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CyberDodo and Tortoises (1-24)

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What threats are tortoises exposed to?

Even though there are several natural predators, both of sea turtles (Sharks, etc.) as well as land tortoises (Dogs, foxes, birds, snakes, etc.), and these are present at all times of their lives: when they are adults, when they are born or even when they are still in their shell, none of these dangers can compare to man.

A major danger for marine turtles is being accidentally caught during fishing; tens of thousands die this way every year. Another risk related to fishing is when turtles get caught by driftnets, and cannot get loose.

Plastic bags, which our modern civilisation has so much difficulty in doing without, are a perfect trap, because turtles believe that they are seeing jelly fish, try to swallow them and generally die as a result of intestinal complications, as well as a false feeling of being full.

A study published in 2009 by scientists N. Mrosovsky, Geraldine D. Ryan and Michael C. James with focus on the autopsy of more than 400 marine turtles shows that in more than one third of cases, the ingestion of plastic was the cause of death.

The threats to land tortoises are different, but just as serious, starting with the progressive disappearance of their habitat everywhere on the planet, due to the fact of human expansion.

Deforestation, fires, pollution, noise, roads, highways, the invasion of their living places by new predators, etc., in short, the destruction of their territories and biodiversity adds new species of tortoises each year onto the very worrying list of endangered species, which indeed does not stop growing.

There are more than 300 species of tortoises

Everyone in every country can contribute to the conservation of tortoises, for example: some can contribute by protecting the egg-laying sites, while others can simply refuse to buy animals which are trafficked illegally.

Everyone can contribute by preserving the environment and biodiversity!

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