2011 Year of the Turtle
Turtle conservation groups in partnership with PARC are designating 2011 as the Year of the Turtle
Why Turtles, and Why Now?
Turtles are disappearing from the planet faster than any other group of animal. Today, over 40% of turtle species are identified as threatened with extinction. However, it’s not too late for our turtle heritage to be salvaged. The United States has more endemic turtle species than anywhere on Earth; a turtle biodiversity hotspot. Our careful stewardship can preserve the rare species and keep ‘common species common.’
Throughout the year, we will be raising awareness of the issues surrounding turtles through press releases, newsletters, photo contests, and related events. It is our hope that citizens, natural resource managers, scientists, and the pet and food industries will work together to help ensure long-term survival of turtle species and populations.
Threats to US Turtles
The bad news is humans cause the largest harm to turtle populations, but the good news is we have the power to make positive changes toward turtle survival.
The largest threats to turtle populations include (with the top 3 caused primarily by humans):
habitat loss and degradation
overharvest of wild turtles for food, traditional medicines, and pets
mortality from roads, agricultural machinery, fishing bycatch, and predators
exotic invasive species and diseases
loss of unique genetic makeup due to hybridization
climate change
Bookmark www.yearoftheturtle.org, and check it often for more information on how you can get involved!
Sign up for our monthly newsletters, containing:
A downloadable turtle photo calendar for each month, including a photo contest – your photo could be in the calendar!
Information about turtle conservation efforts and groups, and how you can help
Interviews with turtle experts, and answers to selected questions that YOU send us!
Information on how you can help spread the word about turtles
Educational materials
Turtle art, poetry, and cultural information
… and much, MUCH, more!
http://www.parcplace.org/yearoftheturtle.htm
Turtle conservation groups in partnership with PARC are designating 2011 as the Year of the Turtle
Why Turtles, and Why Now?
Turtles are disappearing from the planet faster than any other group of animal. Today, over 40% of turtle species are identified as threatened with extinction. However, it’s not too late for our turtle heritage to be salvaged. The United States has more endemic turtle species than anywhere on Earth; a turtle biodiversity hotspot. Our careful stewardship can preserve the rare species and keep ‘common species common.’
Throughout the year, we will be raising awareness of the issues surrounding turtles through press releases, newsletters, photo contests, and related events. It is our hope that citizens, natural resource managers, scientists, and the pet and food industries will work together to help ensure long-term survival of turtle species and populations.
Threats to US Turtles
The bad news is humans cause the largest harm to turtle populations, but the good news is we have the power to make positive changes toward turtle survival.
The largest threats to turtle populations include (with the top 3 caused primarily by humans):
habitat loss and degradation
overharvest of wild turtles for food, traditional medicines, and pets
mortality from roads, agricultural machinery, fishing bycatch, and predators
exotic invasive species and diseases
loss of unique genetic makeup due to hybridization
climate change
Bookmark www.yearoftheturtle.org, and check it often for more information on how you can get involved!
Sign up for our monthly newsletters, containing:
A downloadable turtle photo calendar for each month, including a photo contest – your photo could be in the calendar!
Information about turtle conservation efforts and groups, and how you can help
Interviews with turtle experts, and answers to selected questions that YOU send us!
Information on how you can help spread the word about turtles
Educational materials
Turtle art, poetry, and cultural information
… and much, MUCH, more!
http://www.parcplace.org/yearoftheturtle.htm
