Bell's Turtle
Credit: (c) John Cann
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Today is World Turtle Day.
Here are a few facts:
Turtles are among the most evolutionally successful animals on Earth. They have existed for approximately 200 million years; however of the 250 or so species that exist today, many—both freshwater and marine—are now under threat.
Australia has is home to at least 36 described species of freshwater turtle, and six of the seven recognised marine turtle species. Many are also unique to Australia.
Populations of turtles are currently in decline as they compete with ever expanding human populations for water and resources.
Marine turtles are particularly at risk, including the Pacific Ridley Turtle, the huge Leatherback Turtle (the sole member of its family) and the Flatback Turtle, which nests only on Australia's northern coastline.
Of the freshwater species, some, such as the Western Swamp Turtle, are on the brink of extinction as habitats are polluted, degraded or over-used for irrigation.
Comments
Despite these hardships, May is a busy month for turtles. Many have recently emerged from winter hibernation and are beginning their search for mates and nesting areas. For this reason, May 23 (today) is designated as ‘World Turtle Day’, and conservationists have designed variety of activities, especially for educating children about the environment. However, neither any Sindh government agency nor any non-government organisation (NGO) working for wildlife conservation has designed any kind of activity to express solidarity with wildlife conservationists.