All known species of turtles are considered indicator species (aka sentinel species) which means that their abundance, distribution, and health in the ecosystem are reflective of overall environmental conditions. So maybe the lack of turtles means an unhealthy and unstable local ecosystem?
omrmike t1_j9jaxcr wrote
Reply to Strange question but where in this area have people seen wild turtles? by ProximaCentauriB15
All known species of turtles are considered indicator species (aka sentinel species) which means that their abundance, distribution, and health in the ecosystem are reflective of overall environmental conditions. So maybe the lack of turtles means an unhealthy and unstable local ecosystem?