World Turtle Day 2024: Become a Ninja Turtle and lead the change

We have all heard of the fabled story of The Tortoise and the Hare. But did you know that the story was first published back in 1547? Yes, you read that right. This story has been passed down from generation to generation for the last five centuries! This means that turtles have been part and parcel of our lives forever and therefore, it is not surprising that today, we celebrate World Turtle Day® on May 23 annually.

Founded in 1990, the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of all tortoise and turtle species, proudly announces the annual observance of World Turtle Day® on May 23. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent need to protect these creatures and their increasingly vulnerable habitats globally.

The day seeks to educate the public on effective measures to safeguard the habitats of turtles and tortoises while celebrating the delight that these reptiles bring to many people. The theme for this year’s World Turtle Day 2024 is ‑ I Love Turtles.

According to Dileshwari Hirwani, PRT Science at Apeejay School Nerul, conserving turtles is vital as they maintain healthy marine and terrestrial ecosystems, support biodiversity, and symbolise ancient resilience. “On World Turtle Day, we emphasise the importance of conserving each species, as every creature plays a unique role in sustaining ecological balance, promoting biodiversity, and enriching our planet’s natural heritage.

Hence, on this day, it is important to know a few interesting facts about these ectotherms or cold-blooded animals.

Underwater Hibernation: In colder climates, some turtles, like the Painted Turtle, can hibernate underwater for months. They survive in a state of near-frozen suspended animation, a condition that would be fatal to most other vertebrates.

Ancient Ancestry: Turtles are among the oldest reptile groups, more ancient than snakes or crocodiles. The earliest fossils of turtles date back to around 220 million years ago, making them contemporaries of the earliest dinosaurs.

Shell Shock: Unlike the common misconception, a turtle’s shell has nerve endings and can feel pressure and pain. This makes the shell not just a protective armour but also a sensory surface.

Heartbeat Adaptability: Some turtles can adjust their heart rate to incredibly slow levels during hibernation. For instance, the North American Wood Turtle can slow its heartbeat to as few as one beat every 5 to 10 minutes.

Diverse Diet: While most people might think of turtles as herbivores, their diets can be incredibly varied. Some turtles are omnivores, others are carnivores, and a few species are even specialized feeders. For example, the Hawksbill Turtle primarily eats sponges, which are toxic to most other marine animals.

Temperature Determines Sex: For many turtle species, the temperature at which the eggs incubate determines the sex of the hatchlings. Warmer temperatures generally produce females, while cooler temperatures produce males. This trait is particularly fascinating given the implications of climate change on turtle populations.

Longevity Genes: Turtles are known for their impressive lifespans, with some species living over 100 years. Research suggests that turtles may have evolved mechanisms that protect them from the effects of aging and cancer, contributing to their long lives.

Built-In GPS: Sea turtles have a remarkable navigation system. They use the Earth’s magnetic fields to navigate, which acts like a natural GPS. This ability helps them return to the beach where they were born, sometimes traveling thousands of miles, to lay their eggs.

What can students do on this day?

·         As a concerned citizen, you can ensure that you don’t throw plastic into nature

·         Donate to the World Wildlife Fund and contribute to their global conservation efforts

·         You can do a symbolic turtle adoption and you can be the proud recipient of the Green Turtle adoption kit