John L. Behler (1946 – January 31, 2006)[1] was an American naturalist, herpetologist, author, and activist known for his work in conserving endangered species of turtles, snakes, and other reptiles.
The Behler Chelonian Center was the first institution in the world to ever send captive bred turtles back to their range country for reintroduction.
This is an ongoing project, with Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and the Behler Chelonian Center sending the Critically Endangered golden coin turtle (Cuora trifasciata) back to Hong Kong.
[8] Today the Turtle Conservancy and Behler Chelonian Center have ongoing conservation programs around the world, protecting the Critically Endangered ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) in Madagascar, as well as some of the last important habitat for the Critically Endangered geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) in South Africa, with additional programs in Mexico, Southeast Asia, China, United States, South America, and the Caribbean.
[9] National Audubon Society First Field Guide Reptiles Scholastic April 1, 1999[10] Alligators and Crocodiles (Worldlife Library) Voyageur Press June 13, 1998[11]