Shell-berate responsibly!
World Turtle Day is observed every year on May 23rd. With their slow-and-steady charm and ancient lineage, turtles have captured human fascination for centuries. Turtles are one of the planet’s oldest (over 200 million years) and have outlived dinosaurs and witnessed the rise of mammals and humans alike. In many cultures worldwide, turtles symbolise wisdom and endurance. Turtles hold a profound significance in Indian scriptures, the Kurma Avatar. Recall the character Grand Master Oogway in the Kungfu Panda movie. We grew up listening to the Rabbit and Tortoise race story and learned lessons from it. Over half of more than 350 species are considered threatened or endangered. When it comes to the challenges for conservation, the narrative remains the same. It is a lack of understanding by human beings that Mother Earth is for every inhabitant. In the process, humans are also making it difficult for themselves too. The next time we see a turtle, recall its essential role in the ecosystem. Let turtles survive and lead their lives. Appreciate and realise the need to conserve them. Â
Turtles Face Challenges That Could Push Them Toward Extinction.
They Need Our Help More Than Ever.
World Turtle Day is observed every year on May 23rd. Launched in 2000 by the “American Tortoise Rescue”, it aims to raise awareness about turtles’ threats and promote actions to protect them and their habitats. Turtles are one of the planet’s oldest (over 200 million years) and most fascinating creatures. They have outlived dinosaurs and witnessed the rise of mammals and humans alike. Turtles are true survivors, from the majestic sea turtles that traverse the oceans to the land-dwelling tortoises that quietly roam deserts and grasslands. Over half of more than 350 species are considered threatened or endangered. When it comes to the challenges for conservation, the narrative remains the same. Habitat Loss, Illegal Wildlife Trade, climate change, and plastic. It is a lack of understanding by human beings that Mother Earth is for every inhabitant, and overexploiting resources makes it difficult the survival of other beings. In the process, humans are also making it difficult for themselves too.
In many cultures worldwide, turtles symbolise wisdom and endurance. Turtles hold a profound significance in Indian scriptures, often symbolising stability, longevity, wisdom, and cosmic support. The most prominent mention of a turtle in Hindu scriptures is the Kurma Avatar, the second of the ten principal incarnations of Dashavatara. Recall the character Grand Master Oogway in the Kungfu Panda movie. He is known for his profound wisdom and mastery of Kung Fu. We grew up listening to the Rabbit and Tortoise race story and learned lessons from it. Slow and steady wins the race.
Most turtles begin life in a nest dug into sand or soil by their mother. Tiny turtles emerge after incubating for 45-70 days and instinctively head toward the brightest horizon – usually the ocean or water body. The disturbing fact is that ~1 in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings survive to adulthood due to predators and environmental hazards. Regarding Reproduction, it is fascinating that the Females return to the same beach where they were born to lay eggs, continuing the cycle.
The Tortoise May Be Slow, But It Always Arrives at Its Destination.
Turtles have abilities that make them special. Some of them can dive over 1,000 meters deep. Travel more than 10,000 kilometres in a year. The life span of some of them can be as high as 100 years, and can weigh more than 400 kilograms. They are grouped into three main types based on their habitats and characteristics: Tortoises, Freshwater Turtles, Sea Turtles, and Terrapins. With their slow-and-steady charm and ancient lineage, turtles have captured human fascination for centuries.
Turtles play a vital role in ecosystems. Sea turtles help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. Freshwater turtles control aquatic vegetation and insect populations. Land tortoises disperse seeds and shape landscapes. Leatherback turtles feed on jellyfish, helping regulate their populations. Freshwater turtles consume dead fish and organic debris. Â
Turtles prey on birds, mammals, and fish. Predators of insects, plants, and small animals. Transporters of nutrients across land and sea. Their presence ensures ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and resilience.
Periodically, the challenges faced by the hatching of Olive Ridley turtles are discussed in India. They are found in warm tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. Even though they are the most abundant sea turtle species, they face serious conservation challenges. One of the most remarkable features of Olive Ridleys is their synchronised mass nesting event called “arribada” (Spanish for “arrival”). In India, it happens in places like Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches in Odisha. Â Â
These Ancient Wanderers
Deserve Our Love and Protection.
World Turtle Day is not just about raising awareness
– it is a call to action.
The next time we see a turtle, recall its essential role in the ecosystem. Let turtles survive and lead their lives. Appreciate and realise the need to conserve them.
Toon: Shreya
Log: M Sai Baba
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