To Break the Misunderstanding and Correct the Name of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle(赤蠵龟): Why Shouldn't It Be Called the "Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle"(大西洋蠵龟)? | CBCGDF OceanWetlands Reports

On January 15, 2025, when the editor of the OceanWetlands of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation(CBCGDF) was looking up information about a species, she found the corresponding entry for "Loggerhead Turtle"(Caretta caretta) in Baidu Encyclopedia - "Atlantic loggerhead turtle" (大西洋蠵龟). In the process of consulting experts, she found that there may be some problems here. As a personal opinion, it is now published with the authorization of experts.

Professor John MK Wong, an expert in marine biodiversity, pointed out that Loggerhead Turtle cannot be simply translated into "Atlantic loggerhead turtle"(大西洋蠵龟); the traditional name "loggerhead turtle" (赤蠵龟)is more accurate. There are several reasons.

First, the name of the loggerhead turtle comes from its red carapace, which is very intuitive. Second, considering the cultural heritage of traditional naming, Chinese scholars (and scholars from universities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) also called it "loggerhead turtle" in the past. Moreover, from the perspective of protection, correct naming is crucial.

Therefore, Professor John MK Wong believes that keeping the traditional name "loggerhead turtle" is a more scientific and practical approach. The Chinese name "loggerhead turtle" not only accurately reflects the characteristics of the species, but also avoids the misleading geographical restrictions.

Original Chinese article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Gxx4IZ76doC2WXdgdx6z9Q

Translator: Daisy        

Reviewed by Sara

Editor: Daisy

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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