Turtle Facts - Your Online Source for Information on Turtles
We all know that turtles are notoriously slow movers that retreat into their shells when in danger, but there are many other turtle facts that most do not know.
There are estimated to be over 245 species of turtles world wide. They may live in deserts, mountains, oceans or the humble roadside ditch. They may prefer water, or be land lovers. Some turtles eat only plant life, while others enjoy a diet of meat. Many turtle facts come to light when an individual takes a closer look at this species.
Turtles are very active creatures; moving around a great deal. If kept in captivity, the larger space allotted to the turtle for their home, the happier and healthier your turtle will be. A varied landscape, offering water and land habitats, will work best for almost all types of turtles. When setting up land systems, rocky areas and dirt areas should be incorporated. Many turtles enjoy burrowing in the mud or sand as part of their lifestyle; little known turtle facts that owners should know.
One of the most important turtle facts for anyone owning one is how and what to feed the pet. Different turtle species have different diets; some are herbivorous while others are carnivorous. The health of the turtle depends on it receiving the proper food, so it is easy to see why turtle facts such as this are so crucial.
The two shells of the turtle are the source of another group of turtle facts. First, the top shell is not actually one piece; it is composed of at least 50 bones including ribs, vertebrae and skin plates. The bottom shell developed from the collarbone and ribs of the turtle. The two shells are held together by what is called the bridge. Some turtle species have “hinges” on one of the shells, allowing it to close, and still others possess a leathery type shell instead of the bony one most recognize. In all turtles, these shells are living parts of the turtle, not a result of dead cells like fingernails or hair on humans.
The life span of turtles comes as surprising turtle facts to most people. The oldest known tortoise was 188 years old; a gift from Captain Cook to a family of royalty in Madagascar. While most turtles don’t live that long, the average age of today’s turtles range from 50-80 years; still a long-lived pet. Their longevity should seriously be considered as a factor in deciding to have a turtle as a pet.
Incidentally, while turtles are commonly known to be slow moving creatures, consider the fact that the unassuming turtle has been around for over 250 million years in pretty much the same form as we see it today. Slow and sure wins the race, as the saying goes. While it may be slow, endurance should count for a lot when thinking about this little creature, the turtle.