Turtles' Lives: Understanding Their Mortality And Threats

Turtles are fascinating creatures, but they can die suddenly and unexpectedly. While some species of turtles are known for their long lifespans, with certain turtles living for over 100 years, turtles can also die prematurely due to various factors. So, what are some of the ways turtles can die?

Characteristics	Values
Disease & Improper Treatment	Lack of heat lamps, UV light, etc.
Imbalance In The Meal	Overfeeding, malnutrition, obesity
The House Is A Mess	Lack of space, water, basking dock, etc.
Drowning	Entrapment in fishnets
Predator Attacks	Coyotes, alligators, raccoons, birds of prey
Turtle Fights	N/A
Stress	Human interaction, loud noises, etc.
Poor Diet	Nutritional deficiencies
Dirty Tank	Lack of water changes, filters, etc.
Ingesting Synthetic Materials	Plastic, etc.
Toxic Substances	Oil, chemicals
Overheating	N/A
Inappropriate Setup	Lack of basking area, clean water, etc.

Poor diet

A poor diet is a significant factor that can lead to a turtle's sudden death. It is important to feed turtles a moderate and healthy diet with the right types of food. Nutritional deficiencies are often noticeable well in advance of the turtle's death, as it drastically affects their weight, growth, and even the appearance of their shell.

Turtles have different dietary needs at different ages. For instance, juvenile turtles require extra protein, while adult turtles need more calcium in their diet than younger turtles. A balanced diet ensures they receive the proper nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone and shell development.

Overfeeding can cause obesity and lethargy in turtles, and their shell growth may not keep up with their weight gain. This can lead to constricted blood flow, breathing difficulties, and even a heart attack. Underfeeding is also detrimental and is the leading cause of sudden death in domestic aquatic turtles. When underfed, a turtle's shell growth may slow down or stop altogether, and the turtle inside the shell can slowly waste away, unseen.

Each turtle species has its own unique dietary requirements, so it is essential to research the specific needs of your turtle to ensure a long and healthy life.

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Drowning

Turtles can also drown in captivity, though this is less common. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that the enclosure does not contain any objects that could strangle the turtle, and that the water level is not too high. As a rule of thumb, the water depth should be no more than 1.5 times the length of the turtle.

Turtles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, if the temperature of their environment falls below 50°F, turtles will enter brumation, a state similar to hibernation. During brumation, turtles become very inactive and hardly eat. In captivity, turtles can enter brumation if their owner fails to provide the proper care and temperature.

Turtles can also drown due to human activity, such as when they are released into the wild by owners who no longer want the responsibility of caring for them. In the wild, they are not suited to fending for themselves and are at risk of drowning, as well as becoming prey for large predators.

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Old age

While turtles are known for their long lifespans, with some species living for over 100 years, they will eventually die of old age.

Turtles can live long lives, with some pet turtles living up to 30-40 years, but they will inevitably face health issues as they age. For example, turtles may experience a decline in their immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. Older turtles may also suffer from malnutrition due to a lack of nutrients in their diet, which can be fatal.

As turtles age, their shells may also deteriorate, making them more vulnerable to injuries and infections. Older turtles are also more likely to suffer from constricted blood flow and breathing problems, which can lead to heart attacks.

Additionally, older turtles may become less active and require less food. Overfeeding an older turtle can lead to obesity and put a strain on their shell and overall health.

Dried, discoloured, or sunken skin
Discharge through the mouth
Weird-looking faeces
Slow movement and decreased activity levels
Changes in behaviour, such as increased aggression or decreased interaction with humans or other animals
Weight loss or gain
Changes in shell appearance, such as discolouration or deterioration

If you notice any of these signs in your pet turtle, it is important to consult a veterinarian to ensure they receive proper care and treatment.

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Poor habitat setup

Turtles need a heated and clean environment. The temperature requirements vary depending on the species and the turtle's body temperature, so it is important to do your research. Heat lamps are essential, and in some cases, a UVB lamp may also be necessary. The tank should be filled with distilled water, not tap water, and it should be large enough to provide sufficient space for your turtle to swim and move around. The recommended volume is at least 40 gallons.

The enclosure should also include a basking dock, proper lighting, rocks, and a filtration system. The ratio of water to land should be carefully considered and will depend on the species of turtle. For example, a semi-aquatic turtle's habitat should typically be 75% water and 25% land.

It is important to avoid placing any foreign objects in the tank that could be harmful to your turtle, such as wood chips, which can cause immediate death if ingested. Certain plants are also dangerous and should be avoided, including duckweed, water lilies, and water hyacinths.

Overall, a poor habitat setup can lead to various health issues for your turtle, including shell rot, respiratory infections, and other illnesses, which can ultimately result in death.

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Ingesting plastic/synthetic materials

Ingesting plastic and synthetic materials is a significant cause of death for turtles. Sea turtles are affected by plastic during every stage of their life. As hatchlings, they crawl through plastic on their way to the ocean, then swim through it as they migrate, and finally, as adults, they crawl back through it.

Plastic bags, in particular, are often mistaken for jellyfish, one of the sea turtle's favourite foods. A floating plastic bag can look like a jellyfish, and a turtle in the water can't tell the difference, so it will often eat the bag, which gets stuck in its stomach. Mylar balloons are also a culprit, as they can travel long distances and land in rivers or the ocean, where they too are mistaken for jellyfish.

The ingestion of plastic causes blockages in the digestive system, which can be fatal. Even a small piece of plastic that gets trapped in the wrong place can cause a blockage that leads to death. This is because turtles cannot regurgitate, so whatever they eat is on a one-way trip through their gut.

Sharp plastics can also rupture internal organs, and the accumulation of plastic in the gut can cause buoyancy issues, which can stunt growth and lead to slow reproduction rates.

The problem is widespread, with researchers estimating that 52% of sea turtles globally have some plastic in their guts. A study by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia found that a turtle had a 22% chance of dying from ingesting one plastic item. This mortality rate jumps to 50% once a turtle has ingested 14 pieces of plastic.

The impact of plastic ingestion on sea turtles is devastating, and it is essential that we all do our part to reduce plastic pollution and protect these magnificent creatures.