Freshwater turtle populations are among the most threatened vertebrate groups globally. Combining conservation action with attention to individual welfare in intervention programs produces better outcomes for both goals.
Aquatic turtle conservation requires both population-level management and attention to the welfare of individual animals in intervention programs. Head-starting programs improve survival but can cause welfare harms through crowding and suboptimal husbandry if poorly managed. Wild turtles captured for research endure capture stress that should be minimized through improved methods. Advocating for welfare-integrated conservation protocols benefits both animals and program credibility.