The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a gentle marine giant, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. These turtles inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans around the world and are known for their long-distance migrations between feeding grounds and nesting beaches.
Physical Features
Named for the greenish color of their body fat, which comes from their herbivorous diet, Green Sea Turtles have a streamlined shell and strong flippers that make them excellent swimmers. Adults can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh over 700 pounds.
Lifecycle and Behavior
Green Sea Turtles are solitary creatures, except during mating and nesting seasons. Females return to the exact beach where they were born to lay their eggs, a phenomenon known as natal homing. Hatchlings face numerous predators on their way to the ocean, and only a small percentage survive to adulthood.
Threats and Conservation
Green Sea Turtles are classified as endangered due to threats like bycatch in fishing gear, pollution, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching. Conservation efforts include protecting nesting beaches, reducing plastic pollution, and enforcing international fishing regulations.
Fun Fact
Green Sea Turtles can hold their breath for up to 5 hours while resting underwater, although during active swimming, they typically surface every few minutes.
