1. Sea Turtle Notes

2. General Characteristics
Large, streamlined shell (carapace)
Non-retractable head & flippers
In most species, the body is covered in with hard, keratinized plates called “scutes” which are unique to each individual
Spend their entire lives in the ocean (except when females come ashore to lay eggs)
They can be found in almost every ocean in the world
Breathe air
Diet depends on the species of turtle (some eat plants, others eat jellyfish & crabs)
Excrete salt through concentrated tears

3. Human Threats
Sea turtles have been on earth for more than 100 million years (even surviving the dinosaur extinction 65 million years ago!)
Most common causes of death:
Bycatch – accidental capture or entanglement in fishing gear
Loss of nesting & feeding sites to coastal development
Poaching for shells or meat
Pollution (plastic bags are mistaken for jellyfish and eaten)
Artificial light from houses attracts hatchlings away from the sea

4. 1. Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
Sea Turtle species
1. Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
Largest of all the species of sea turtles (can reach up to 2,000 pounds and be 8 feet long!)
Characteristics:
Smooth, leathery, flexible carapace
No scutes (scales)
Black in color with white, pink, and grey spots
Longitudinal lines running the length of the carapace
ENDANGERED

5. 2. Green (Chelonia mydas)
Sea Turtle species
2. Green (Chelonia mydas)
Largest of all the hard shelled turtles (up to 4 feet in length and 500 pounds!)
Characteristics:
Carapace color ranges from olive brown to almost black
A single pair of scutes between the eyes
Scutes do not overlap
“Sunburst” pattern on scutes
ENDANGERED – only the breeding colonies in Florida & Pacific Coast of Mexico, all others colonies are THREATENED

6. 3. Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Sea Turtle species
3. Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Up to 4 feet long and 400 pounds in size
Named for its massive head and jaws
Characteristics:
Carapace has reddish-brown color
Carapace is slightly heart shaped
Skin and belly yellow in color
Scutes do not overlap
THREATENED (only species not endangered)

7. 4. Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Sea Turtle species
4. Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)
2-3 feet in length, up to 200 pounds (one of the smallest species)
Named for its narrow head and birdlike beak
Characteristics:
Brightly colored carapace
Overlapping scutes on carapace
ENDANGERED

8. 5. Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Sea Turtle species
5. Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea)
2.5 feet in length, 100 pounds
Named for its pale green carapace
Characteristics:
Slightly heart shaped carapace
The most abundant species
THREATENED (breeding colonies in Pacific Coast of Mexico are Endangered)

9. 6. Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Sea Turtle species
6. Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Smallest species – 2 feet in length, 75 pounds
Only species that nests during the day
Characteristics:
Triangular shaped head and hooked beak
Olive grey carapace
Almost circular carapace is wider than it is long
ENDANGERED

10. 7. Flatback (Natator depressus)
Sea Turtle species
7. Flatback (Natator depressus)
Named for its flat carapace
3 feet in length, up to 200 pounds
Characteristics:
Pale green/grey carapace
Edges of carapace distinctly upturned
Only found in waters of N. Australia & Indonesia
ENDANGERED