Infographic: Sea Turtles
Sea Turtles
For more than 100 million years sea turtles have covered vast distances across the world's oceans, filling a vital role in the balance of marine habitats.
7 species of sea turtles grace our ocean waters and most are endangered
Flatback
Natator depressus
Status: | Data Deficient |
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Length: | 31-37 inches |
Diet: | Crabs, other crustaceans, mollusks |
Hawksbill
Eretmochelys imbricata
Status: | Critically Endangered |
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Length: | 30-35 inches |
Diet: | Sponges, sea anemones |
Kemp's Ridley
Lepidochelys kempii
Status: | Critically Endangered |
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Length: | 24-28 inches |
Diet: | Crabs, other crustaceans, mollusks |
Olive ridley
Lepdochelys olivacea
Status: | Vulnerable |
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Length: | 24-28 inches |
Diet: | Crabs, other crustaceans, mollusks |
Deadly Threats at Every Life Stage
Bycatch
The incidental capture of non-target species when fishing.
Illegal trade and direct consumption
Used for meat, eggs, shell, leather, curios.
Habitat Loss
Uncontrolled coastal development destroys or disturbs nesting beaches.
Climate Change
Global warming could skew sex ratios, resulting in more females.
How You Can Help
Purchase Sustainable Seafood
Pledge to buy seafood that's certified as being sustainable and urge stores and restaurants to carry certified fish.
Make a Good Buy When Traveling
Think twice and ask at least a few questions before buying that tortoiseshell souvenir, coral jewelry or snakeskin belt.
Support Sea Turtle Ecotourism
Book a sustainable tour to see turtles, particularly when it benefits local communities.
Sources:
- "90% population decline …" statistic from Las Baulas National Park, Costa Rica
- "4,950 turtles caught as bycatch …" statistic from Research Center for Capture Fisheries Indonesia Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (PRPT)
- More information can be found at www.worldwildlife.org/species/marine-turtle
Share
- #DidYouKnow leatherback turtles can be more than 5 feet long + weigh 1500 pounds? http://wwf.to/14xj6Ae via @world_wildlife Tweet This
- What's on the menu for sea #turtles? Seaweed, jellyfish, crabs, clams + more! http://wwf.to/11ajLqt via @world_wildlife Tweet This
- Hundreds of thousands of #turtles are accidentally caught + die in fishing gear every year http://wwf.to/1bwSNdD via @world_wildlife Tweet This
- Climate change could mean more female sea turtles than male. Temps determine turtle sex. http://wwf.to/11zOB8m via @world_wildlife Tweet This
- Choosing #sustainable seafood can help save sea turtles! http://wwf.to/ZK65l2 via @world_wildlife Tweet This