Celebrate World Turtle Day

TURTLES VS. HUMANS

Turtles have been around for over 200 million years, but sadly, due to human activities such as pollution and habitat destruction, they are constantly struggling for their lives. Both their habitats on land and in water are being destroyed. The seven species of sea turtles are among the most endangered animals in the world. Every year, countless turtles drown from fishing nets or lose their homes due to beach-front development. On land, turtles suffocate from pollution, empty plastic bags and other chemicals and garbage. 

TURTLE TRADE

While several kinds of turtles are listed on the endangered animals list and some laws protect them from trade, turtles are constantly being killed for their eggs, meat and shells. In many countries, green turtle eggs and meat are considered a delicacy.  Meanwhile, Hawksbill sea turtles, recognized for their beautiful gold-and-brown shells, have been hunted for ages to create jewelry and other items. However, there is still a chance for turtles that survive poaching. “Turtle rehabs” around the globe specialize in making injured turtles healthy again so that they can be go back into the wild.

THE MIGHTY 7

There are seven species of sea turtles, all of which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.  The leatherback is the largest sea turtle and can reach lengths over six feet and can weigh over 2,000 pounds. The green turtle is the only adult herbivorous sea turtle, although they are are carnivores when they are young. The loggerhead is the most common turtle and lives in Florida. The Hawksbill was named for the shape of its beak, which looks a bit like a raptor. The Kemp’s ridley is the smallest sea turtle, reaching only 30 inches in length. The olive ridley was named after its olive-colored shell. The flatback is named for its flattened carapace.

TURTLES ARE EVERYWHERE

Every country should celebrate Turtle Day because these creatures are everywhere. Not only do sea turtles live in almost every ocean basin throughout the world, they can migrate long distances across entire oceans. Some loggerheads have been known to nest in Japan and migrate to Mexico. Leatherbacks are capable of withstanding the coolest water temperatures and can be found as far north as Alaska. 

SEASONS OF LOVE

Turtle mating occurs in early to late spring, as well as late summer or autumn. However, most turtles mate after their hibernation. This is the first thing that comes to their mind after nearly eight months of hibernation. Typically, the male will approach the female and will show aggressive behaviors such as biting her limbs or immediately mounting her. The female, however, will continue doing whatever she is doing. The female tends to show no response.

HEIGHTENED SENSES

Don't be fooled by their speed. Turtles have excellent senses. The shelled creatures have stellar eyesight, sense of smell, hearing and sense of touch. In addition, their shell contains nerve endings. However, this sense is more like an instinct. It is responsible for controlling turtle behavior during various stages of the animals' lives. For example, when water turtles of any kind hatch, the hatchlings promptly make their way to water. They do this even when they cannot see the water. Scientists think that a turtle can somehow distinguish the difference between light over water and light over land. 

KEEP HANDS OFF

In 1975, the sale of small turtles with shells less than four inches long was banned to prevent the spread of salmonella. Although the tiny creatures seem harmless, they pose a huge risk to human health. Salmonella bacteria can be easily transmitted to people.

LUCKY TURTLES

In many cultures, turtles are a symbol of good luck. According to the Chinese, turtles are believed to bring good health, longevity, and protection from evil. In ancient times, turtles represented creation, endurance, strength, stability, longevity, fertility, and innocence. In American Indian culture, the turtle represents caring wisdom and protective strength.