World Turtle Day celebrated on 23 May
When to Observe?
World Turtle Day is created to raise awareness about turtles and tortoises and the threats they face, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and the illegal pet trade. It also aims to encourage people to take action to protect these amazing creatures and their habitats. The day was first celebrated in 2000 and has since become an annual event celebrated in countries around the world.
It is observed on May 23 per annum by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization.
Raise Awareness to guard Turtles and Tortoises:
The day is widely known to boost awareness among people to guard turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. The day is being celebrated since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle.
Turtles and tortoises are some of the oldest living creatures on earth, with some species having been around for over 200 million years. Unfortunately, many turtle and tortoise species are currently facing threats to their survival due to human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching, and pollution.
Differences Between Turtles and Tortoises:
Turtles and Tortoises aren't equivalent things, though today is devoted to celebrating and protecting both. The main difference between the two is that turtles live in the water at least some of the time, while tortoises live on the land. Because they reside in the water, turtles have streamlined and mostly flat shells, while tortoises often have larger and more domed ones.
The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (The TTPG):
First created in 1990 by American Tortoise Rescue, World Turtle Day recognizes that some species of our hard (and soft!) shelled friends are suffering and almost on the sting of extinction because of environmental hazards, and issues with hunting and harvesting of their eggs.
The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (The TTPG) is hospitable to all turtle and tortoise lovers and creates educational material to assist teach kids and adults about these reptilian creatures. The TTPG helps those that are breeding turtles to stay safe from extinction, by providing advice to turtle and tortoise keepers.
Our Responsibility:
If you’re not near a turtle or tortoise hub, keeping your nearby beaches clean is equally important for local wildlife and their ecosystem. Keeping your local sandy summer spot free from plastic bags or water bottles will keep the encompassing sea and land life happy.
To help raise awareness and protect these important species, here are some things you can do:
*Learn about the different species of turtles and tortoises in your area and around the world. Understanding their biology, behaviour, and habitat needs can help you appreciate them more and identify ways to help protect them.
*Support conservation efforts by donating to organizations that are working to protect turtles and tortoises. These groups may be involved in research, habitat restoration, or anti-poaching efforts.
*Reduce your use of plastics, which can harm turtles and other marine life. Plastics can be mistaken for food by turtles, or entangle them, leading to injury or death. Instead, opt for reusable items, like water bottles and shopping bags, and properly dispose of any plastics you do use.
*If you see a turtle or tortoise in the wild, observe them from a distance and avoid disturbing them. Turtles and tortoises can become stressed and may retreat into their shells or abandon their nests if they feel threatened.
*Avoid purchasing or selling turtles or tortoises as pets. Many species are protected under international law, and buying or selling them may contribute to their decline in the wild.
By taking these steps, we can all do our part to help protect turtles and tortoises and ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come.
The theme of 2021 World Turtle Day:
The theme of 2021 World Turtle Day is “Turtles Rock!”.
Note:
Q: Name the founders of American Tortoise Rescue?
Ans: Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson.
Q: Where does American Tortoise Rescue locate?
Ans: Malibu, California.
Q: When did American Tortoise Rescue found?
Ans: 1990.
Q: In 2013, over 160 free ______ plans and teaching materials were sent out to classrooms for use with over 5,500 students.
Ans: Turtle Day lesson.
Q: Turtle Day Lesson plans were provided by which organization?
Ans: The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG).
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