Explore Sea Turtles with Florida Captain Kev
There are seven species of sea turtles in the world, each with unique characteristics and habitats. They are the flatback, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, and olive ridley sea turtles. All but the flatback turtle are listed as threatened with extinction globally on the threatened species list.
Sea Turtles
General Information
Sea turtles are marine reptiles adapted for ocean life, featuring streamlined bodies and large flippers. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, with some species migrating long distances between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Adult females lay eggs on land, while males remain in the ocean. Sea turtles lack teeth but have modified beaks for their diets, and they have eardrums covered by skin instead of visible ears.
Sea Turtles
Description
Habitat and Range
Habitat and Range
Turtles are reptiles characterized by their bony shell, which is an integral part of their skeleton and provides protection. They are cold-blooded and breathe air, laying eggs on land, though many species live in or around water. Turtles are one of the oldest reptile groups, having evolved millions of years ago.
Habitat and Range
Habitat and Range
Habitat and Range
Sea turtles inhabit a wide range of marine habitats, spanning nearly every ocean basin. They migrate extensively between nesting grounds and feeding areas, with some species traveling thousands of miles. They prefer shallow, coastal waters for foraging and nesting on tropical and subtropical beaches.
Behavior
Habitat and Range
Lifespan / Mortality
Sea turtles are generally solitary creatures, spending most of their time submerged at sea. They are not typically social animals, but some species, like Ridleys, gather in large groups during nesting or mating. Sea turtles migrate long distances from feeding areas to nesting beaches, and females return to the same beaches where they were born to lay eggs.
Lifespan / Mortality
Lifespan / Mortality
Lifespan / Mortality
Sea turtle lifespans can range from 30 to 100 years or more, with some estimates suggesting even longer. Mortality rates are high, especially for hatchlings, with only a small fraction reaching adulthood. Sea turtle populations are generally on the decline, with several species classified as endangered.
Legal Protections
Lifespan / Mortality
Legal Protections
In the United States, sea turtles are primarily protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA makes it illegal to harass, harm, or kill sea turtles, their eggs, or hatchlings. Additionally, sea turtles are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered and threatened species, including sea turtles.