New Delhi: Turtles are magnificent creatures of all sizes and shapes. They belong to the reptile group Testudines, which includes turtles and tortoises. Turtles are found in different environments and date back to the time of dinosaurs.

Today, many species of turtles are endangered — they are either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. So, every year, World Turtle Day raises awareness about their threats. Read on to learn more about the day’s history and significance and some interesting facts about one of the oldest reptiles in the world.

World Turtle Day History

World Turtle Day is observed every May 23. It started in 2000 and is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue. The day aims to help people celebrate and protect turtles, tortoises, and their habitats while encouraging action to help them survive. A study showed that awareness days like World Turtle Day increase online searches for protected species.

People celebrate World Turtle Day by dressing as turtles, wearing green summer dresses, helping turtles on roads, researching, and adopting turtles or tortoises from rescue centres. American Tortoise Rescue offers lesson plans and craft projects to teach about turtles in schools.

“World Turtle Day” is trademarked by Susan Tellem from Malibu, California.

World Turtle Day Significance

Tortoises live on land, while turtles live in water. Tortoises can live up to 300 years, and turtles can live for about 40 years. Both turtles and tortoises are important to the ecosystem. Turtles eat dead fish that wash up on shore, and tortoises create holes that other creatures use.

Interesting Facts about Turtles

Ancient and Diverse

Turtles have existed for over 200 million years, dating back to the dinosaurs. There are more than 350 species of turtles, tortoises, and terrapins.

Shells are More Than Just Protection

Turtle shells are made of over 50 fused bones, including the rib cage and spine, and are part of the turtle’s skeleton.

Longevity

Some turtles live very long lives, with the oldest recorded turtle being 188 years old.

Not Silent

While turtles are often considered silent, they can produce sounds. Some species, like the leatherback sea turtle, communicate even before hatching.

Great Travellers

Sea turtles are known for their long migrations, travelling thousands of kilometres to find food and nesting sites.

Specialised Diets

Different turtle species eat various foods, including seagrass, seaweed, sponges, and shellfish.

Breath-Holding Champions

Some sea turtles, such as the green sea turtle, can hold their breath underwater for up to five hours.

Returning Home

Many sea turtle species can return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs.

Unique Adaptations

Leatherback sea turtles have special features like a tough, flexible shell that allows them to dive deep and a diet mainly consisting of jellyfish.