Conservation of Freshwater Turtles

Freshwater turtles are among the most threatened reptile groups globally, facing collection for food and traditional medicine, habitat loss, and road mortality.

Key Facts

Over half of the 356 freshwater turtle species are threatened with extinction
Asian freshwater turtles have been decimated by collection for food markets
Road mortality is a significant cause of adult turtle death as they cross roads to nest
Nest predation by raccoons and other animals is amplified near human settlements
Head-starting programs raise hatchlings in protected settings to improve survival rates

Welfare Considerations

Freshwater turtle conservation and welfare are closely linked. Turtles collected for food markets endure days to weeks in cramped, stressed conditions before slaughter. Individual turtles face painful road injuries and death when crossing for nesting. Conservation programs that protect nesting sites, install road crossings, and enforce collection bans address both population and individual welfare concerns. The slow reproductive rate of turtles — decades to sexual maturity — means that adult survival is critical and each adult death represents an irreplaceable loss.

What You Can Do

Assist turtles crossing roads by moving them in the direction they are traveling
Never purchase freshwater turtles for food from markets
Support wetland protection and restoration that maintains turtle habitat
Donate to head-starting programs that improve freshwater turtle survival rates