Habitat Loss and Degradation
Coastal development, deforestation, and agriculture destroy nesting beaches and freshwater habitats. When nesting sites are lost or disturbed, reproduction rates drop sharply. The IUCN Red List notes that habitat loss is a primary threat to many turtle species worldwide.
Poaching and Illegal Trade
Turtles are hunted for meat, shells, and the pet trade. Illegal collection targets both eggs and adults, reducing populations faster than they can recover. Stronger enforcement and demand reduction are critical to slowing this pressure.
Pollution, Bycatch, and Climate Change
Plastic debris and chemical pollution harm turtles through ingestion and entanglement. Fishing bycatch kills thousands of sea turtles each year. Rising temperatures skew hatchling sex ratios and alter nesting beaches, compounding the risk of extinction.
