You Can Help Save Turtles!

Help Stop the Asian Turtle Crisis

The majority of Asian turtle populations have been decimated by over-collection, particularly for trade as delicacies in restaurants and live animal markets. Dealers are now targeting turtle populations in other countries, such as the United States and European nations, to supply the Asian demand. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has identified this as the "Asian turtle crisis," and has organized efforts to protect turtles from the trade.
Write to the USFWS to congratulate the agency on its international efforts, and encourage it to continue to be a leader in protecting these vulnerable species within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES protects endangered animals from international trade.

Write to:
The Honorable Craig Manson
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C St. NW
Room 3156
Washington, D.C. 20240

Get Turtles out of U.S. Live Animal Markets

Turtles are among the most popular offerings at live animal markets in the United States. They suffer terrible abuse in filthy, neglectful conditions, and are slaughtered by being cut apart while conscious. The vast majority of market turtles are taken from the wild, contributing to declining U.S. turtle populations. Tell state wildlife agencies that you're concerned about the increasing collection of wild turtles to supply animal markets in the United States and abroad.
If wildlife is being sold for food in a live animal market in your state, contact TDI or your local and state legislators, asking that they ban the practice. You may also find it effective to contact state and local health departments (check the CDC web site for listings), which will rightly be concerned about possible unsanitary conditions at live animal markets. Finally, contact state wildlife agencies about the dangers that non-native and diseased market animals may pose to local wildlife if released.

Protect Turtle Habitat

Become active in your local conservation commission or parks and recreation department, and work to preserve turtle habitat.

Give Turtles a Brake

If you see a turtle crossing a road, gently pick her up and carry her across in the direction she was headed. (Be watchful for cars in the process.) If the turtle is a large one, or a snapping turtle, nudge her gently across the road without getting too close.

Enjoy Turtles in the Wild

Never keep wild turtles as pets or buy them from a pet store. The trade in reptiles as pets is responsible for tremendous animal suffering and serious damage to turtle populations. Learn to enjoy turtles by observing them in their natural habitat, where they belong. If turtles live in your yard, why not keep them happy by building a pond and by landscaping with plants that provide protection and food? Edible plants for turtles include tropical hibiscus, dandelion, geraniums, and Chinese lantern. (Make sure that your plants are free of pesticide and herbicide residue.) Piles of leaves, vines, and downed trees make perfect turtle hiding places.

Do Not Disturb

Steer clear of the beach at night during the summer. Your presence will frighten nesting sea turtles back into the sea, preventing them from laying eggs and jeopardizing any eggs they have laid.

Turn Out the Lights

Do not shine bright lights on the beach at night. Oppose coastal development such as condominiums, houses, resorts, and hotels; they tend to expose beaches to excessive artificial lighting, which discourages female turtles from approaching the beach to lay eggs. The light also draws hatchlings away from the ocean, disorients them, and exposes them to predation and deadly dehydration.

Don't Pollute or Litter

Pollution makes its way into bodies of water and wild areas, poisoning turtles and destroying their habitats. Always properly dispose of any hazardous materials such as paint or oil. Garbage, such as plastic bags, kills many pond turtles and sea turtles who either ingest it or become entangled in it. Reduce the amount of garbage you produce, and dispose of it properly.

Report Crimes

Tell local authorities if you see any person harassing or poaching a sea turtle, her eggs, hatchlings, or nests. These activities are violations of U.S. state and federal laws.

Spread the Word

Educate others about the importance of protecting turtles from commercial exploitation and abuse in your community and throughout the world. Be a voice for turtles.