Turtles in Trouble

Randal Dykstra

May 29, 2011

BIO 100

Michael Rothrock Jr.

Turtles in Trouble

Researchers have designated 2011 as the Year of the Turtle. The reason for this designation is that, according to researchers and supporters, more than half of the species of turtles are in trouble. In fact many of these species are nearing extinction. Of the many reasons listed for the demise of these species, nearly all of them are of human origin.

One of the problems, according to ScienceDaily (February 15, 2011), is that, "The sex of some species of turtles is determined by the temperature of the nest: warm nests produce females, cooler nests, males." Scientists have speculated that due to global warming, more females are being produced than males. This imbalance leads to fewer turtles in the next generation, and so on. While global warming cannot be fully blamed on humanity, much of it is believed to be caused by burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, causing more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This problem affects all of the planet, and especially those turtles in this way.

Other problems caused by humans are loss of habitat and exploitation. Many people around the world consume turtles as a delicacy, and others as a staple food. Turtles, along with other species have lost their habitats to colonization by humanity, building their own habitats over the existing habitats of animals. Sprawling cities have long been taking over the areas once occupied solely by animals. These communities also have high energy demands that lead to more production of greenhouse gasses, which exacerbates global warming.

These are the main problems destroying many, if not all of the species of turtles. Yet, these problems are all within the scope of humans to correct. There is not a problem that mankind has created that he is not able to reverse.

Recently, there has been a lot of progress in reversing the effects of global warming, but there remains a long way to go. One of the main ways to correct this damage to the whole earth is to reduce our carbon footprint. For some that is as simple as putting up with a few less luxuries, such as adjusting the temperature on the thermostat. Many strides have been made in making heating and cooling units more efficient in recent years. Automobile manufacturers have made many changes to vehicles to make them more efficient. These and other adjustments by humans are good beginnings in reversing the trend of global warming.

Along the same vein, the tree harvesting industry can focus on replanting trees as they harvest. This would help to maintain the habitat for animals, including turtles, as well as working to increase photosynthesis. Increased photosynthesis will use up more of the carbon dioxide in the air, reducing one of the main greenhouse gasses. The benefits of an action such as this would not only help to reduce global warming, but ensure trees for future harvest. This is one instance which would benefit not only the whole of nature, but mankind as well.

Besides the issue of global warming, mankind can help the turtle by protecting its habitat. Many things damage the turtle's habitat, among them oil spills and building communities where they live. Chemical spills and chemical runoff from such things as fertilizer damage many natural habitats. Mankind has come up with ways