A male yellow-bellied slider
© Marko Markovic Photography/Shutterstoc
Bask in the glow—It's World Turtle Day
For the last 20 years, on May 23, turtle lovers everywhere have emerged to honor these shelled reptiles that have roamed the Earth for more than 200 million years. The over 350 known species of turtles alive today are found on every continent, except Antarctica. But despite their wide distribution, most turtles are endangered due to loss of habitat, illegal wildlife trade, and hunting and fishing. World Turtle Day aims to change that by raising awareness about their plight and encouraging conservation efforts. So today, we invite you to stick your neck out for turtles.
A Julia butterfly on the nose of a yellow-spotted river turtle, Amazon Region, Ecuador
Marine iguanas, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
A green sea turtle swims in the Pacific Ocean near the French special collectivity of New Caledonia
Young black caiman, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
Indian star tortoise, Sri Lanka
Green sea turtle, San Diego, California
Volcán Alcedo giant tortoises, Isabela Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
West Indian manatee mother and baby, Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida
