Today (and everyday) we celebrate our turtle friends and their contributions to our natural world. Unfortunately, some turtle species are in critical need of our help. One of these species is an Ohio native species - the spotted turtle, which is listed as "vulnerable" by the IUCN and is regularly sold on the black market. We spoke with Animal Care Manager, Kathleen, about the importance of World Turtle Day and the spotted turtle.
- Why is World Turtle Day important?
World Turtle Day is when we celebrate turtles and tortoises all over the world! These incredible animals have been around since the time of dinosaurs, even surviving a sudden mass extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago. And although the United States is a “hotspot” for turtle diversity, they are facing constant pressure from habitat loss, climate change, vehicle strikes and the illegal pet trade. World Turtle Day is not only a great way to learn about our turtle and tortoise friends but to also learn what we can do to help.
- Can you tell us a little about spotted turtles?
Spotted turtles are a small species of turtle found in wetlands around the Great Lakes region, including Ohio, as well as a few states along the East coast. Named after their unique small yellow spots, a spotted turtle’s spots actually change locations on their shell as they grow. Unfortunately, spotted turtles are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as their numbers continue to decline largely due to habitat loss, climate change and illegal pet trade.
- Why are they so important?
Spotted turtles are an important part of their delicate wetland ecosystems, helping shape the plants and animals that inhabit their landscape. Although they are small, they are very long lived and can live well past 30 years old. They are also slow growers and take up to 10 years until they are old enough to reproduce. Because of this, their populations are slow to recover when they experience outside pressures such as poaching.
- What is the Akron Zoo doing to help?
The Akron Zoo has been working hard over the past five years to help protect our little native friends. Working together the Assosiation of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) North American Turtle SAFE (Save Animals from Extinction) program, we have partnered with other institutions to help pave a road home for confiscated spotted turtles. After a group of illegally collected spotted turtles were found and confiscated by authorities several zoos, including your Akron Zoo, agreed to take in the turtles in to give them proper care until their future could be determined. After thorough health assessments, disease screening, and genetic testing it was determine that the turtles were likely illegally collected from our Great Lakes region. During this time the spotted turtles had to be kept in a biosecure setting to not only keep the turtles healthy but to also keep our resident animals at the Akron Zoo from disease transmission. After working with our partners through the Save and Protect Ohio Turtle Diversity (SPOTD) committee and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) it was determined that the turtles were eligible for re-release into the wild. This monumental release marks the first time a group of spotted turtles have ever made it back into the wild after an illegal confiscation. And we are hoping that the careful and thoughtful process can be used to help guide other North American turtles from the black market back into the wild.
- Can people at home do anything to help?
You too can help save turtles from extinction in five easy ways!
- Never take a turtle home from the wild
- If it’s safe to do so , help turtles across the road in the direction they are going
- Never release a pet turtle into the wild, where it could harm native species
- Protect turtle habitat by leaving no trace, and leaving no trash
- Spread the word that #everyturtlecounts
Remember, that the loss of an adult turtle can have a serious impact on their population which is why every turtle counts!