World Turtle Day: Protecting These Fascinating Reptiles

On May 23, World Turtle Day honors one of the planet's oldest reptiles. Present on Earth for over 200 million years, turtles have endured through the ages... but today, many species are threatened.

In Guadeloupe, marine turtles are an integral part of the local biodiversity. Some even come to lay their eggs annually on the archipelago's beaches. At Guadeloupe Zoo, several land and aquatic species also help visitors better understand the diversity of these reptiles and the challenges related to their protection.

Why is there a World Turtle Day?

World Turtle Day has been celebrated annually on May 23 since 2000.
It was created by the American association American Tortoise Rescue, dedicated to the protection of land and sea turtles.

The objective is simple: to raise public awareness about the preservation of turtles and their natural habitats. Pollution, coastal urbanization, illegal trafficking, destruction of nesting beaches, and plastic waste are currently weakening many species.

This day therefore serves to highlight the importance of protecting these reptiles, as well as the natural environments they depend on.

Turtles to Discover at Guadeloupe Zoo

At the Guadeloupe Zoo, several species allow visitors to discover the great diversity of tropical turtles.

Visitors can notably observe:

• the Red-footed tortoise, recognizable by its vibrant colors, classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN.
• the Yellow-footed tortoise, a South American terrestrial tortoise, classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN.
• the spectacular alligator snapping turtle, an aquatic species with a prehistoric appearance. It is also classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN.
• or the impressive Seychelles tortoise, also classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN.

These species have very different lifestyles. Some live primarily on land, while others spend their lives in aquatic environments.

Observing them also helps us better understand their diet, behavior, and role in tropical ecosystems.

Caribbean Sea Turtles

Guadeloupe is home to several iconic Caribbean sea turtle species:

• the green sea turtle,
• the hawksbill sea turtle,
• the leatherback sea turtle.

Each year, certain beaches in the archipelago become essential nesting sites. These periods remain particularly sensitive.

Artificial lighting, litter left on beaches, or disturbing females can severely disrupt reproduction. Young turtles are also very vulnerable during their journey to the sea.

Yet, these species play an important role in marine ecosystems, particularly in maintaining seagrass beds and reef balance.

How can we protect turtles?

Protecting turtles also relies on simple everyday actions.

In Guadeloupe, everyone can contribute to their preservation:

• not leaving waste on the beaches and in nature,
• avoiding the use of powerful lights near the coast,
• respecting nesting areas located mainly in Basse-Terre but also in Marie-Galante and in Saintes,
• never touching turtles if you see them in the water, especially in the Cousteau Reserve,
• limiting plastic use.

Educating younger generations also plays a crucial role in preserving these species long-term.

An important day for biodiversity

World Turtle Day reminds us that these fascinating reptiles remain particularly fragile.

At the Guadeloupe Zoo, their presence helps raise visitors' awareness of the richness of tropical biodiversity and the importance of protecting endangered species, whether they live in forests, rivers, or oceans.