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From the World Turtle Trust website:
General Information about Sea Turtles
Why Are Sea Turtles So Special?
Modern science shows that sea turtles have been swimming the Earth's
oceans for well over 100 million years--even pre-dating many dinosaurs. In
addition, the turtle is an important symbol in the mythologies of many
indigenous cultures, usually representing creation, longevity, and wisdom
in these belief systems.
Turtles are thus truly ancient beings-both in geological and mythological
terms.
As integral parts of the marine ecosystem, turtles are also useful
indicators of the vitality of the overall marine environment.
Sea turtles are gentle reptiles that spend the majority of their lives in
the ocean. Females reach reproductive age after 35 to 40 years, and only
then return to the beach of their birth to lay their eggs for the next
generation. Although a female may lay hundreds of eggs in one season, only
a few of the hatchlings will survive to reach maturity.
Hundreds of years ago, there were many millions of sea turtles swimming
the Earth's oceans. Today, all seven species of sea turtle are considered
either endangered or threatened.
Why Are Sea Turtles Going Extinct?
Sea turtle populations all over the world have been declining at alarming
rates in recent decades. Sea turtles are clearly under threat of
extinction due to human activities.
IMMEDIATE ACTION is required to reverse the decline of sea turtle
populations
the world over.
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