Turtle or Tortoise : What are their Differences ?
Have you ever mistaken a Tortoise for a Turtle, or have you ever confused the one with the other ?
This World Turtle Day, I've decided to research both these animals, so that we can understand the difference between a Turtle and a Tortoise.
Photo credits to Ziyaad Plaatjes
While they may seem similar at first glance, turtles and tortoises have certain distinctions to identify each creature, especially in where and how they live.
The most significant difference lies in their Habitat:
Tortoises are land-dwellers. They have sturdy legs built for walking on rough terrain and dry environments.
Examples of Tortoises in South Africa include the Leopard Tortoise and the Angulate Tortoise. These can be seen in bushveld areas, gardens, and nature reserves.
Turtles spend most of their lives in water. They have webbed feet or flippers for swimming and are rarely seen on land.
Examples of Sea Turtles in South Africa include the Loggerhead and the Leatherback, which nest along the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast.
Shell Shape and Structure:
Tortoises have high-domed, heavier shells that provide protection from predators on land. These shells are more rounded.
Turtles have flatter, streamlined shells which allow them to glide easily through water.
Diet and Lifestyle:
Tortoises are Herbivores. They graze on grass, succulents, and wildflowers.
Turtles, although some are Herbivores, there are those that can be considered Omnivores. Their diet includes a mix of aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish.
Basically, if it's living in water, it's a turtle. If it looks like it's having fun walking miles in the nature reserve, that would make it a tortoise!
In South Africa, both turtles and tortoises face threats from habitat destruction, road traffic, and illegal pet trade. Sea turtles are also impacted by pollution and fishing nets.
This World Turtle Day, let's try to make an effort to conserve our sea and land creatures and be more aware of South Africa's rich biodiversity and how we can protect it.
Nabihah Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com. She is an Award-Winning Entrepreneur, Change Agent, Published Contributing Author, Journalist, Marketing and Social Media Specialist, a Bachelor of Arts graduate, and has been writing since the age of 9. Nabihah has recently been elected as the CEO of the Independent Media Association of South Africa. Nabihah is passionate about Brand Awareness and Brand Loyalty and uses her knowledge in these fields together with her copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills to bring brands to life. iloveza.com is a primary example of how she can build your brand. Find her at: Instagram: @nabihah_dp / @ilovezacom Twitter: @nabihahd / @ilovezacom Facebook: iloveza.com LinkedIn: Nabihah Plaatjes / iloveza.com YouTube: iloveza.com SoundCloud: iloveza.com E-mail: nabihah@iloveza.com
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