What You Should Know About Turtles
Turtles are armored reptiles that have existed on Earth for millions of years and live both on land and in water. Belonging to the order Testudines, these ancient creatures can protect themselves against many predators thanks to their hard shells. Turtles can be found in both marine and freshwater areas and terrestrial habitats. Because they have different habitats and adaptations, turtle species are diverse and can be found almost everywhere in the world.
Turtles feed on a wide range of diets, usually invertebrates, plants, fish, molluscs and some species even small mammals. Turtle species vary in their shell structure, feeding habits and habitats, and are critical to the balance of ecosystems.
Turtle Species
Turtles are classified as land, freshwater and sea turtles according to their habitats and biological characteristics.
1. Land Tortoises(Tortoise)
Land turtles are a species of turtle that live a completely terrestrial life. They belong to the Testudinidae family and are usually known for their hard, domed shells. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise, one of the most popular species, and the Galapagos Giant Tortoise belong to this group.
- Characteristics: Thick, hard shell and heavy body structure. Short and strong legs.
- Habitat They can live in a wide area from deserts to forests.
- Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on leaves, grasses and vegetables.
2. Freshwater Turtles(Terrapins)
Freshwater turtles live in rivers, lakes, swamps and other freshwater bodies of water. They belong to the Emydidae family and spend time both on land and in the water. The Red-cheeked Water Turtle is one of the most well-known species. Click here for more information about this species. The Pig-nosed Turtle, which you can see up close at Emaar Aquarium, also belongs to this species. Click here to learn more about this species.
- Features: Oval and flat shell, foot structure suitable for swimming in water.
- Habitat: Freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes and marshes.
- Diet: Both herbivorous and carnivorous, feeding on plants, small fish and insects.
3. SeaTurtles
Sea turtles are species of turtles that live mainly in the sea and only come ashore to lay eggs. Species belonging to the families Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae belong to this group. The Green Sea Turtle, Caretta Caretta and Leatherback Sea Turtle belong to this group.
Features: Flat, hydrodynamic shell and fin-like limbs.
Habitat Tropical and subtropical oceans.
Diet: Sea plants, jellyfish and small sea creatures.
What You Need to Know About the Box Turtle, a Featured Species
The box turtle is a species that originates mainly from Southeast Asia and is distinguished from other turtles by its unique shell structure. Known as Cuora galbinifrons, this species is a land turtle. It prefers to live both on land and near water. This turtle has the ability to completely immerse itself in its shell, especially thanks to its articulated shell.
Physical Properties and Shell Mechanism
One of the most distinctive features of box turtles is their articulated shell structure. This feature allows the turtle to close completely inside its shell in case of danger. Box turtles, which can reach up to 20 cm in length, are both protected from predators and can survive in harsh environmental conditions thanks to their hard shells.
- Color and Pattern: The carapace of box turtles is usually dark brown to black in color. The abdomen is light in color.
- Strong Limbs Box turtles’ strong legs allow them to move easily in forested areas and hunt.
Habitats and Role in the Ecosystem
The box turtle lives in forested areas, riversides and swamps in Southeast Asia. They are usually found in moist, near-water areas, where they feed on plant and animal foods. Feeding on an omnivorous diet, box turtles play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature.
- Plant Foods: Fruits, leaves and tender plants.
- Animal Foods: Insects, worms and small invertebrates.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female box turtles protect their fertilized eggs by burying them in the ground. After incubation, which lasts about 2 to 4 months, the eggs hatch and the hatchlings begin to develop independent survival skills.
Emaar Aquarium is home to rare species such as the Box Turtle. You can closely observe the turtles in specially designed habitats for this species.
