The World Conservation Union [IUCN]   ::   Species Survival Commission [SSC]   ::   Turtle Survival Alliance [TSA]   ::   Turtle Conservation Fund [TCF]   ::   Chelonian Research Foundation [CRF]

Behler Turtle Conservation Award


John L. Behler

    The IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) and IUCN/SSC Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) in 2006 established the John Behler Turtle Conservation Award, a major annual award to honor leadership and excellence in the field of turtle and tortoise conservation. The award honors John L. Behler, previous Chair of the TFTSG and Curator of Herpetology at the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, who passed away in early 2006.

    The Behler Award is presented jointly by the TFTSG and TSA and includes an honorarium of $3000. Co-sponsoring supporters for the award have been Chelonian Research Foundation, Conservation International, Chelonian Research Institute, Behler Chelonian Center, World Chelonian Trust, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Deb Behler, John’s wife.

     In addition to honoring the life-time achievements of leading turtle and tortoise conservationists, the Behler Award plans to also honor current conservation efforts by mid-career individuals who are making major contributions to the field. Recognizing and valuing the often tireless and dedicated efforts made by all these individuals is important, and the Behler Award hopes to provide inspiration and reward for not only silverback veterans with life-long achievements, but also younger and emerging leaders working on the front lines of global turtle conservation efforts.

 

  Behler Award Recipients