Freshwater and terrestrial turtles face threats from habitat loss, road mortality, and collection for the pet trade that affect populations and individual welfare.
Turtle conservation and welfare intersect critically at several points. Turtles attempting to cross roads during nesting migrations face acute mortality risk, with females of reproductive age — the most valuable individuals for population viability — disproportionately killed. Wild collection for the pet trade depletes wild populations and exposes animals to capture stress, poor transport conditions, and often unsuitable captive environments. Long lifespans mean individual turtles have extended welfare interests. Conservation interventions like road underpasses and nest protection deliver direct welfare benefits alongside population recovery.