzo, S., Butterfield, T.G., Escobedo-Galván, A.H.
2023
Herpetozoa 36:259–262.
Turtles and Tortoises Are in Trouble
Stanford et al.
2020
Current Biology, 30: 721 - 735
Turtles in Trouble: The World’s 25+ Most Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.
Stanford, C.B., Rhodin, A.G.J., van Dijk, P.P., Horne, B.D., Blanck, T., Goode, E.V., Hudson, R., Mittermeier, R.A., Currylow, A., Eisemberg, C., Frankel, M., Georges, A., Gibbons, P.M., Juvik, J.O., Kuchling, G., Luiselli, L., Shi, H., Singh, S. & Walde, A. (eds.)
2018
Turtle Conservation Coalition, Ojai: 79pp..
Cuora picturata.
McCormack, T., Stuart, B. & Blanck, T.
2016
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T163463A115303820. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T163463A1010522.en.