Turtles’ world records list
These slow-moving reptiles are known for their hard shells, which protect them against predators. But don’t let their sluggish demeanor fool you – turtles are some of the fascinating creatures on the planet.
From the tiny bog turtle, which can fit in the palm of your hand, to the massive leatherback turtle, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, there are over 300 different species of turtles in the world. These ancient reptiles have been around for more than 200 million years, making them some of the oldest living creatures on Earth.
But turtles are not just impressive because of their age. They have a number of other unique features that make them stand out. For example, some species can retract their heads and limbs inside their shells, while others can swim for hours without taking a breath.
Uncover the magical mysteries of the turtle realm – join me on an adventure to experience the unfamiliar!
Leatherback sea turtle
The mysterious diver of the ocean is the largest and only sea turtle without a hard shell and scales
It is the largest turtle in the world, and also holds the record for the longest reptile migration; reaching up to 20,558 km (12,774 miles)! Lastly, it is the fastest turtle in the water, reaching speeds of up to 35 km/h (22 mph)! Truly a remarkable species!
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Galapagos tortoise
An iconic animal from the Galápagos and the largest tortoise on earth
It’s the largest of all land turtles, weighing up to 250 kg (550 pounds). and measuring up to 1.5 m (5 ft) long. Not only that, it’s been around for over 200 years and is still going strong! Pretty impressive for such a slow-moving creature.
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African spurred tortoise
This giant is the largest African and third of all the tortoises on earth
A true heavyweight champion of the reptile world, boasting the title of the largest mainland tortoise around! With a shell that can grow up to four feet long and a weight that can exceed 91 kg (200 pounds), this impressive creature is a true icon of strength and resilience.
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Yangtze giant softshell turtle
No other turtle is rarer than the Yangtze giant softshell turtle
A true champion of the freshwater world, holding the record as the largest living freshwater turtle on the planet! But this gentle giant’s impressive size is matched only by its rarity, making it one of the world’s most endangered species with only 2 of them left and a true treasure of the animal kingdom.
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Speckled tortoise
Endemic to South Africa, it is the smallest tortoise on earth
It may be small, but it’s definitely not to be underestimated! In fact, this tiny turtle holds the record for being the world’s smallest, proving that big things really do come in small packages.
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Aldabra giant tortoise
These gentle giants are making a big comeback and now there are lots of them to see and meet!
With some individuals living for over 200 years, this gentle giant is the oldest reptile on the planet. You can find it chillin’ in the peaceful and slow-paced lifestyle of the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean, where it’s been thriving for centuries.
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