World Turtle Day | Theme | History| Turtle Characteristics | Distribution | Habitat
World Turtle Day is celebrated on May 23rd every year. This day of turtle raises awareness about the protection of turtles and tortoises. It is also about turtle conservation and protection. American Tortoise Rescue started this day. This day informs the public about the ecological importance of turtles and tortoises. This article also elaborates on the parts of turtle shell and the characteristics of turtle. Moreover, it also covers turtle habitat and turtle distribution. Furthermore, this article also explains the difference between Turtle and Tortoise.
History of World Turtle Day
The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) laid the foundation of World Turtle Day in 2000. This is an organization established in 1990 by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson. ATR is working for the protection and preservation of all species of tortoises and turtles, as well as their habitats. The idea for this Day of Turtle arose from the need to increase global awareness about the plight of these reptiles and to promote their conservation. The first Day of Turtle was celebrated on May 23, 2000. The Selection of this date was to bring attention to turtles and tortoises as the summer season begins in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a critical time for these creatures, especially for nesting and hatching.
ساحل سمندر پر لوگوں کی تفریح سبز کچھوؤں کی افزائش نسل کیلئے خطرہ
World Turtle Day theme 2024
The theme for World Turtle Day 2024 is “Let’s Party!” The idea behind “Let’s Party!” is to create a joyful and engaging environment. So, people can learn about turtle conservation through various activities and social media engagements. Also, the day of turtle creates awareness about their importance. It also focuses on tortoise and turtle distribution, and their habitats. This theme aims to make conservation efforts enjoyable and accessible. The American Tortoise Rescue provides resources to celebrate this day. This includes party packs, coloring pages, and social media tools. This helps to involve the people in this day activity. Moreover, it also spreads the message about turtle conservation on the Day of Turtle.
Characteristics of Turtle and their Types
A turtle is a reptile belonging to the order Testudines. The characteristics of Turtle make it interesting. A turtle has a bony or cartilaginous shell developed from its ribs, which acts as a shield. Turtles are known for their slow movement. Moreover, they have long lifespans. The ability to retract their heads into their shells for protection is among the common characteristics of turtle.
Turtles have two major groups. One is the Pleuroda and the other is the Cryptodira. Pleuroda turtles have side necks. On the other hand, Cryptodira turtles have hidden necks, which differ in the way the head retracts. There are 360 living and extinct species of turtles, including land-dwelling Tortoise and freshwater Teraapins.
Turtles have a sharp beak instead of teeth. They use to cut and chew food. The shape of the beak varies depending on their diet.
Aquatic turtles typically have webbed feet or flippers adapted for swimming. Terrestrial turtles, like tortoises, have sturdy, elephantine legs suited for walking on land. Many turtles have claws on their feet, which aid in digging and gripping surfaces.
Parts of Turtle Shell
There are two parts of turtle shell. The upper part is called the carapace and the lower part is called the plastron. These parts of the turtle shell are connected by bony structures called bridges. The outer layer of the shell is covered in keratinous scutes (scales). Some turtles, like softshell turtles, have a leathery covering instead. These parts of turtle shell give it support.
Details and Facts about Turtle Shell and Parts of Turtle Shell
Turtle Distribution and Turtle Habitat
Turtle Distribution is wide and turtle habitat has also variety. Turtles Distribution is across the globe. The Turtle Habitat includes a diverse range of environments. It spreads from oceans and freshwater systems to forests and deserts.
Turtle distribution and Turtle habitat preferences vary significantly depending on the species. There are fully aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Marine turtles, such as the loggerhead, green turtle, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley, live in oceans worldwide. They are particularly common in tropical and subtropical waters. Moreover, they also exist in temperate regions. Countries like the United States, Australia, Costa Rica, and India also have these reptiles.
Freshwater turtles are widespread across continents, inhabiting rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. They live in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Tortoises are primarily land-dwelling and commonly exist in deserts, grasslands, and savannas. They exist in Africa, North America, and parts of Asia and Europe.
Difference between Turtle and Tortoise
The difference between Turtle and Tortoise is distinct physically. The difference between Turtle and Tortoise also relates to their habitat. Moreover, the Difference between Turtle and Tortoise also exists in feeding. Characteristics of turtle and tortoise also make the difference.
Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles belonging to the order Testudines. But, they exhibit distinct differences in their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. Tortoises are turtles, but not all Turtles are Tortoises.
Most turtles have adaptation to live in or near water. They are commonly found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and swamps. They are Sea turtles, pond turtles, and terrapins. Turtles have lighter, more streamlined shells that allow for easier swimming. Turtles are Omnivorous, feeding on a mix of plants, insects, fish, and other small aquatic animals. Diet can vary widely depending on the species and their habitat.
سبز کچھوؤں کے ساڑھے 16 ہزار بچے سمندر میں چھوڑ دیے گئے
On the other hand, Tortoises are land-dwellers and have no adaptation to life in water. They live in diverse terrestrial habitats such as deserts, grasslands, and forests. They are The Galápagos tortoise and the African spurred tortoise. Tortoises have heavier, more dome-shaped shells that provide better protection against predators. Moreover, their shell is typically more robust and solid. They have adaption for walking on land, with sturdy, elephantine legs and short, strong claws for digging. Besides this, they are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, fruits, and flowers. Some species may occasionally eat insects or carrion.
معدوم ہوتی نسلوں کا عالمی دن اور ریڈ لسٹ کی کیٹگریز
