With a lineage that traces back hundreds of millions of years, turtles have graced both land and sea, presenting us with a tapestry of hundreds of distinctive species. Yet, heartbreakingly, many different kinds of turtles are teetering on the brink of extinction.
At Fahlo, our hearts beat with a profound commitment to these ancient animals. Through our enriching collaboration with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, we've gained deep insights into the captivating lives of sea turtles. Our mission? Educate about kinds of turtles, highlight the risks they face, and amplify the urgent calls to safeguard them.
In this post, we’re answering the question of how many kinds of turtles there are by introducing you to six common species from around the world. You’ll discover that each type of turtle has distinctive features, making them stand out as fascinating, ancient creatures. Keep reading to learn more and join the cause to help save turtles together!
1. SEA TURTLES
Sea turtles, the ancient mariners of our oceans, have charted the waters for millions of years. Displaying a stunning variety of sizes, colors, and behaviors, these creatures offer a glimpse into the ocean's vast biodiversity and evolutionary wonders.
Among the seven species of sea turtles, Green turtles are the only herbivores, getting their distinctive greenish tint from a plant-rich diet. Unfortunately, they are endangered, with their numbers declining in many habitats. Despite this, they continue to nest primarily along the eastern coasts of North and South America.
The colossal Leatherback turtle stands out as the largest sea turtle species, known for its unmatched size, the longest migrations, and record-breaking deep dives. With a history dating back about 150 million years, Leatherbacks are the oldest sea turtles still in existence. Unlike other species with hard, bony shells, they have a distinctive soft, rubbery carapace. This unique species is also known for its green pigmentation, derived from a plant-rich diet, as they are the only herbivorous sea turtles.
Hawksbill sea turtles can be found in coastal regions throughout the world. They are another endangered species of sea turtle and their populations have been declining for generations. They are named for their narrow beak-like bill. While they do face threats associated with pollution and habitat destruction like other kinds of turtles, hawksbill turtles are commonly hunted for their shells. With a distinctive design, humans have been hunting these turtles as well as different turtle species to use their shells for decorative purposes since ancient times.
Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, and they have the sad distinction of being the rarest species of sea turtle. They are most abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, and the largest Kemp’s ridley nesting site is in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico. Shrimping has been named as one of the primary threats to this type of sea turtle. They often die as a result of being caught in the nets. With that said, the numbers of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles do seem to be increasing. This is largely credited to protections provided to the turtles by the US and Mexico and the requirement of turtle excluder devices for shrimping in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
In the fresh water of South America's Amazon and Orinoco basins, the camouflaged Matamata sea turtle blends seamlessly with its swampy habitat. Then, it uses its leaf-like appearance to ambush unsuspecting prey.
2. SNAPPING TURTLES
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is considered the heavyweight champion of the snapping turtle world. This behemoth boasts an appearance that hearkens back to ancient dinosaurs with its menacing spikes - it’s no wonder these kinds of turtles dominate the waters of the United States. Be cautious though, these formidable creatures have a bite that's not easily forgotten.Â
You'll discover these snapping turtles in colors that range from a moody brown and grey to an enchanting olive green. However, it's not all about looks with these kinds of turtle; their rich life, which can stretch from 20 to over 100 years, is equally fascinating.
3. SOFTSHELL TURTLES
Journey into the waters and meet the sleek swimmers of the turtle kingdom – the Softshell turtles. Named for their unique and pliable shells, these kinds of turtles move through the water with grace and speed.Â
Turtles of these kinds include the Spiny Softshell, which stands out with its unique cone-shaped projections and an almost whimsical soft nose. However, let's not forget the Smooth Softshell with its soft, flexible shell.Â
4. BOX TURTLES
In North America, we come upon the enchanting Box turtles. With an appearance similar to giant tortoises, these kinds of turtles have a magic of their own. They’re able to retreat deep into their unique, dome-shaped shells, creating an enclosed box. Whether it's the Three-toed box turtle of the south-central US, or the Eastern box turtle, a slow-moving beauty of the East, these kinds of turtle are truly a sight to behold.
5. PAINTED TURTLES
These small colorful turtles are the most common turtles of any kind found in North America. Glinting with colors that can make a rainbow envious, Painted turtles shimmer through waters and can live often up to 55 years. The Western Painted turtles shine the brightest with their light-patterned shells, while the Southern variants, though smaller, are often the chosen kinds of turtles for people to keep as petsÂ
6. MUSK TURTLES
.Often dubbed the "stinkpot" due to the pungent odor it emits from its shell to deter predators, Musk turtles hail from the same family as mud turtles. These kinds of turtles sport dome-shaped shells in shades of black, grey, and brown - they are also rarely longer than 5.5 inches.Â
Found across southern Quebec, southern Ontario, and the eastern United States, Musk turtles inhabit various wetlands, favoring nearshore and shallow waters. Remarkably more aquatic and adept climbers than many other different kinds of turtles, they still venture on land to nest. Their diverse diet ranges from small fish, insects, and crustaceans to green algae and vascular plants. Since females can lay up to nine eggs per clutch and breed efficiently in captivity, they've become common as pets.
7. MATAMATA
The matamata is a turtle species found primarily in the Amazon and Orinoco basin regions of South America. They are freshwater turtles that live in swamps, pools and streams. With a shell that resembles bark and limbs resembling fallen leaves, they can easily blend in with their surroundings. The matamata turtles use this natural camouflage to ambush unsuspecting prey.Â
8. ROTI ISLAND SNAKE-NECKED TURTLES
These kinds of turtles are critically endangered with an interesting look. They live in and around the lakes and swamps of Rote Island in Indonesia and they are recognizable for their long necks. These turtles are at threat as the result of climate change and habitat loss, but the biggest threat for snake-necked turtles is the pet trade. They are highly valued among collectors for their distinctive look and rarity.Â
These are just a few of the amazing different kinds of turtles that can be found across the world. If you’re interested in saving these turtle species, we encourage you to check out our collection of sea turtle jewelry. With a portion of the profits being donated to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, it’s a great way to support the important work they do and contribute to the conservation of these ancient animals.