Minh's primary research focuses include molecular and morphological evolution, conservation biology, and ecology. His interest in turtles began when he undertook his undergraduate thesis on the turtle fauna of Vietnam. He subsequently received his doctoral degree from Columbia University in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. His Ph.D. dissertation addressed systematics, biogeography, and conservation status of the most endangered turtle family, Geoemydidae. The results helped revise the taxonomic status of the critically endangered group, including members of the genera Batagur, Callagur, and Kachuga. Along with his colleague, Minh also examined molecular evolution of other turtle families, including Testudinidae (tortoises) and Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae (sea turtles).

He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Vietnam to assist conservation measures. His surveys in several of Vietnam’s protected areas suggested that in situ conservation could play a crucial role in protecting species from threats posed by widespread wildlife trade in the country. He currently collaborates with researchers at the Asian Turtle Program to assess population status of some endangered chelonians in northern and central Vietnam, i.e., Cuora galbinifrons, Cuora mouhotii, Platysternon megacephalum, Sacalia quadriocellata, Palea steindachneri, and Manouria impressa. The results of these surveys will help conservation prioritization of these species.

Given his interests, Minh's involvement with the Turtle Conservancy and Behler Chelonian Center is quite natural. He first met John Behler in 1996 and greatly admired his efforts in chelonian conservation. Now a part of the Turtle Conservancy Team, he is honored to pursue John’s dream.

Lecturer, Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Research Associate, Department of Herpetology

American Museum of Natural History

Email: mle@amnh.org

Minh Le, Ph.D.