Discovering The Unique Traits Of Different Sea Turtle Species
Sea turtles are one of the few animals that have existed even before the large asteroid hit the Earth. That’s why scientists, marine experts, and the general public are always keen on discovering more new facts regarding sea turtles.
So, how many sea turtle species exist in modern times? There are basically seven types of sea turtles that are able to survive drastic environmental changes. These species include the following.
- Leatherback Turtle
- Atlantic Ridley Turtle
- Loggerhead Turtle
- Flatback Turtle
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Olive Ridley Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
In this article, we will talk about the different sea turtle species. Moreover, we will learn about their unique habitats, breeding habits, and conservation status. So, let’s get started!
Sea Turtle Species: Different Types of Turtle Species
According to marine experts, sea turtles play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. Researchers have identified seven sea turtle species from the Arctic Ocean to the Tasman Sea.
Below, we have provided some information about the different types of sea turtle species.
- Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The Leatherback sea turtle is the only living species in the Dermochelyidae family. It was labeled as an endangered species in 1973 under the Endangered Species Act.
The leatherback sea turtle is mostly popular for its massive size. Their bodies can grow six to seven feet and weigh around 2,000 pounds. Leatherback turtles are different from other sea turtles because they have a soft plastron with a streamlined shape.
In the image below, you can see the streamlined shell shape of a leatherback sea turtle.
Image: aimmportugal
This special feature allows them to dive deep into the ocean and control their body temperature. Researchers found that leatherback turtles can dive up to 4,200 feet in the oceans. Plus, they can stay underwater for 85 minutes.
| Features | Details |
| Habitat | Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and the Aegean Sea |
| Diet | Soft-bodies animals, Jellyfish, Snails |
| Carapace Length | 145-160 cm |
| Average Body Weight | 250-900 kg |
| Mating Season | March to July |
| Pregnancy Duration | 55-75 days |
| Status | Critically Endangered |
| Life Span | 30-50 years |
- Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
These turtles are often called Kemp’s Ridley turtles. They are the most endangered turtle species among sea turtles. Their population has been decreasing because of poaching and the loss of their natural habitats from the 1930s to the 1980s.
According to researchers, they live in areas near the Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic Ocean. The nests of these sea turtles are mostly noticed near Playa de Rancho Nuevo in Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Take a look at the image we have given below. Here, you can see the main nesting beaches of Atlantic Ridley sea turtles.
Image: dec.ny.gov
| Features | Details |
| Family | Cheloniidae |
| Habitat | Atlantic Ocean |
| Mediterranean Sea | |
| Indian Sea | |
| Diet | Mollusks, Snails, Fish |
| Carapace Length | 55-75 cm |
| Average Body Weight | 30-50 kg |
| Status | Critically Endangered |
| Life Span | 30–50 years |
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle ( Caretta caretta)
According to a study, loggerhead sea turtles are mainly born along the coast of Japan. After hatching, they travel across the North Pacific to reach the rich waters of the Gulf of Ulloa and the Gulf of California. Researchers observed that these turtles stay in these zones until they reach sexual maturity.
These turtles typically have a straight carapace length of 92 cm on average. You can easily identify them on beaches by their dark brown shell, two pairs of scales between the eyes, and a broad, yellow-orange head.
Image: researchgate
| Features | Details |
| Family | Cheloniidae |
| Habitat | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coasts of Japan | |
| Pacific Ocean | |
| Indian Ocean | |
| Diet | Red crab, Demersal fish and Jellyfish |
| Carapace Length | 92 cm |
| Average Body Weight | 80-200 kg |
| Status | Endangered |
| Life Span | 70-80 years |
- Flatback Turtle (Natator depression)
The flatback sea turtle is very different from other sea turtle species. Below, we have listed the unique characteristics of Flatback sea turtle species:
- They only nest on beaches in northern Australia.
- The babies of flatback turtles are relatively larger compared to adult body size than any other sea turtle species.
- Flatback turtles go through an oceanic juvenile stage.
- Flatback turtles can easily hold their breath compared to other sea turtles.
- Flatback turtles have a thin layer of keratinous scutes on their shell.
| Features | Detail |
| Family | Cheloniidae |
| Habitat | Pacific Ocean |
| Diet | Soft corals, Shrimps, Mollusks |
| Carapace Length | 76-96 cm |
| Average Body Weight | 70-90 kg |
| Status | Vulnerable |
| Life Span | 100 years |
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Adult Hawksbill turtles tend to have a body mass of around 45-70 kg. Plus, they have a curved shell that can grow up to 110 cm in length. It is known as the most tropical of sea turtles.
