23rd May: World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day is celebrated on 23rd May every year. 

Turtles are ancient creatures and they remain unchanged for millions of years. Ancient turtles like Dino Turtle are twice as big as today's biggest turtle Leatherback. To give you a sense of perspective, an adult Leatherback is as big as a double bed.

Below you can see a stamp issued by Malaysia in 1979 depicting the Leatherback (scientific name: Dermochelys Coriacae)

Six out of seven sea turtle species are in danger.  To bring attention and increase knowledge and respect for turtles, World Turtle Day has been celebrated from 2000 onwards.  Various volunteer organizations are working to protect this species from becoming extinct.

Greenpeace is working to establish a global network to form protected ocean sanctuaries on the open seas, areas beyond any one country's jurisdiction. These protecting areas will keep them safe. Give your support to this network to achieve protected ocean sanctuaries.

In Chennai, India a voluntary organization called "Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network" is working to save sea turtles, especially Olive Ridley.  They conduct free walks during the hatching season (December to April) when they ensure the safe passage of baby turtles back to the sea.

Below is a miniature sheet issued by Sri Lanka depicting two animals. One of them is a Hawksbill Turtle.

We always confuse Tortoises and turtles.  Most people use the term “turtle” to reference any reptile with a shell on its back, but there are several differences between these two unique creatures.  Tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises.

Tortoises have more rounded and domed shells whereas turtles have thinner, more water-dynamic shells and are streamlined to aid in swimming.

One major key difference is that tortoises spend most of their time on land and turtles are adapted for a life spent in water.

Tortoises have club-like forelegs and 'elephantine' hind legs. Because tortoises are often larger and heavier, their elephantine hind legs help them move around and carry the extra weight!  Turtles will have more flipper-like legs, or webbed feet to make it easier to cruise through the water.