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The world is full of turtles[phpbay] But how many different kinds of turtles are there? Many turtles are on the brink of extinction and others are on the endangered list[phpbay] Let's take a look at the different kinds of turtles that can be found around the world[phpbay]
1[phpbay] Sea Turtles - These kinds of turtles are truly marine creatures[phpbay] They wander the waters of tropical oceans and only the females come ashore to lay their eggs in nests[phpbay] They range in size from nearly 2 ½ feet to about 7 feet in carapace length[phpbay] The shells of these kinds of turtles are heart shaped or oval in appearance[phpbay] Their limbs are flippers instead of legs and are not able to support the turtle when on land[phpbay] Sea turtles can no longer pull their heads back into their shells like other kinds of turtles[phpbay] The sea turtles are one of the most endangered of the turtle families as urban development has infringed on their nesting sites[phpbay]
2[phpbay] Snapping Turtles - There are just three species in this family of turtles[phpbay] They can be found throughout North America, in the southeastern regions of Asia and in South America, to the north[phpbay] These kinds of turtles all have big heads and a strong jaw with the upper jaw being hooked[phpbay] They cannot fully retract their limbs or head into their shell and have fairly long tails[phpbay] These kinds of turtles have been roaming the earth for 65 million years[phpbay] They have quite a diverse habitat as well as mating habits and diet[phpbay]
3[phpbay] Pond Turtles - This is the largest group of turtles and can be found all over the world[phpbay] Some species of pond turtles are carnivores while others are herbivores[phpbay] They have many predators such as alligators and raccoons[phpbay] These species are typically the kinds of turtles that are used in the pet trade[phpbay]
4[phpbay] Mud or Musk Turtles - These kinds of turtles emit an unpleasant odor when they are disturbed[phpbay] They vary in size but all are strictly carnivorous[phpbay] They feed on aquatic insects, small fish and amphibians as well as any crustacean they can find[phpbay] The adults are rarely preyed upon by other animals; rather their eggs are coveted by a variety of animals[phpbay]
5[phpbay] Tortoises - These kinds of turtles can boast the distinction of being the largest turtles that live on land[phpbay] Tortoises feed on flowers, grasses and fruits though they have been known to feast on carrion[phpbay] Typically, tortoises have heavy scales and feet that are not webbed[phpbay] Their closest relatives are the pond turtles[phpbay]
6[phpbay] Softshell Turtles - These kinds of turtles can live in many types of waters with a soft bottom being required[phpbay] Their shells are not hard, but instead are covered with a leather-like skin[phpbay] They spend most of their time buried in mud[phpbay] They can be omnivorous but most species are carnivores feeding on mollusks, insects, amphibians and fish[phpbay]
7[phpbay] The Leatherback Turtle - These ancients are the largest turtles in the world[phpbay] Though they are sea turtles, they are a class unto themselves[phpbay] They can be found swimming the waters of the world no matter if the waters are warm or cold[phpbay] Their jaws lack strength so feed mostly on jellyfish[phpbay] The adults have no known predators, instead it is the eggs and the hatchlings that are most vulnerable to predators[phpbay] The leatherback is a truly endangered species because of erosion and development of the beaches where the females land ashore to make their nests and lay their eggs[phpbay]
Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill
For great turtle care advice, turtle food recommendation or turtle health issues visit us at[phpbay][phpbay][phpbay][phpbay] http://www[phpbay]petturtlecare[phpbay]net/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles[phpbay]com/?expert=Steven_Magill
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