May 23 is World Turtle Day, to celebrate and protect what may be the planet’s most captivating reptiles. Here are some of the best places to see turtles in the wild – and some tips to help protect turtles and tortoises in ways their own protective hard shells can’t.
World Turtle Day is the brainchild of the non-profit organization American Tortoise Rescue. Tortoise is the name given to terrestrial turtles, often found in arid environments. No matter what name they go by, all the members of the turtle family, whether they live in land or water, are set apart from all other reptiles by their bone or cartilage shells, which are – fun fact – extensions of their rib cage. They have existed on earth for over 200 million years, making them older than other reptiles, including snakes, crocodiles and alligators.
Turtles are found around the world, from marshes to rivers to oceans, from forests to deserts. They play crucial roles in the environments where they live. Many species are endangered or worse, facing habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, being caught in fishing gear, human interference in nesting areas, and poaching for meat, shells and the pet trade. Sadly, you can even still buy souvenirs made of the shells of these delightful – but threatened – creatures.
Many of us dream to encounter turtles in their natural habitats in the wild during our travels. It’s a glimpse back hundreds of millions of years into primordial planet earth. Not to mention the perma-smiles on turtle faces and the irresistible appeal of their seemingly friendly gliding through the waves or stately walk on land.
Here are some of the best places around the world where you can travel and see turtles in their natural habitat:
1. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Green sea turtles, giant tortoises
2. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Green turtles, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles
3. Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
- Green sea turtles, leatherback turtles, hawksbill turtles
4. Reserve Naturelle, St. Martin
- Leatherbacks, hawksbill and green turtles
5. The Palm Beaches, Florida
- Leatherbacks, loggerheads, green turtles, Kemp's ridleys, and hawksbill turtles
6. Hawaii, USA
- Green sea turtles (Honu)
7. Sipadan Island, Malaysia
- Green turtles, hawksbill turtles
8. Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Green turtles, hawksbill turtles
9. Akumal, Mexico
- Green turtles
10. South Ari Atoll, Maldives
- Hawksbill turtles, green turtles
These locations are known as great places to observe turtles in their natural environments. They have solid turtle populations and conscientious conservation efforts: protecting habitats particularly during nesting season, regulating fishing practices, enforcing poaching and illegal wildlife trade, reducing pollution especially marine plastic waste, and some also actively help breed and rebuild local turtle populations.
While efforts from conservation organizations, governments, and local communities are crucial to prevent the extinction of these ancient and ecologically important reptiles, travelers have an important role to play too.
Here are tips to avoid harming turtles and their habitats when you travel:
1. Respect Nesting Sites:
- Avoid disturbing turtle nests on beaches. Keep a safe distance and follow local guidelines for viewing nesting turtles.
- Do not touch or handle turtle eggs or hatchlings, as this can cause harm and interfere with their natural development.
2. Minimize Light Pollution:
- Use red lights or low-intensity lights on turtle nesting beaches at night to avoid disorienting adult turtles and hatchlings.
- Avoid using flash photography when observing turtles, as bright lights can disturb them.
3. Keep Beaches Clean:
- Dispose of trash properly and participate in beach clean-ups to reduce pollution that can harm turtles.
- Avoid leaving items like beach chairs, umbrellas, and even sandcastles on nesting beaches, as they can obstruct turtles' paths.
4. Follow Responsible Snorkeling and Diving Practices:
- Maintain a safe distance from turtles while snorkeling or diving. Do not chase, touch, or ride them.
- Be mindful of your fins and avoid kicking up sediment, which can disturb turtles and damage coral reefs.
5. Support Eco-Friendly Tours:
- Choose tour operators that follow ethical guidelines for turtle watching and support conservation efforts.
- Look for certifications or endorsements from reputable conservation organizations when selecting a tour provider.
6. Avoid Buying Turtle Products:
- Do not purchase souvenirs made from turtle shells, meat, or other parts, as this supports illegal trade and poaching.
7. Participate in Conservation Activities:
- Volunteer with local conservation groups to help protect turtles and their habitats.
- Support organizations working to conserve turtle populations and their environments.
8. Educate Yourself and Others:
- Learn and share information about the specific turtle species and their conservation status in the area you are visiting.
9. Follow Local Regulations:
- Adhere to all local rules and regulations regarding turtle interactions and conservation.
10. Use Eco-Friendly Products:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent chemicals from affecting marine life.
- Choose biodegradable and avoid plastic products whenever possible.
START YOUR WILDLIFE TRIP!
Image: courtesy of Reserve Naturelle, St. Martin / St-Martin.org/
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