Wildlife

Aquatic Turtle Conservation and Welfare

Freshwater turtle populations are declining globally from habitat loss, collection for food and pets, and road mortality — with welfare implications for individual animals across their range.

Key Facts

Freshwater turtles are among the most threatened vertebrate groups globally
Over 50% of freshwater turtle species are threatened with extinction
Nest predation and road mortality are leading causes of population decline in many species
Turtle excluder devices on fishing nets reduce bycatch mortality
Headstarting programs raise hatchlings to a size less vulnerable to predation

Welfare Considerations

Freshwater turtles face individual welfare harms across multiple threat pathways. Road mortality causes traumatic injury and slow death from crushing or internal trauma. Fishing net drowning causes asphyxiation. Collection for the food trade involves cramped transport and slaughter without welfare consideration. Conservation programs that improve population outcomes also improve individual welfare — a convergence of conservation and welfare goals.

What You Can Do

Slow down when driving near wetlands and waterways during turtle nesting season
Help turtles cross roads in the direction they are heading — never take them home
Never release non-native pet turtles into waterways
Support wetland conservation organizations protecting freshwater turtle habitat
Donate to turtle headstarting and monitoring programs in threatened species ranges