Environmentalists are sounding the alarm bell as tortoise population in Coimbatore, India, is going down drastically.

In India, three species of turtles are available: Snap-Shelled Turtle, Flap Turtle and Star Turtle. The number of these Turtle species has seen a sharp decrease pushing them to the verge of anonymity in Coimbatore.

According to Chandrashekhar, a conservationist, the amphibians are being smuggled from India to countries all over the world owing to the myth that turtle flesh has incredible medicinal properties. This belief has led to the decline in population of the endangered creatures.

"These tortoises are smuggled to foreign countries for their meat. The star tortoises are especially good for improving soil fertility. If they are grown in the rural areas, they would improve the fertility of the soil. These are being used for human consumption. But the meat of these tortoises has no medicinal properties and they are just like any other organism in this world. So, here in this park we try to protect these tortoise species," says Chandrashekhar.

While asserting that turtle flesh did not have any medicinal value, Chandrashekhar believes that it is important to clamp the unlawful export of the creature. This would require educating people and creating awareness.

May 23, 2015, was celebrated as World Turtle Day and is aimed at increasing awareness and bring forth conservation efforts to help in the thriving of turtle species. The purpose is to educate people on the dangers faced by turtles and how to care for the creatures.

A major hurdle to the survival of the species is not only global warming, but the illegal export, the exotic food trade, pet trade, and destruction of their natural habitat.

The transportation of turtles is often done in unsafe conditions and the creatures get stressed, often dying as a result.

Bycatch or the accidental capture in case of sea turtles by fishermen in trawls and gillnets has also contributed to the decline of the species.

The Leatherback Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle are listed endangered by the WWF. The Olive Ridley Turtle and Giant Tortoise are listed vulnerable.

Photo: Steve Jurvitson | Flickr