May 23rd, 2017, was World Turtle Day! Virtually unchanged since dinosaurs first roamed the earth, turtles have inhabited the earth for 220 million years. Globally, there are an estimated 320 species found on every continent and in every ocean except Antarctica and its surrounding waters. The southeastern United States is home to 42 species of turtle (Virginia has 24 species and subspecies) and second only to Southeast Asia in turtle diversity.
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- Common box turtle
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- Spotted turtle
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- Common Snapping Turtle
Unfortunately, nearly 50% of the world’s turtle species are threatened with extinction from habitat loss to collection for the pet trade and foreign food markets. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is doing their part in helping conserve turtles and are actively involved in several turtle projects with state, federal and private partners.
The illegal trapping and trafficking of turtles is a major concern in Virginia
To learn more about Virginia’s turtles and what you can do to conserve this fascinating group of animals, you can obtain a copy of A Guide to the Turtles of Virginia at ShopDWR.com!
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Article and photos by J.D. Kleopfer, Herpetologist, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.