What does turtle habitat look like?

Are you a turtle lover? Do you even own one? Wondering what a turtle's natural habitat looks like?

We know something about it and will gladly satisfy your lantern.

The turtle is a reptilian species that forms the order Chelonia. The common feature of the wide variety of turtles that exist in the world is undoubtedly their shell. They inhabit equally varied environments and are present on all continents and in all oceans.

In this article you will discover:

• A short description of the animal for those who don't know it well.
• Some habitats of some turtle species around the world.

You'll be able to get an idea of ​​your turtle's original habitat, if you own one. You'll know what conditions it might have grown in and could even try to replicate them at home.

Presentation and description of the turtle

The turtle is a shelled reptile classified in theChelonia family . Its shell is its most recognizable characteristic. Composed of bony plates, it is part of the turtle's skeleton and is covered on its outer surface with keratin scales.

The carapace consists of two parts: the plastron, which covers the reptile's belly, and a convex shell, which protects the animal's back. The two plates are joined at the sides, leaving only an opening at the front for the head and front legs.

Another opening allows the tail and hind legs to pass through. There are 343 species of turtles worldwide, divided into 3 main groups based mainly on their habitat:

• Land turtles that spend their lives on land
• Aquatic turtles that live in, or near, bodies of water
• Sea turtles that inhabit the oceans and seas

In what natural environment are turtles found?

The turtle is found on all continents of the globe except Antarctica, as well as in most of the world's oceans. However, it has a preference for tropical and subtropical environments . It is rare to find them in temperate territories.

The turtle in Europe

European tortoises are more localized in the south of the European continent , near the Mediterranean. Species like the Brenne tortoise, also called the European pond turtle, like muddy environments. They are found in aquatic environments where the vegetation that makes up their diet is available: Canals, river arms, peat bogs, ponds, brackish water points.

It is present in Europe with the European pond turtle and Hermann's tortoise, which populate a large part of its territory. It is also established in desert environments, mountainous areas and rivers of Asia. The tortoise also inhabits the tropical zones of South America and Africa.

Turtles can also lay their eggs more easily in soft or sandy soil. Another species, the Hermann's tortoise or Moorish tortoise, is more widespread in the territories of Eastern () and Western Europe.

It lives in semi-open environments around the Mediterranean. It is found in moors , wastelands, open forests, scrubland and garrigues. It is also quite common to find it near a watering hole.

It finds ingenious ways to survive. It is found in all our oceans, whether in temperate, tropical, or glacial zones. The turtle thus proves itself a true champion of adaptation and evolution.

The turtle in Asia

The Asian continent is inhabited by species such as the Indian star tortoise. Although it is called this, it is also found in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Its habitat varies from desert and agricultural environments to forest areas, in abundant and thorny vegetation (Acacia etc.).

Some specimens live up to 400 meters above sea level. The steppe tortoise, on the other hand, is present on the southeastern coast of the Caspian Sea, in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and western China, and is found in arid and mountainous regions. Some individuals have already been found at 2000m above sea level.

The box turtle is also found in India, the Nacobar Islands, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. This species is common in rivers , ponds and canals rich in vegetation.

The turtle in America

In Latin America, some species, such as the coal-boring tortoise, live on the edges of tropical forests , where vegetation is abundant. It therefore prefers humid areas. However, some specimens can also be found in forests and drier climates.

The Galapagos giant tortoises are a species endemic to the archipelago from which they take their name. The islands of the archipelago have fairly mountainous terrain, with peaks reaching up to 1,707 m above sea level. The tortoises thrive in a dry, tropical climate without excessive heat.

The Florida turtle, imported for breeding in the United States, is distributed in the south of the country. The turtle or Trachemys scripate elegans is found in ponds and marshy environments . As well as various other species such as the box turtle.

The turtle in Africa

On the African continent, tortoises can be found in various types of biotopes . The leopard tortoise is found in almost desert regions but also in mountainous areas. The climate in these regions is characterized by an alternation of wet and dry seasons.

Tortoises have also made their home in deserts and other arid regions. Species like the African spurred tortoise live in burrows . Dug by reptiles, these burrows can be up to 30 or 35 inches deep. This gives the tortoises access to a moist area in an environment where temperatures can be particularly high.

Turtle species are also found in arid and sunny regions. The climate in these regions is generally dry and desert-like with relatively sparse vegetation. Turtles, such as the Egyptian tortoise, that live there, prefer sandy environments .

The turtle in the ocean

Sea turtles inhabit the deep sea . Green turtles, for example, are found to varying degrees in temperate and tropical zones of all oceans. They are particularly attracted to deep waters rich in plants. Green turtles can also sunbathe on the beach.

Leatherback turtle populations are found in all the world's oceans , at latitudes up to 60 degrees north, which corresponds to the Arctic Circle. When they venture onto beaches, it is usually to lay their eggs. Leatherback turtles have stopped laying their eggs on many beaches.

The hawksbill, Kemp's ridley and Olive ridley turtle is most common in the Atlantic Ocean , in temperate or tropical waters with a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Adult individuals are more common in very deep waters while young specimens (juveniles) are found near the coasts where the water is shallow.

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By the end of this article, you'll easily conclude that turtles are everywhere around us. They have adapted to a variety of environments . Whether on land, in freshwater or in the sea, turtles have made a name for themselves. This explains why turtles are a powerful symbol of resilience.

Many species are increasingly threatened with extinction. Whether because their habitat is being destroyed or because they are being heavily poached, the turtle is likely to become increasingly rare. Unless measures are taken to stop the poaching and fishing that are decimating the species, the threat is imminent.

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