That’s why these turtles were once abundant in tropical oceans across the globe. Unfortunately, around nine million Hawksbill turtles have been killed in the past 150 years. Specifically, hawksbill turtles are the most endangered in the following regions.
- Eastern Pacific Ocean
- Northeast Indian Ocean
- East Atlantic Ocean
- West Pacific Ocean
| Features | Detail |
| Family | Cheloniidae |
| Habitat | Atlantic Ocean |
| Pacific Ocean | |
| Mediterranean Sea | |
| Diet | Marine algae, Jellyfish and Crustaceans |
| Carapace Length | 71-89 cm |
| Average Body Weight | 46-70 kg |
| Status | Critically Endangered |
| Life Span | 30-50 years |
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
You can easily distinguish Olive Ridley sea turtles from other sea turtle species because they have a bright olive green, heart-shaped shell. These turtles typically have 5 to 9 pairs of scutes along their sides. Plus, they have 1-2 claws on each flipper.
Moreover, their strong jaws allow them to capture prey like snails and crustaceans. According to a study, these turtles mainly display oceanic behavior. They are commonly found in the tropical areas of the South Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
| Features | Detail |
| Family | Cheloniidae |
| Habitat | Atlantic Ocean |
| Pacific Ocean | |
| Aegean Sea | |
| Diet | Lobster, Crab, and Tunicates |
| Carapace Length | 61 cm |
| Average Body Weight | 36-50 kg |
| Status | Endangered |
| Life Span | Around 50 years |
- Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The Green sea turtle is another well-known sea turtle around the world. As per a study, it usually has a straight shell length of around 98 cm. You can identify them by their wide oval shell and two scales between the eyes.
For more information on the mating behavior, food habits, and life span of green sea turtles, you can see the table we have given below.
| Features | Detail |
| Family | Cheloniidae |
| Habitat | Atlantic Ocean |
| Pacific Ocean | |
| Mediterranean Sea | |
| Diet | Algae, Fish eggs, and Worms |
| Carapace Length | 78-112 cm |
| Average Body Weight | 68-190 kg |
| Status | Endangered |
| Life Span | At least 70 years |
Physical Adaptations Of Sea Turtles: A Detailed Overview
Turtles first appeared around 200 million years ago. Then, around 110 million years ago, modern sea turtles emerged from a single lineage.
All sea turtles have short and wide back flippers. They help the turtles catch their prey, push the water out of their way, and swim forward.
When the turtles are on land, they use their rear limbs to move around and build their nests in the sand. They also have front flippers that often look like the flat wings of an airplane. Sea turtles can also dive very well in the water.
They have highly developed coronary and respiratory systems that allow them to stay underwater for 20 to 60 minutes. Their kidneys are designed to reduce salt absorption and store water. Moreover, they have cranial glands in their heads that release concentrated salt through tears.
Why Are The Numbers Of Sea Turtles Decreasing Gradually?
Did you know that, except for the Flatback sea turtle, all other species of sea turtles are classified as endangered turtle species on the IUCN list? According to research, the decreasing number of sea turtles since the 1950s is mostly caused by the following factors:
- Climate Change: Experts claim that climate change is a big threat to sea turtles. If temperatures rise above 30°C, there could be a decrease in hatching success rate by up to 25%.
- Illegal Hunting: According to researchers, there are two main reasons why the population of sea turtles is decreasing. The high rate of fisheries bycatch killed a lot of adult sea turtles. Also, egg poaching causes the death of sea turtles even before the eggs are hatched.
- Buildup Of Microplastics In The Ocean: Studies revealed that 90% of baby green sea turtles and 80% of baby loggerhead sea turtles showed signs of ingesting plastic.
Final Words
Overall, sea turtles are large marine creatures that are found in oceans around the world. They have gone through a long process of physical adaptation to survive the changing environmental conditions.
They have developed flat flippers, strong vision, good respiratory systems, and foraging habits to survive both on land and underwater.
However, rising temperatures, increased sea levels, the buildup of plastic in the ocean, and coastal development are threatening the existing population of sea turtles.
Thus, we should take the initiative to raise awareness among people to protect the population of sea turtles before all the remaining sea turtles and freshwater turtles become extinct.