Headstart and Repatriation

HRM has been actively working on headstart and assurance colony work for over 20 years. Headstarting involves the captive rearing of hatchlings, turtles and tortoises from eggs collected in the wild or from assurance colonies. The hatchlings are released once they hatch or held for several months to help them avoid heavy predation pressure during their most vulnerable age from egg to one-year. HRM has assisted with Wood Turtle, Blanding’s Turtle, Eastern Box Turtle, and Spotted Turtle project as well as headstarting all native turtle species.

Our team also works to help release confiscated and displaced reptiles and amphibians back to their habitat once they are healthy, clear of any risk of disease transmission, and as part of conservation efforts.