The use of its meat and eggs by humans has seriously endangered its survival. The hawksbill turtle also has almost been killed off because tortoise shell, a substance that is used in making ornamental objects, comes from its carapace. People further endanger turtles by poisoning their homes with pollution. People also continually replace forests, swamps, and other natural areas with cities and farms. This activity almost ensures the extinction of certain kinds of turtles.
Some governments forbid the capture of rare species of turtles.
Turtle preserves have been established in certain areas, and scientists are experimenting with raising valuable species on turtle farms. But zoologists must know more about how turtles live in the wild to save many of the endangered ones. Carl H. Ernst, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, George Mason University. How to cite this article.