Wonderful turtles! Today is dedicated to them, the most ancient creatures in the world. Like every year, May 23 is celebrated on World Turtle Day, the World Turtle Day, established by the non-profit organization American Tortoise Rescue with the aim of raising awareness about the conditions of this species and the state of the habitats in which it lives. But how much do we know to safeguard turtles?
They have been on Earth for millions of years, the Caretta caretta is the most widespread in the Mediterranean and some specimens can survive up to two centuries, but not everyone knows that (also) the turtles are at risk of extinction (the Caretta caretta itself, for example , or the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, are on the Iucn red list).
This is why the American organization has created the annual world days to "increase respect and knowledge of one of the oldest creatures in the world", as stated on the World Turtle Day website. But what do we need to know about turtles and what should we do to defend them?
Few and simple as precious are the gestures that safeguard these wonderful animals:
Index
Never buy turtles in pet stores
If you want a turtle at home, adopt it! Just like cats and dogs, it's best not to buy one at a pet store. Unfortunately, most of these animals are illegally brought out of their habitat or are victims of international trafficking.
If you have any news, then report the illegal sale of turtles to the authorities.
Never remove a turtle from its environment unless it is injured
If you are lucky enough to find one, please leave it alone! Unless you feel like she needs help, you can ask a vet for help and, if you feel like she has trouble, just put her in a safe place.
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Reduce your impact on the oceans
Needless to say, more than a hundred different marine species in the Mediterranean ingest plastic every day. Among these, even the turtles.
The basin of the Mediterranean it is characterized by a high biodiversity and unfortunately it is part of it among the most threatened ecosystems from plastic waste globally and among the species most threatened by waste there is Caretta caretta sea turtle, one of the most prone to entrapment and ingestion of plastic.
Sources: IUCN Caretta caretta / IUCN Green Turtle / WWF
Read also:
- Balloons, labels and 104 pieces of plastic found in the stomach of this little turtle
- Turtle with a mouth full of plastic found dead on the Abruzzo coast
