Dedicated to Tortoise and Turtle Conservation

TFTSG members at the Bolivia Red List Workshop, 2023

Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis) by Dario Podesta

Explore the TFTSG’s Mission and Impact

Global Science, Local Impact for Tortoises and Turtles.

The TFTSG unites 400+ volunteer experts worldwide to conserve all species of tortoises and freshwater turtles as part of IUCN/SSC’s global network. As IUCN’s official Red List Authority for these species, TFTSG determines extinction risk, advises CITES on international trade, and helps shape the policies that protect the world’s most endangered turtles.

TFTSG Leadership

Commitment to Biodiversity and Conservation

The Mission of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) is to identify and document threats to the survival of all species of tortoises and freshwater turtles, and to help catalyze conservation action to ensure that none become extinct and that sustainable populations of all species persist in the wild.

A Global Network of Expertise

As part of IUCN/SSC’s 7,000+ member network, TFTSG channels science-based recommendations toward a world that values and conserves biodiversity.

Authoritative Red List Assessments

TFTSG works with the IUCN Red List Programme to determine and continually update global threat levels for every tortoise and freshwater turtle species.

Guiding International Trade Policy

TFTSG advises CITES on trade levels, evaluates trade impacts, and reviews proposals to change species’ protections under the CITES Appendices.

A Legacy of Conservation Partnerships

The TFTSG helped establish the Turtle Survival Alliance, which now runs range-country conservation programs and captive breeding efforts across 30 countries, and the Turtle Conservation Fund, which finances priority projects. TFTSG also maintains close ties with Chelonian Research Foundation, supporting peer-reviewed conservation science publishing.

Executive Committee

Leadership for the 2025–2029 Quadrennium as of July 2026

Natalia Gallego-García

Co-Chair

Bogotá, Colombia

Turtle Survival Alliance, North Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Craig B. Stanford

Co-Chair

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

Anders G.J. Rhodin

Executive Vice Chair, Co-Red List Coordinator

Director, Chelonian Research Foundation, Arlington, Vermont, USA

Chair Emeritus, Turtle Conservancy, Ojai, California, USA

Andrew D. Walde

Deputy Chair

Turtle Survival Alliance, North Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Vivian P. Páez

Co-Red List Coordinator

Professor Emeritus at University of Antioquia

Vice-Chair, Turtle Conservation Fund

Full Membership

The Origins of TFTSG

Founded in 1987 through the merger of two existing IUCN Species Survival Commission groups, the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) emerged to consolidate efforts in protecting turtles and tortoises globally.

History of the TFTSG

Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) by Basem Rabia

Our Growth and Global Impact Over the Years

Since our inception, the TFTSG has expanded its reach and influence, collaborating with international organizations, governments, and local communities to enhance conservation initiatives. Our scientific assessments have informed policies, promoting sustainable practices and improving the status of many vulnerable species worldwide.