Turtle Facts & Trivia: Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is a Green Sea Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is found in Tropical & subtropical coastal waters worldwide. Conservation status: Endangered. The ultimate zen vegan. Named for the color of their fat, not their shell. They can hold their breath for five hours by slowing their heart rate to one beat every nine minutes.

Question 2

What is a Hawksbill Sea Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is found in Coral reefs & tropical coastlines. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. The reef's quiet bodyguard. Recently discovered to be the first known biofluorescent reptile — they glow neon green and red under UV light.

Question 3

What is a Eastern Box Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) is found in Eastern United States forests & meadows. Conservation status: Vulnerable. Lives a century and builds a mental map of every log and stream in its territory. If relocated, it will try to walk home until it dies.

Question 4

What is a Red-eared Slider?

Accepted Answer

The Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is found in Ponds, lakes & slow rivers across the Americas. Conservation status: Least Concern. The most popular pet turtle and one of the world's 100 worst invasive species. Adapts to basically any freshwater habitat on the planet.

Question 5

What is a Mary River Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus) is found in Mary River, Queensland, Australia. Conservation status: Endangered. Grows a green algae mohawk and breathes through specialized glands in its cloaca (butt), allowing it to stay submerged for 72 hours.

Question 6

What is a Leatherback Sea Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is found in Open ocean, all tropical & temperate seas. Conservation status: Vulnerable. The largest turtle on Earth, weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Dives deeper than the Empire State Building is tall on a single breath.

Question 7

What is a Loggerhead Sea Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is found in Atlantic, Pacific & Indian Ocean coastlines. Conservation status: Vulnerable. Named for its massive head and jaw muscles that crush conchs like party favors. Uses Earth's magnetic field to navigate back to its home beach.

Question 8

What is a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is found in Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic coast. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. The smallest and rarest sea turtle. Known for the 'arribada' where thousands of females storm the same beach on the same day to nest.

Question 9

What is a Russian Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Russian Tortoise (Agrionemys (Testudo) horsfieldii) is found in Central Asian steppes & deserts. Conservation status: Least Concern. The first Earth creatures to travel around the Moon and return home alive in 1968, months before Apollo 8.

Question 10

What is a Flatback Sea Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus) is found in Northern Australian coastal waters. Conservation status: Vulnerable. The homebody of sea turtles. Stays exclusively in Australian waters and doesn't leave the continental shelf.

Question 11

What is a Painted Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) is found in Ponds, marshes & streams across North America. Conservation status: Least Concern. Vivid red and yellow streaks on dark skin. Their hatchlings can survive being frozen solid through winter, thawing out in spring unharmed.

Question 12

What is a Olive Ridley Sea Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is found in Tropical regions worldwide. Conservation status: Vulnerable. Participates in the arribada: synchronized mass nesting events of up to 500,000 individuals over a few days.

Question 13

What is a Snapping Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is found in Lakes, rivers & swamps, eastern North America. Conservation status: Least Concern. Virtually unchanged for 40 million years. Can't retract into its shell, so it evolved a legendary bite force instead.

Question 14

What is a Galápagos Giant Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Galápagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra complex) is found in Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Conservation status: Vulnerable. Can live past 175 years. Their shell shapes helped Charles Darwin form the foundation of the theory of evolution.

Question 15

What is a Alligator Snapping Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is found in Southeastern United States rivers. Conservation status: Vulnerable. The largest freshwater turtle in North America. Features a bright pink, worm-shaped lure on its tongue to attract prey.

Question 16

What is a Spiny Softshell Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) is found in Rivers, lakes & streams across North America. Conservation status: Least Concern. Flat, leathery, pancake-shaped disc with a snorkel nose. Can absorb oxygen through its skin underwater.

Question 17

What is a Speckled Cape Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Speckled Cape Tortoise (Chersobius signatus) is found in Namaqualand, Northern Cape, South Africa. Conservation status: Endangered. The world's smallest tortoise — a thumb-sized, black-speckled dweller of South Africa's Namaqualand that hides from predators and heat inside narrow rock cracks.

