Sea Turtle

Quick Facts About Sea Turtle

Overview

Sea turtles are remarkable marine reptiles that have been navigating the world's oceans for over 100 million years. They are easily recognized by their large, streamlined shells and flippers adapted for swimming. There are seven species of sea turtles, including the green, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, olive ridley, hawksbill, flatback, and leatherback turtles. These species vary in size, with the leatherback being the largest, reaching up to 2 meters in length and weighing as much as 700 kilograms. Sea turtles are known for their long migrations, often traveling thousands of kilometers between feeding grounds and nesting sites. They exhibit fascinating behaviors, such as synchronized nesting known as arribadas, where thousands of females come ashore to lay eggs simultaneously. Sea turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, such as maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. Unfortunately, they face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and bycatch in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure their survival, as they are key indicators of ocean health.

Range & Habitat

Habitat: Oceans