Threats to Turtles: Habitat Loss

In the past, we Vietnamese turtles lived long and peaceful lives in nature.  From the lush green forests that seemed to stretch across the entire land to the misty mountain tops of the central highlands, the great marshes of the southern delta, and those crystal clear lakes in the north, we turtles enjoyed difficult but peaceful lives.  Unfortunately today, the situation has changed for turtles.  We are hunted everywhere across the land, and our forest, river, and wetland homes are quickly being destroyed.

What will the future be like? Will there be any place left for turtles to live?

Look at this picture and try to find the activities in the list below that contribute to the loss of homes and habitat for turtles and other wildlife.

1. Cutting forest
2. Converting wetlands to agriculture
3. Converting forests to agriculture (burning)
4. Polluting rivers and lakes
5. Dredging sand (destroys nesting areas)
6. Mining
7. Building roads through wetlands and forests (divides habitat)
8. Building dams (blocks passage for turtles and other aquatic species)