McCord’s Box Turtles - Social, Comical and Extinct in the Wild

In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, Wendy sits down with Anthony Pierlioni of Just Turtles and The Turtle Room to discuss one of the most enigmatic and charismatic species in the hobby: McCord’s Box Turtle (Cuora mccordi).Once so common in their native range that they were reportedly "more numerous than rocks," these stunning yellow-headed turtles haven't been seen in the wild for over 15 years. Anthony shares the sobering reality of their extinction in the wild while offering a message of hope through the thriving populations now found in human care.In this episode, we dive into:The "Human Care" Shift: Why Anthony is moving away from the word "captivity."The McCord Mystery: The history of the species, its naming after Bill McCord, and its tragic disappearance from the wild.Unusual Behavior: The fascinating social lives of McCordi, including their unique head-bobbing "conversations" and comical personalities.Husbandry Essentials: Anthony’s "easy" approach to keeping them, including his DIY "turtle mash" diet and thoughts on UVB for neonates.Availability: How the market has changed now that fewer turtles are being exported to China, making them more accessible to US keepers than ever before.Whether you are a seasoned Cuora enthusiast or just curious about a turtle that communicates by yawning in its mate's face, this episode is packed with practical advice and heart-felt conservation insights.Resources:For more information on turtle conservation and husbandry, visit Turtletea.org or join the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) community. You can find Anthony Pierlioni on JusTURTLES or Facebook. For more in-depth info on McCords Box Turtles or any of the Cuora genus please visit Cuora.orgNot a TTPG member yet? ⁠⁠Join us⁠⁠! The ⁠⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!