Tortoises and Turtles - Chelonia
Tortoises and turtles (Order Chelonia) are a unique group of reptiles that first appeared about 200 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. Since that time, turtles have changed little and it is quite possible that modern turtles closely resemble those that roamed the Earth during the time of the dinosaurs.
Celebrate World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, a California-based non-profit turtle and tortoise rescue organization founded in 1990.
World Turtle Day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, a California-based non-profit turtle and tortoise rescue organization founded in 1990.
Galapagos Tortoise (Geochelone nigra)
The Galapagos tortoise (Geochelone nigra) is the largest of all living tortoises, reaching lengths of up to 4 feet and weights of over 350 lbs. Galapagos tortoises have long lifespans often living for over 100 years. These reptiles are vulnerable and suffer from the threats of introduced species.
The Galapagos tortoise (Geochelone nigra) is the largest of all living tortoises, reaching lengths of up to 4 feet and weights of over 350 lbs. Galapagos tortoises have long lifespans often living for over 100 years. These reptiles are vulnerable and suffer from the threats of introduced species.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is among the largest marine turtles and is also the most widespread. It grows to lengths of about 3 to 4 feet and weights of up to 200 kg. Its front limbs are flipper-like and are used to propel itself through the water.
The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is among the largest marine turtles and is also the most widespread. It grows to lengths of about 3 to 4 feet and weights of up to 200 kg. Its front limbs are flipper-like and are used to propel itself through the water.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered sea turtle. Its beautifully marked carapace, marbled with yellow, amber, and brown markings, has made it the target of commercial hunting for its tortoiseshell.
The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered sea turtle. Its beautifully marked carapace, marbled with yellow, amber, and brown markings, has made it the target of commercial hunting for its tortoiseshell.
Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is unique among sea turtles because, unlike other sea turtles who have carapacees of hard bony plates, the leatherback's carapace is flexible and rubbery in texture.
The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is unique among sea turtles because, unlike other sea turtles who have carapacees of hard bony plates, the leatherback's carapace is flexible and rubbery in texture.
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is a marine turtle that grows to lengths of 28 to 39 inches. Caretta caretta is the world's largest hard-shelled turtle. Loggerhead turtles have large heads (when compared to other species of marine turtles) and strong, muscular jaws (which help them crush prey such as crabs and lobsters).
The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is a marine turtle that grows to lengths of 28 to 39 inches. Caretta caretta is the world's largest hard-shelled turtle. Loggerhead turtles have large heads (when compared to other species of marine turtles) and strong, muscular jaws (which help them crush prey such as crabs and lobsters).
Satellites Help Scientists Follow Endangered Loggerhead Turtles
The Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa are an important nesting site for a colony of endangered loggerhead turtles. Threatened by intense fishing activity in the area, the number of loggerhead turtles has decreased drastically in recent years. Now, satellite tracking technology offers scientists a way to learn more about loggerheads and in turn better protect them.
The Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa are an important nesting site for a colony of endangered loggerhead turtles. Threatened by intense fishing activity in the area, the number of loggerhead turtles has decreased drastically in recent years. Now, satellite tracking technology offers scientists a way to learn more about loggerheads and in turn better protect them.
Scientists Lose Contact with Loggerhead Turtle, Sodade
A recent press release by scientists working with seaturtle.org has revealed the loss of Sodade, one of the loggerhead turtles tagged in their satellite tracking study.
A recent press release by scientists working with seaturtle.org has revealed the loss of Sodade, one of the loggerhead turtles tagged in their satellite tracking study.
The Path of a Hatchling Sea Turtle
Female marine turtles bury their eggs on beaches and, having completed their only maternal obligation, return to the sea. Left behind, the unborn young must face the world on their own from the moment they emerge from their nest.
Female marine turtles bury their eggs on beaches and, having completed their only maternal obligation, return to the sea. Left behind, the unborn young must face the world on their own from the moment they emerge from their nest.
Tourism Impacts Mediterranean Loggerhead Turtles
With millions of people taking summer holidays, tourism often becomes a heafty burden for wildlife to bear. Most recently, conservationists concerned about the impact of tourism have focused their attention on the Mediterranean loggerhead turtles.
With millions of people taking summer holidays, tourism often becomes a heafty burden for wildlife to bear. Most recently, conservationists concerned about the impact of tourism have focused their attention on the Mediterranean loggerhead turtles.