"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:
On the Difficulties of finding rare Chelonians in China, with some Notes on the Natural Habitat of Cuora yunnanensis
Auer, M., Blanck, T.
2019
Radiata 28 (1): 4-20.
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..
New subspecies of Cuora cyclornata (Blanck, McCord & Le, 2006), Cuora trifasciata (Bell, 1825) and Cuora aurocapitata (Luo & Zong, 1988).
Blanck, T., Zhou, T., Li, Y., Protiva, T., Crow, P., and Tiedemann, R.
2017
Sichuan Journal of Zoology 36 (4):368–385.
Auf der Suche nach der scheuen Schönheit und den Höhlenschildkröten Teil 1.
Blanck, T., Braun, S. McCormack, T., Ha, H.V., Thang, N.T., Luc, N.V. & Le, M.
2016
Marginata 47, 13(3): 48-62.
Auf der Suche nach der scheuen Schönheit und den Höhlenschildkröten Teil 2.
Blanck, T., Braun, S. McCormack, T., Ha, H.V., Thang, N.T., Luc, N.V. & Le, M.
2016
Marginata 48, 14(4): 40-47.
A likely new natural hybrid form of “Cuora serrata” (Cuora picturata x Cuora mouhotii obsti) and its presence in the wild in Phu Yen province, Vietnam.
Struijk, R.P.J.H. & Blanck, T.E.G.
2016
Herpetology Notes 9: 73-80.
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.
Cuora mouhotii mouhotii (northern keeled box turtle) and Cuora bouretti (Bourret's box turtle) Captive hybridization.
Struijk, R.P.J.H. & Blanck, T.E.G.
2015
Herpetological Review 46 (2): 206.
New microsatellite markers allow high-resolution taxon delimitation in critically endangered Asian box turtles, genus Cuora.
Tiedemann, R., Schneider, A.R.R., Havenstein, K., Blanck, T., Meier, E., Raffel, M.
2014
Salamandra 50 (3): 139-146.
In steilen Bächen. auf der Suche nach den "Adlerschnabelschildkröten" - Platysternon megacephalum in freier Wildbahn.
Blanck, T.
2013
Marginata 39, 10(3): 10–19.
Zu Besuch bei Cuora galbinifrons auf Hainan, China.
Blanck, T.
2013
Reptilia 99, 18(1): 100–109.
The turtle from nowhere: An Asian box turtle on the brink of extinction.
Blanck, T.
2013
The Tortoise, 1(2): 64-69.
Zentral-Vietnam: Ostasiatischen "Bachschildkröten" und Hybriden auf der Spur.
Blanck, T. & Braun, S.
2013
Marginata 38, 10(2): 18–30.
Conservation of the Angonoka (Ploughshare tortoise) Astrochelys yniphora.
Kiester, A.R., Mandimbihasina, A.R., Lewis, R.E., Goode, E.V., Juvik, J.O., Young, R. & Blanck, T.
2013
Chelonian Research Monographs, 6, 162–170.
Haltung und Zucht von chinesischen Dreikielschildkröten (Mauremys reevesii Gray, 1831) in etwas anderen Dimensionen – die Schildkrötenfarmen Chinas.
Blanck, T., Zhou, T. & Li, P.-P.
2012
Marginata, 9(3): 22–30.
Conservation of Asian Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles: Setting Priorities for the Next Ten Years. Recommendations and Conclusions from the Workshop in Singapore, February 21-24, 2011.
Horne, B.D., Poole, C.M., Walde A. (eds).
2012
Experiments with various Incubation Factors for Eggs of Chelonia mydas in China.
Xia, Z.-R., Blanck, T., Li, P.-P., Cheng, I.-J., Gu, H.-X. & Zhao, E.-M.
2012
Radiata, 21(1): 46–59.
Workshops recommend intensified focus on imperiled Asian box turtles, genus Cuora.
Hagen, C. & Blanck, T.
2011
TSA Magazine, 2011: 15–17.
Turtles in Trouble: The World’s 25+ Most Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles—2011.
Turtle Conservation Coalition [Rhodin, A.G.J., Walde, A.D., Horne, B.D., van Dijk, P.P., Blanck, T., and Hudson, R. (eds)].
2011
Lunenburg, MA: IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Conservation Fund, Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle Conservancy, Chelonian Research Foundation, Conservation International, Wildlife Conservation Society, and San Diego Zoo Global: 54 pp.
Cuora yunnanensis.
Van Dijk, P.P., Blanck, T. & Lau, M.
2010
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T5957A97360350. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-1.RLTS.T5957A11964406.en.