Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
In order to raise awareness about turtles and tortoises, their conservation needs, and the threats they face we celebrated World Turtle Day on May 23rd. It’s also a day to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and unique roles that turtles and tortoises play in their ecosystems. The Day serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals, organizations, and governments to support turtle and tortoise conservation efforts. The day was first celebrated by American Tortoise Rescue in 2002 and it highlights the suffering and the dwindling numbers of these animals due to human interference and environmental hazards. Schools, rescue centres, and nature lovers all come together on this day to learn more about these creatures and pledge their allegiance to help save them. Turtles are magnificent creatures that may seem mostly sedentary and low-key but are very fascinating. They belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world – which makes them significantly older than snakes, crocodiles, and alligators. The celebration of World Turtle Day 2025 is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of active protection and scientific research for the conservation of species such as Emys orbicularis, and on the need for careful and sustainable management of wetlands, environments rich in biodiversity but highly threatened.
It is said that an American Tortoise Rescue an organisation helps in wellbeing and rescue of tortoises and turtles. Learning the differences between the two creatures is the first step in understanding them better. It was started in the year 2000 by American tortoise Rescue as a way of urging people to come together to understand tortoises and turtles better. Turtles and tortoises are different creatures, however, many people often consider them one. Both turtles and tortoises are two distinct creations that play significant roles in the well-being and development of the ecosystem.
Tortoises can live up to 300 years, while the lifespan of turtles is 40 years. However, despite the differences, both turtles and tortoises play significant roles in the ecosystem. Turtles can be of all shapes and sizes, such as the bog turtle which can be as small as 4 inches, and then the Leatherback sea turtle which can weigh over 1000 pounds and 8 feet long. It’s easy to get confused between a tortoise and a turtle. The main difference between the two is that turtles sometimes live in the water, while tortoises only live on the land. Turtles live up to the age of 40 and have streamlined and mostly flat shells. On the other hand, tortoises can live up to 300 years and they have larger, more domed shells. You will mostly find turtles in the sea, while tortoises inhabit dense jungles and grasslands. Turtles and tortoises are two different animals but this day is dedicated to celebrating and protecting both.
One must remember that World Turtle Day is a great day to remind ourselves about their disappearing habitats around the globe and ways we can make changes to save these amazing creatures.