Species · GBIF taxon 2442225
Chelonia mydas
chelonia mydasAlso known as Green Turtle, Pacific Green Turtle, Black Sea Turtle
Green sea turtles are majestic marine reptiles that navigate thousands of miles of open ocean to return to the exact beaches where they hatched. Unlike most other sea turtles, adults are strictly herbivorous, grazing on seagrasses and algae which gives their cartilage and fat a greenish color. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy seagrass beds, which serve as crucial nurseries for numerous fish and invertebrate species.
MarineMigratoryHerbivorous
- diet
- Seagrasses, algae, and occasionally jellyfish or sponges when young
- family
- Cheloniidae
- threats
- Coastal development, marine debris, accidental bycatch in fishing gear, and illegal poaching
- life Span
- 70 to 80 years
EN
Safe to observe from a respectful distance; never touch or approach nesting females or hatchlings.
Listed as Endangered globally, these turtles suffer from habitat loss, nest disturbance, and plastic pollution.
Never touch, ride, or obstruct a turtle. Report injured individuals to local wildlife authorities immediately.- Keep your distance: Maintain at least 15 feet (4.5 meters) from turtles in the water and on land.
- Avoid flash photography: Bright lights disorient nesting females and hatchlings trying to find the sea.
- Keep beaches dark: Turn off beachside lights during nesting season to prevent hatchlings from wandering inland.