Green Turtles at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

This group is commonly made up of the green turtles and terrapins, both of which are called green turtles and are aquatic or semiaquatic; tortoises, which are strictly terrestrial; and certain green turtles which are marine. As good pet material does not come from the marine green turtles, they are not discussed here.

Box green turtles differ from other green turtles by having a hinged plastron. This makes it possible for the creature completely to enclose its head, feet, and tail so that it looks like an oval box. Man's ruthlessness and carelessness have reduced the number of box green turtles to the point where they are now rare. Some states have enacted laws which prohibit the possession of these green turtles. Check state laws before seeking a specimen for a pet.

Only young map green turtles should be used. They are often found among other baby green turtles sold commercially. They are not hardy in captivity, but are worth keeping temporarily for observation.