Question 18

What is a Radiated Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is found in Southern & southwestern Madagascar. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. One of the most beautiful tortoises on Earth — a Madagascar endemic with brilliant yellow starbursts radiating from each scute.

Question 19

What is a Ploughshare Tortoise (Angonoka)?

Accepted Answer

The Ploughshare Tortoise (Angonoka) (Astrochelys yniphora) is found in Baly Bay region, northwestern Madagascar. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. One of the rarest tortoises on Earth — a Madagascar endemic whose males wield a plough-like shell spur to flip rivals in breeding-season duels.

Question 20

What is a Aldabra Giant Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is found in Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles. Conservation status: Vulnerable. The second-largest tortoise on Earth. They reshape their island home by grazing, creating specialized 'tortoise turf'.

Question 21

What is a Burmese Star Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota) is found in Dry forests of central Myanmar. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. A conservation success story, brought back from near extinction through intensive captive breeding programs.

Question 22

What is a Indian Star Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is found in Dry scrub of India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka. Conservation status: Vulnerable. Known for its stunning shell where each scute carries a hand-painted starburst pattern for camouflage.

Question 23

What is a Leopard Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is found in Savannas of eastern & southern Africa. Conservation status: Least Concern. Named for its spotted shell, this versatile African tortoise is one of the few species that can actually swim.

Question 24

What is a Egyptian Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) is found in Deserts of Egypt & Libya. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. One of the smallest tortoises on Earth. Perfectly adapted for desert life but sadly extinct in its namesake country.

Question 25

What is a African Pancake Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The African Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) is found in Rocky kopjes of Kenya & Tanzania. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. A flat, flexible tortoise that runs into rock cracks and wedges itself tight instead of hiding in its shell.

Question 26

What is a Northern Spider Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Northern Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi) is found in Coastal southwestern Madagascar. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. Features a beautiful web-like pattern on its shell. Spends most of the year buried in sand to survive the dry season.

Question 27

What is a Red-footed Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is found in Forests & savannas of northern South America. Conservation status: Not formally assessed (CITES II). Splashed with vivid red scales on its legs. A social, forest-dwelling tortoise that loves fruit and rain.

Question 28

What is a Desert Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is found in Mojave & Sonoran Deserts, southwestern US. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. The Mojave's master survivalist. Digs deep burrows and can store a year's worth of water in its bladder.

Question 29

What is a Matamata?

Accepted Answer

The Matamata (Chelus fimbriata) is found in Amazon & Orinoco river basins, South America. Conservation status: Least Concern. Looks like waterlogged bark. It uses a powerful vacuum strike to swallow fish whole on the river bottom.

Question 30

What is a Common Snake-necked Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Common Snake-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) is found in Slow rivers & swamps of eastern Australia. Conservation status: Least Concern. Has a neck as long as its shell. It folds its head sideways and releases a foul musk when threatened.

Question 31

What is a Big-headed Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is found in Mountain streams of Southeast Asia. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. Features a head too large for its shell. It uses its beak and tail like climbing gear to scale waterfalls.

Question 32

What is a Pascagoula Map Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Pascagoula Map Turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi) is found in Pascagoula River system, Mississippi. Conservation status: Endangered. Intricate shell lines look like map contours. Found in only one river system in the entire world.

Question 33

What is a Florida Box Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri) is found in Florida & the southeastern US. Conservation status: Vulnerable. A master of defense with a hinged shell that clicks shut, sealing the turtle inside completely.

Question 34

What is a Coastal Plain Cooter?

Accepted Answer

The Coastal Plain Cooter (Pseudemys concinna floridana) is found in Rivers & wetlands of the southeastern US. Conservation status: Least Concern. A social sun-soaker that forms massive basking piles on river logs throughout the southeastern US.

Question 35

What is a Loggerhead Musk Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Loggerhead Musk Turtle (Sternotherus minor) is found in Streams of the southeastern US. Conservation status: Least Concern. Small but mighty with a massive head. It releases a musky 'stink' to ward off predators.

Question 36

What is a Diamondback Terrapin?

