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Turtles are facing the greatest challenge in their evolutionary history, and there are too few people out there who are fighting hard to save them.
Turtles evolved about 200 million years ago, even before dinosaurs. Today they are found everywhere, from tropical rainforests to deserts, in freshwater, in saltwater and on land. But turtles are under attack, and populations are in decline. Areas of southeast Asia have lost up to 80 percent of their freshwater turtles in the past 10 years because of the high demand for them as food as well as the pollution from the manufacture of cosmetics and traditional medicines. Habitat destruction, fishing nets and the pet trade threaten turtles even more.
Turtle Rescue covers the conservation efforts of governments, scientists, conservationists and turtle lovers to protect these creatures and ensure their survival. The author covers the major threats to turtle populations and describes what is being done to protect them. Measures include protecting nesting grounds, turtle farming and captive breeding, and persuading people that medicine made from turtles is of questionable worth.
A list of organizations devoted to saving turtle species around the world is included for those who want to help.
