Latest news with #AmericanTortoiseRescue
News18
23-05-2025
- General
- News18
World Turtle Day 2025: History, Significance, Key Facts, Celebrations And More
Last Updated: World Turtle Day aims to raise awareness about the struggles turtles face and to highlight their important role in the environment. World Turtle Day 2025: Observed globally on May 23, World Turtle Day, is dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of turtles and tortoises, creatures that have existed on Earth for over 200 million years. This special day highlights the numerous threats they face, including habitat loss, illegal trade, and environmental degradation. World Turtle Day serves as a call to action to protect these ancient species and their ecosystems. World Turtle Day 2025: History The history of World Turtle Day dates back to 1990 when Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, a husband-and-wife duo, founded the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR). Their mission was to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect turtles and tortoises, animals that face numerous threats. In 2000, the couple's vision evolved into the global celebration as World Turtle Day. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the struggles turtles face and to highlight their important role in the environment. Since its inception, the day has grown into an international movement, bringing together schools, conservationists, and animal lovers to celebrate and protect these remarkable creatures. World Turtle Day 2025: Significance Many people are unaware of the crucial role turtles and tortoises play in maintaining the balance of nature. For example, sea turtles help keep oceans healthy by controlling jellyfish populations, while tortoises contribute to soil health by digging burrows that also provide shelter for other animals. In addition, these creatures hold cultural significance in several countries. However, turtles face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, plastic pollution, climate change, and illegal trade for pets or food. As a result, 129 out of the 300 turtle species worldwide are endangered. World Turtle Day serves to highlight these challenges and encourages individuals to take responsibility for the survival of these reptiles. It reminds us that small actions, such as reducing plastic waste or supporting conservation efforts, can have a significant impact. World Turtle Day 2025: Key Facts Turtles have existed for over 200 million years, predating snakes, crocodiles, and even dinosaurs. Many confuse turtles and tortoises; turtles live in water (sea or freshwater), while tortoises are land-dwellers. Tortoises can live up to 300 years, whereas turtles typically live 40–70 years. Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining ocean ecosystems by eating dead fish and seagrass, while tortoises create habitats through their burrows. With threats such as plastic pollution and illegal trade, 129 of the 300 turtle species are endangered. Some turtles can breathe through their cloaca, allowing them to stay underwater longer. World Turtle Day 2025: Celebration First Published: May 23, 2025, 07:10 IST
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DEC warns turtles are on the move
State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton on Wednesday reminded New Yorkers that turtles are nesting in May and June, and she encouraged motorists to 'Give Turtles a Brake.' According to a DEC news release, turtles are often spotted on or near roads this time of year as they search for sandy areas or loose soils to lay their eggs and thousands of turtles are killed each year by unsuspecting drivers when turtles cross roads to find nesting areas. 'Our state is home to a wide range of turtle species and today DEC is calling on New Yorkers to do their part to help protect these long-lived species and 'Give Turtles a Brake,'' Lefton said. 'Vehicle strikes are a major cause of turtle mortality this time of year, so DEC is asking drivers to be cautious, be on the lookout, and slow down, especially on roads near rivers and marshy areas.' Drivers who see a turtle on the road are encouraged to slow down to avoid hitting it with their vehicle. If the driver can safely stop and exit the vehicle, motorists should consider moving the turtle to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing, the release stated. Motorists are advised not to pick up or drag turtles by their tails. Most turtles, other than snapping turtles, can be picked up safely by the sides of their shells. It is important to maintain a secure grip as turtles may kick to loosen your hold and dropping them can result in potential injury. Snapping turtles require special care when handling — they have long necks that can snap back and inflict a strong bite if held by the sides. Instead, turtles should be picked up by the rear of the shell using both hands or carefully slid onto a mat or blanket and dragged safely across the road. DEC also reminded people not to take turtles home. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a DEC permit. Most of the 11 species of land turtles that are native to New York are in decline, the release stated. It takes many years for a turtle to reach maturity. Losing even one mature female can have a negative impact on a local population. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator may be able to help if an injured turtle is found. Learn more about New York's native turtles on DEC's website. DEC recognizes May 23 as World Turtle Day. American Tortoise Rescue, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, created World Turtle Day to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. The animals are rapidly disappearing due to smuggling, the exotic food industry, climate change, loss of habitat and the illegal pet trade, according to the release. Follow @NYSDEC on social media late May through early June for more information about turtles in the state.
