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A new study by 51 experts has concluded that over 50% of all turtle and tortoise species are threatened by extinction. Habitat loss is considered the greatest threat to turtles and tortoises, but the pet trade, pollution, climate change, invasive species and overconsumption of food and medicine also put the species at risk. Thus, the experts urged governments to protect the remaining habitats of turtles and tortoises, including nesting grounds, which are key to preventing extinctions.
You can help turtles by educating yourself on the risks of overconsumption of food and medicine and the pet trade, keeping dogs away from nesting grounds and not using off-road vehicles near beaches and desert areas where turtles nest or reside. Plastic pollution is also a major threat to turtles and tortoises, so the less plastic you buy, the better for the species. Every action you take to limit climate change and lower your carbon footprint also helps turtles and tortoises.