The 7 Species of Sea Turtles
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.
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 green sea 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 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 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 loggerhead sea 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 sea 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).
Sea turtles and salmon possess an astonishing ability to migrate vast distances from their birthplace and, years later, return to their home territory to reproduce. This navigational feat, known as natal homing, has baffled scientists for many decades.
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.
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.
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.
