Sea Turtles

The tortoise of the sea

Habitat

Sea turtles, Loggerhead sea turtles in particular, can be found in both saltwater and estuarine areas around the world. Seen in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, it's also been spotted in the Mediterranean Sea. They will spend almost all of their lives in the water, females only coming on land to lay their eggs before returning. Very young turtles find themselves living in floating mats of algae while the juveniles and adults dwell along the coastal shelves outside of migration. Return to top

Life Cycle

Sea turtle hatchlings incubate for an average of 80 days in their eggs underground before they dig through the sand to the surface. They will approach the sea at night in an attempt to escape possible predators. They mature before reaching proper mating age. Female loggerheads can first reproduce anywhere between 17 to 33 years of age. After courting and mating, they will dig out a nest on shore to lay their eggs in. Following the laying, she will cover her eggs in sand and return to the ocean until the next mating season comes. This series of events repeats. Return to top

Threatened Status

Today, loggerhead sea turtles are considered part of the Vulnerable class established by the IUCN. This classification means that the species is likely to become endangered unless something is done to save them. Turtles can become trapped in fishing gear or traps, which may injure or drown them. They can consume debris floating in the ocean, including plastic that can block their intestines. Their habitats are also in danger, as land development takes away the beaches they depend on for nesting. Return to top
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Sea Turtles

Habitat Life Cycle  Threatened Status