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Endangered Sea Turtles

Endangered sea turtles appear in mythological stories throughout indigenous island cultures across the world. One such myth talks about “Turtle Island” and it is believed that the mud from the sea was placed on the back of a turtle, which grew and grew until it eventually became the present day continent we call North America. Sea turtles have been significant symbols for many people throughout time as they mirror the overall health of our planet. The struggle for survival of these ancient creatures is a matter of conservation and preservation that is now in the hands of humans.

Sea turtles are reptiles that inhabit tropical and sub tropical seas and range widely in size shape and color. They are mystical creatures that reproduce about every four years after they become adults. The adult female will return to shore and nest at night, usually on the same beach from which she hatched. The mortality rates for endangered sea turtles are quite high due to the natural threats they face, but the biggest threat now is the encroachment of humans.

Humans have impinged on the territories of these sea-dwelling reptiles to such a degree that they have been listed as endangered. Some of the harmful practices causing them to be endangered include the harvesting of eggs, poaching for jewelry and souvenirs, and commercial fishing practices, which has become very destructive to their sensitive ecosystem. As a result of the greed and negligence on the part of humans, endangered sea turtles have seen a dramatic decline in their populations.

People are the biggest cause for their plummeting numbers and possible extinction, but humans are also the biggest proponents in saving them from extinction. Some of the successful efforts in protecting these endangered animals include, passing international laws and creating organizations such as Conservation International, which helps to inform people about environmental issues. By setting up conservation policies and enforcing laws against illegal practices, it is possible to alter the way people think about endangered sea turtles.

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