Turtles

Turtles at a glance

Need to know

• Turtles have existed for over 220 million years—older than most dinosaurs.
• All turtles have bony shells growing from their ribs, unique among vertebrates.
• Some sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometers between feeding and nesting sites.
• Turtles breathe air but many species can hold their breath for hours.
• Galápagos tortoises can live over 150 years, among the longest-lived animals.
• About half of all turtle species are threatened with extinction.

About the Turtles

Turtles, members of the order Testudines, are an ancient and remarkably diverse group of reptiles that inhabit ecosystems from vast oceans and tropical rivers to arid deserts and temperate forests. What unites all turtles is their distinctive, bony shell—a biological armor evolved from their ribs and backbone, providing both protection and structural support.

There are nearly 360 living turtle species, ranging from burrowing terrestrial tortoises and hard-shelled pond turtles to the mighty oceanic leatherback, the largest of all. Turtles have extraordinary adaptations: some travel whole ocean basins, others hibernate for months in mud, and a few can live longer than any other non-colonial animal. Despite their resilience, turtles face devastating threats from habitat loss, illegal trade, and climate change, making their conservation increasingly urgent.

Physical characteristics

Size: From 10 cm (dwarf species) to nearly 2 m (Leatherback sea turtle). Weight: From under 0.2 kg to over 700 kg. Lifespan: Average 40–60 years; some live more than 150 years.

• Bony or leathery shell covering both the back and belly
• Non-retractable head in sea turtles; retractable in many land species
• Webbed feet or flippers for aquatic life; thick, column-like legs for land tortoises
• Beak-like jaws with no teeth
• Distinctive coloration or markings depending on species

Notable species

• Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) — Vulnerable. Open oceans, migrates across entire ocean basins; nesting on tropical and sub-tropical sandy beaches Regions: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, waters off Central America, South China Sea, Mediterranean Sea.
• Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) — Endangered. Shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, coral reefs; nests on warm sandy beaches Regions: Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, South China Sea, Coral Sea.
• Galápagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis niger) — Vulnerable. Volcanic island savannas, grasslands, humid forests Regions: Galápagos Islands.
• Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) — Vulnerable. Forests, meadows, wet woodlands Regions: Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, Midwestern United States.
• Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) — Critically Endangered. Large rivers and lakes with soft, muddy bottoms Regions: Yangtze River, Dong Mo Lake.
• Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) — Vulnerable. Coastal islands, grasslands, scrubs Regions: Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles.

Habitat and range

Original range: Turtles evolved during the Triassic period in regions that are now parts of Pangaea, likely near ancient swamps and lakes.

Current distribution: Today, turtles are found on all continents except Antarctica, in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats.

Preferred environments: Open ocean, Coastal beaches, Rivers and lakes, Freshwater marshes, Temperate and tropical forests, Deserts and savannas

Regions: Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean Sea, Amazon River, Yangtze River, Lake Victoria, East Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Galápagos Islands, Aldabra Atoll

Where to see Turtles

• Tortuguero Beach, Costa Rica — July to October. Best place for seeing nesting green sea turtles at night; guided tours available.
• Galápagos Islands — Year-round, breeding season best January–March. See giant tortoises in the wild; visit multiple islands and reserves.
• Great Barrier Reef, Australia — November to March. Frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles while snorkeling.
• Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — April to October (dry season). Remote and protected giant tortoise sanctuary.

Behavior and diet

Diet: Most turtles are omnivorous, but diet varies: sea turtles may eat seagrass, jellyfish, or crabs; tortoises eat mainly vegetation; freshwater turtles consume aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.

Social structure: Typically solitary, except during basking, breeding, or nesting. No parental care after laying eggs.

Communication: Primarily visual and olfactory; some species use vocalizations underwater (especially hatchlings and males during courtship).

• Sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometers between feeding and breeding grounds.
• Freshwater turtles bask in the sun to regulate body temperature.
• Some species hibernate or aestivate in mud during extreme temperatures.
• Female turtles dig elaborate nests and cover eggs with sand or soil.

Interactions with other animals

• Crocodile (predator): Crocodiles prey on freshwater turtles, especially juveniles and eggs.
• Crab (predator): Shore crabs often raid turtle nests for eggs.
• Remora fish (symbiotic): Remoras hitch rides on sea turtles, feeding on parasites from their skin.
• Seagull (predator): Seagulls prey on turtle hatchlings as they emerge from nests on beaches.

Conservation

IUCN Red List status: More than half of all turtle species are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

Threats

• Habitat loss and alteration
• Illegal wildlife trade and poaching
• Bycatch in fisheries
• Climate change (affecting nesting sex ratios and habitats)
• Pollution and plastic ingestion
• Predation of eggs and hatchlings by invasive species

Conservation efforts

• International protection under CITES
• Sea turtle nest monitoring and protection programs
• Habitat restoration and wetland preservation
• Anti-poaching enforcement
• Community education and outreach

How to help

• Never purchase live turtles or turtle products.
• Support turtle-friendly fisheries and sustainable seafood.
• Reduce plastic use and participate in beach cleanups.
• Report nest sites to local wildlife authorities.
• Support and volunteer with turtle conservation groups.

Turtles facts for kids

Turtles are amazing reptiles with hard shells that help protect them from danger. Some live in the ocean, some in rivers and lakes, and some on land. Turtles can live for a very long time and some travel huge distances to lay their eggs!

• A turtle’s shell is part of its body — it can’t take it off like a backpack.
• Sea turtles can hold their breath for more than an hour underwater.
• Some turtles weigh less than an apple, others more than a small car!
• Tortoises are turtles that live only on land.
• When turtle eggs are warm, mostly girl babies hatch; when it's cool, more boys are born.

Did you know? Did you know the oldest known living turtle reached 187 years old? That's longer than most people live — turtles are true time travelers!

Watch & learn

• Turtle: The Incredible Journey – BBC Earth Documentary Highlights — BBC Earth. This documentary follows the life cycle of sea turtles, focusing on their epic migratory journeys, life challenges, and the threats they face due to human activities. Spectacular footage and narration make it a stand-out film for anyone curious about marine Testudines.
• Survival of the Leatherback Sea Turtle – National Geographic Wild — National Geographic Wild. Get an in-depth look at the life of the endangered leatherback sea turtle, from hatching on the beach to navigating the open ocean. The program combines close-up footage and expert narration to showcase the remarkable adaptations of this reptilian family.
• Sea Turtles: Ancient Mariners – PBS Nature — PBS Nature. PBS Nature explores the ancient lineage of sea turtles, their importance to marine ecosystems, and ongoing conservation efforts. Footage from nesting beaches and underwater scenes highlights both scientific and emotional connections.
• The Secret Life of Freshwater Turtles – Smithsonian Channel — Smithsonian Channel. Discover the secrets of freshwater turtles, focusing on their unique survival strategies, habitats, and interactions with other wildlife. This episode offers a rare glimpse into their lives far from the ocean, showcasing Testudines from a diverse range of families.
• Turtles in the Urban Jungle – BBC Earth — BBC Earth. Explore how turtles adapt to unexpected urban habitats and the challenges they face in cities worldwide. This documentary demonstrates the astonishing adaptability of these reptiles, highlighting both terrestrial and aquatic species.