Profiles Index

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.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle - Caretta caretta
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.

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.

Turtles and Tortoises - Order Testudines
Turtles (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.

Green Sea Turtle - Chelonia mydas
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.

Leatherback Sea Turtle - Dermochelys coriacea
The leatherback sea turtle is unique among sea turtles because, unlike other sea turtles who have a carapace of hard bony plates, the leatherback's carapace is flexible and rubbery in texture. The leatherback's carapace blends into its plastron, making the turtle barrel-shaped.