Turtles and Tortoises

Turtles and Tortoises

Turtles

A turtle is a reptile that has a shell covering its body. 

Turtles are known for moving very slowly. There are about 250 species, or types of turtles... 

Turtles are found in most parts of the world.

Tortoises

Tortoises are land turtles with lots of unique features.

They have both an exoskeleton, which is their outer hard shell, and an endoskeleton, which provides structure for the inside of the body. 

Tortoises are some of the oldest living animals on Earth and can live to be over 150 years old.

Difference Between Turtles and Tortoises

Turtle/Tortoise Endangerment

Turtles and tortoises are endangered, which means they're in danger of becoming extinct, or disappearing forever.

People cause many threats to turtles/tortoises.

Pollution - When we pollute the water and land with trash or chemicals, the water/land becomes less safe to the animals who live there.

The eat the trash thinking it is food and they face problems since plastic and other chemicals is not suitable for them.

Turtle/Tortoise Endangerment

• More than half of the world’s turtle and tortoise species are now threatened with extinction

• Loss of habitat is the biggest threat to turtles and tortoises globally.

• Preventing turtle and tortoise extinctions this century requires protecting their remaining habitat, particularly limited nesting habitats.

• We also have a role to play in safeguarding turtle and tortoise survival worldwide...

• We can help by keeping dogs under control in important turtle habitats, and keeping off-road vehicles away from sensitive beaches and desert areas where turtles roam and nest.