GREEN SEA TURTLE
DESCRIPTION
The Green Sea Turtle is a large marine turtle characterized by its olive-brown shell and a heart-shaped carapace. They are known for their strong, paddle-like flippers that allow them to swim gracefully in the ocean. Green Sea Turtles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs.
FUN FACTS
- Green Sea Turtles can hold their breath for up to five hours while resting underwater, but they typically surface for air every 30 minutes when active
- | They are named for the green color of their body fat, which is a result of their herbivorous diet, primarily consisting of seagrasses and algae
QUICK INFO
Lifespan60-80 years in the wild, up to 100 years in captiv
Average Weight150-200 kg
Average Length1.5-2.0 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social StructureSolitary, with occasional group gatherings during feeding or nesting.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Green Sea Turtles inhabit warm coastal waters, particularly in shallow lagoons and near coral reefs. They are often found in areas with abundant seagrass beds, which provide both food and shelter.
- Biomes
- Marine, Coastal
- Native Range
- Green Sea Turtles are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
- Continent
- North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe
- Countries
- United States, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Greece
- Diet
- Green Sea Turtles primarily consume seagrasses and algae, which are abundant in their coastal habitats. Their diet helps to maintain the health of marine ecosystems.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- Seagrasses, algae
- Social Structure
- Solitary, with occasional group gatherings during feeding or nesting.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-10
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
150-200 kg
Weight
1.5-2.0 m
Length
- Coloration
- Olive-brown shell with a lighter underside.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males have longer tails and are generally smaller than females.
- Lifespan
- 60-80 years in the wild, up to 100 years in captiv
- Offspring per Birth
- 100-200 eggs
- Sexual Maturity
- 20-50 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- Green Sea Turtle populations are currently declining due to various threats, but some populations are stable.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 20,000-30,000 nesting females
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- The main threats to Green Sea Turtles include habitat loss, poaching for their eggs and shells, and entanglement in fishing gear. Climate change also poses a significant risk by affecting nesting sites and sea levels.
- Conservation Program
- Various international conservation programs are in place, including the Marine Turtle Conservation Program.
- Predators
- Sharks, large fish, and sea birds are known predators of Green Sea Turtle hatchlings. Adult turtles have few natural predators, but they can be threatened by orcas in some regions.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Green Sea Turtles rely on their size and strong shells for protection, and they can also dive deep to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon