The annual observance of World Turtle Day took place recently, marking its 20th year. This global event has been organized by the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) since 2000 with the objective of drawing attention to and raising awareness about turtle and tortoise conservation. This year’s theme for World Turtle Day was ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’. In India, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) recognized this significant day.
The Background and Significance of World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day was created by ATR as a global platform to bring to light the increasing threats faced by turtles and tortoises such as illegal smuggling, the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and the pet trade. Turtles, which are reptiles belonging to the Testudines order, are characterized by their unique bony or cartilaginous shells which act as a protective shield. They can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Tortoises differ from other turtles mainly due to being land-dwelling while many other turtle species are at least partially aquatic. These creatures are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate body temperature. Because of their slow metabolism, turtles and tortoises can survive without food and water for extended periods.
Turtles play an integral role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They help control water pollution by scavenging dead organic material and diseased fish, create habitats for fish on their bodies, improve seagrass ecosystem health by consuming seagrass biomass and preventing sediment formation, and facilitate nutrient and energy transportation to coastal areas.
Despite their importance, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a majority of turtle and tortoise species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
State of Turtle Conservation in India
In Indian waters, there are five turtle species present: Olive Ridley, Green turtle, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback. The Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Loggerhead turtles are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Hawksbill turtle is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’, while the Green Turtle is categorized as ‘Endangered’. These species are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, specifically under Schedule I.
In addition to this, these species also receive protection through the Biodiversity Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation programme in India.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Turtle Conservation
Turtles play a critical role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, and providing key habitats for other marine life. They balance marine food webs and facilitate nutrient cycling from water to land. As such, turtle conservation is a crucial factor in maintaining biodiversity and preserving the natural balance in our environment.
The need for concerted efforts in raising awareness about turtles, educating the public, enforcing laws protecting these species, and engaging in research to better understand and conserve them cannot be overemphasized.
