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Are turtles endangered?

Some species of sea turtles are considered endangered. For example, Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is believed to have a population of only a few hundred.

Worldwide turtle populations have declined due to several factors. Among these factors are: habitat destruction; hunting by humans (for turtle eggs, leather, and meat); and becoming accidentally ensnared in the nets of fishermen.

Sources: Cunningham, William P., et al. Encyclopedia of Endangered Species, pp. 765-66; The IUCN Amphibia-Repcilia Red Data Book, pp. iv-vii.

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