Accepted Answer

The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is found in Brackish coastal marshes, eastern & Gulf US. Conservation status: Vulnerable. The only US turtle built for life in salty marshes. Each shell is etched with unique diamond patterns.

Question 37

What is a Blanding's Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is found in Wetlands of the upper Midwest & Northeast US. Conservation status: Endangered. Famous for its bright yellow throat and permanent 'smile'. Can live for over 75 years in the wild.

Question 38

What is a Bog Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is found in Bogs & wet meadows of the eastern US. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. North America's smallest turtle. A rare wetland jewel with bright orange blotches on its head.

Question 39

What is a Wood Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is found in Streams & forests of the northeastern US & Canada. Conservation status: Endangered. A forest genius that stomps its feet to mimic rain, tricking earthworms into surfacing for a meal.

Question 40

What is a Southwestern Pond Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida) is found in Ponds & streams of Southern California & Baja. Conservation status: Vulnerable. Southern California's only native pond turtle. A shy local that represents the wild side of the coast.

Question 41

What is a Painted Terrapin?

Accepted Answer

The Painted Terrapin (Batagur borneoensis) is found in Coastal rivers & mangroves of Southeast Asia. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. A river beauty whose males turn snow-white with a brilliant red head stripe during breeding season.

Question 42

What is a Chinese Stripe-necked Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Chinese Stripe-necked Turtle (Mauremys sinensis) is found in Rivers of southern China, Taiwan & Vietnam. Conservation status: Endangered. Wears crisp stripes down its neck like racing decals. A fast swimmer from the rivers of Southeast Asia.

Question 43

What is a Spiny Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Spiny Turtle (Heosemys spinosa) is found in Rainforest streams of Southeast Asia. Conservation status: Endangered. Hatchlings wear a 'cogwheel' shell with sharp spikes to avoid being swallowed by forest predators.

Question 44

What is a Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (Chitra indica) is found in Large rivers of South Asia. Conservation status: Endangered. A giant softshell with a tiny head and lightning-fast strike. It spends its life buried in river sand.

Question 45

What is a Malaysian Giant Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Malaysian Giant Turtle (Orlitia borneensis) is found in Rivers & lakes of Malaysia, Sumatra & Borneo. Conservation status: Endangered. The largest freshwater turtle in Southeast Asia. A heavy-duty resident of deep river systems.

Question 46

What is a Fly River Turtle (Pig-nosed)?

Accepted Answer

The Fly River Turtle (Pig-nosed) (Carettochelys insculpta) is found in Rivers of northern Australia & New Guinea. Conservation status: Endangered. The only freshwater turtle with sea-turtle flippers and a hilarious, sensitive pig-like snout.

Question 47

What is a Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) is found in Lower Yangtze & Red River, China & Vietnam. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. One of the rarest animals on Earth. A massive giant that is a symbol of the struggle against extinction.

Question 48

What is a Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) is found in Rivers & estuaries of South & Southeast Asia. Conservation status: Endangered. An ambush specialist that stays buried in sand for 95% of its life, striking with lightning speed.

Question 49

What is a Western Swamp Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Western Swamp Turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina) is found in Seasonal swamps near Perth, Western Australia. Conservation status: Critically Endangered. Australia's rarest reptile. A tough survivor that hibernates underground when its swamps dry up.

Question 50

What is a Bell's Hingeback Tortoise?

Accepted Answer

The Bell's Hingeback Tortoise (Kinixys belliana) is found in Savannas of central & eastern Africa. Conservation status: Data Deficient. A unique African tortoise with a rear shell hinge that snaps shut to protect its back legs.

Question 51

What is a African Helmeted Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) is found in Ponds & rivers across sub-Saharan Africa. Conservation status: Least Concern. A tough, wide-ranging hunter known for cooperative behavior and surviving in temporary pools.

Question 52

What is a Spotted Turtle?

Accepted Answer

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is found in Wetlands of the eastern US & southeastern Canada. Conservation status: Endangered. A small black turtle freckled with yellow dots. Looks like a tiny piece of the starry night sky.

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