Green Turtle
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Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
Habitat: Migratory, mostly found in tropical waters
Diet: Seagrasses, algae, sponge, invertebrates (herbivorous as adults, carnivorous as juveniles)
Threats: Marine plastic pollution, ghost nets, coastal development, boat traffic, fishing bycatch
Predators: Seabirds, dogs, sharks (e.g. tiger sharks)
Chelonia mydas, the Green Turtle, inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters worldwide. This species undergoes dietary shifts from carnivorous juveniles to herbivorous adults, feeding mainly on seagrasses and algae. Major threats include marine plastic pollution, ghost nets, coastal development, boat traffic, and fishing bycatch. Predators such as seabirds, dogs, and sharks pose risks at various life stages. Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Green Turtles are subject to extensive conservation efforts to protect their habitats and mitigate human-induced threats (Wikipedia) (World Wildlife Fund) (NOAA Fisheries).
The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a migratory species found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They inhabit shallow coastal areas such as bays and lagoons, and often reside in seagrass meadows. Green turtles are highly migratory and travel long distances between feeding grounds and nesting sites. Notable nesting sites include the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and various islands in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans (Wikipedia) (worldwildlife) (fisheries.noaa).
Green Turtles exhibit significant dietary shifts throughout their life stages. Juveniles are primarily carnivorous, feeding on invertebrates such as jellyfishes, sponges, and crustaceans. As they mature, their diet becomes predominantly herbivorous, consisting mainly of seagrasses and algae. This herbivorous diet helps maintain the health of seagrass beds, which are crucial habitats for many marine species (Wikipedia) (animalia) (fisheries.noaa).
Green Turtles face numerous threats:
Marine Plastic Pollution: Ingestion of plastic debris can lead to blockages and injury.
Ghost Nets: Abandoned fishing nets can entangle turtles, leading to drowning or severe injury.
Coastal Development: Habitat loss due to construction and human activities on nesting beaches.
Boat Traffic: Collisions with vessels can cause serious injury or death.
Fishing Bycatch: Accidental capture in fishing gear such as shrimp trawls, gillnets, and longlines is a significant threat, often resulting in drowning as turtles cannot surface to breathe (Wikipedia) (worldwildlife) (nwf) (fisheries.noaa).
Natural predators of Green Turtles vary by life stage. Eggs and hatchlings are highly vulnerable to predation by seabirds, dogs, raccoons, and fishes. Juveniles and adults are preyed upon by larger marine predators, such as sharks (notably tiger sharks) and occasionally orcas (worldwildlife) (animalia) (fisheries.noaa).
Green Turtles are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and are protected under various international agreements, including CITES Appendix I. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites, reducing bycatch through modified fishing practices, and mitigating the impacts of coastal development and pollution. Organizations like NOAA and WWF are actively involved in research, monitoring, and implementing conservation strategies to aid in the recovery of Green Turtle populations (Wikipedia) (worldwildlife) (fisheries.noaa).
Green Turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. Their grazing on seagrass promotes nutrient cycling and productivity, supporting a diverse range of marine life. Additionally, they hold cultural significance in many coastal communities, often symbolizing longevity and the health of marine environments (worldwildlife) (fisheries.noaa).
