World Turtle Day is annually observed across the globe on 23rd May to support the people to celebrate and protect the tortoise and turtles and their habitats across the globe.
23rd May 2021 marks the observance of the 21st World Turtle Day.
Aim:
To protect the turtles and tortoises from illegal smuggling, exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and pet trade.
The theme of World Turtle Day 2021 is “Turtle Rocks!”.
Key Points:
i.Around 61% of turtles across the globe are threatened or extinct.
ii.The sea turtles have played a major role in maintaining the health of the world’s ocean for more than 100 million years.
iii.Human activities have affected the survival of the turtles and tortoises which are hunted for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells.
iv.The sea turtles and tortoises are threatened by poaching and over-exploitation and face habitat destruction and bycatch.
Conservation of Turtles:
i.Five species of sea turtles occurring in India, including the Olive Ridley turtles, are legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species(CITES) Convention which prohibits trade in turtle products.
About American Tortoise Rescue(ATR):
The American Tortoise Rescue(ATR) was founded in 1990 by Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson.
Headquarters– Malibu, California
