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YOMIURI SHIMBUN (Tokyo, Japan) 20 July 03 Group seeks volunteers to study turtles
Seen any turtles recently?
If so, the Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J) wants to hear from you.
The group is working on a project called "Nihonzenkoku Kamesagashi" (Japan turtle search).
It is the first time NACS-J has recruited volunteers across the nation and asked them to report on turtles in their area. The group is hoping to learn more about the habitats of nonindigenous turtles. It also hopes the project will encourage children to take an interest in nature.
There used to be about 10 types of turtles in Japan, including Japanese pond turtles, Reeves turtles and soft-shelled turtles, all of which live in rivers and lakes, as well as loggerhead turtles, which live in the sea.
In recent years, however, foreign turtles have been seen in this country, including U.S. snapping turtles and North American red-eared slider turtles.
In Japan, red-eared slider turtles are known as "midorigame" (green turtle) when they are small.
It is believed that foreign turtles living in the wild are former pets that have been abandoned.
On finding a turtle, the volunteers determine its breed by checking an illustrated reference book. They also take note of the place, date and number of turtles found and report the information to the group.
Group seeks volunteers to study turtles

Are you a member if this society? If so, do you have a contact number (there`s nothing in the article)?