There are only 7 Sea turtle species in existence with most of them being on the verge of extinction. These are some of the largest turtles on our planet. They spend their wholes lives out in the open oceans and only come on to land to lay their eggs.
Sea turtles are reptiles and require air to breathe. Their lifespan is estimated to be around 80 years old.
Some of the threats that endanger a sea turtle’s life are natural predators like raccoons, birds, crabs, and ants. They will either eat the sea turtle eggs or eat the hatchlings as they try to venture to the open sea.
Other threats to sea turtles are trash, fishing equipment, and humans harvesting them for their shells. It is very important to keep our oceans clean. Sea turtles feed on jellyfish and they may mistake a plastic for one and can die.
Sea Turtle Species
Click on the following sea turtle species to learn some basic facts about each sea turtle.
1. Flatback Sea Turtle
- Scientific Name: Natator Depressus
- Size: The average adult size measures to about 3.25 feet or 99 cm. in carapace length
- Weight: On average, adults weigh 198 pounds or 90 kg
2. Green Sea Turtle
- Scientific Name: Chelonia Mydas
- Size: Average nesting female carapace (shell) is about 32 to 43 inches (80 to 110 cm)
- Weight: Average nesting female is about 243 to 408 pounds (110 to 185 kg)
3. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
- Size: The average adult size falls between 30 to 35 inches (2.5 to 2.92 feet)
- Weight: Between 101 pounds (45 kg) and 154 pounds (70 kg)
4. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
5. Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Scientific Name: Dermochelys Coriacea
- Size: About 6 feet (1.8 meters) front to back. With the front arm span around 8 feet (2.5 meters)
- Weight: Between 1200 pounds (550 kg) and 1450 pounds (664 kg)
6. Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Size: Their shell can range between 35 inches (90 cm) and 3 feet (1 meter).
- Weight: They can reach around 154 pounds (70 kg) and more.
- Habitat: They are found mostly in shallow waters over the continental shelf
7. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
- Scientific Name: Lepidochelys Olivacea
- Size: The average adult size can range between 22 to 30 inches (55 to 75 cm)
- Weight: Average nesting females can weigh around 77 pounds (35kg) and up to 100lbs (45kg)