Turtles and Tortoises Are in Trouble
Turtles and tortoises (chelonians) have been crucial components of global ecosystems for the past 220 million years. Today, more than half of the 360 living species and 482 total taxa (species and subspecies combined) are threatened with extinction.
Turtle populations are declining rapidly due to habitat loss, consumption by humans for food, traditional medicines, exacerbated diseases, pollution and collection for the international pet trade. Many taxa could become extinct in this century.
See this study where they examine the threats to turtles and tortoises globally and potential interventions needed to prevent widespread extinction.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
USA: Critical habitat finalized for endangered Arizona Mud Turtle
Crime & Punishment
Malaysia: Woman jailed four weeks over possession of endangered turtle eggs
Ecology
Cyprus: Overcrowded beach bar in Paphos disturbing turtles
USA: Make way for beach renourishment
New Findings
Effects of Ground Transport in Kempโs Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Turtles
Miscellany
Malaysia: Fish bombing, ghost nets imperil marine life off Sabah’s Mantanani Islands
Did You Know…
The first episode of the Save The Wild Podcast is here and focuses on the life and work of the late Dr. Archie Carr, one of the first scientists to study sea turtles.
Stories were collected from his family and colleagues to bring his impact and personality alive, including his family life and his accomplished wife Marjorie, his famous sense of humor, and stories of his writing and work.
Save The Wild is hosted by Brad Nahill of SEE Turtles and sponsored by Nature’s Path Organic Foods / EnviroKidz.
Question or Concerns? Want to submit an article to get posted? Email us at [email protected].
Photo from Stanford et al., 2020.
