Ten Facts About Turtles

1. Turtles belong to one the oldest reptile groups in the world - they are older than snakes, crocodiles and alligators!

2. Turtles date back to the time of the dinosaurs, over 200 million years ago!

3. A turtle's shell is actually part of it's skeleton. It's made up of over 50 bones which includes the turtle's rib cage and spine.

4. Turtle's shells act like a shield to protect them from predators, some turtles can even tuck their head up inside their shell for extra protection.

5. A turtle cannot come out of it's shell. The turtle's shell grows with them, so it's impossible for them to grow too big for it.

6. Turtle's that live in the sea will eat everything from algae to squid and jellyfish, Land dwelling turtles will munch on beetles, fruit and grass, 

7. Although many species of turtle live in or around water, they are amniotes - which means they breathe air and lay their eggs on land,

8. Some turtles are carnivores (meat eaters), others are herbivores (plant eaters) and some are omnivores (a mixture of the two).

9. The oldest turtle ever recorded was 188 years old and named Tu'i Malila of Tonga Island.

10. Threats to the turtle include loss of habitat, pollution, poaching and the illegal pet trade. Sadly 129 of approximately 300 species of turtle and tortoise on earth today are either vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.