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Sea Turtle Spotlight
Guardians of the Ocean
This week, we’re diving into the fascinating world of sea turtles, one of the ocean’s most ancient and captivating creatures. These gentle navigators have been roaming our seas for over 110 million years, long before dinosaurs became extinct. Today, they play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Meet the Seven Sea Turtle Species
1. Leatherback – The largest and deepest-diving turtle, with a unique rubbery shell.
2. Green Turtle – Named for their greenish body fat, these turtles are primarily herbivores.
3. Loggerhead – Known for their powerful jaws, perfect for crunching through shellfish.
4. Hawksbill – With beautiful patterned shells, they play a key role in coral reef health.
5. Olive Ridley – Famous for their synchronized mass nestings called arribadas.
6. Kemp’s Ridley – The rarest and most endangered, nesting mostly during daylight hours.
7. Flatback – Found only in Australian waters, with a flatter shell than other species.
Why Sea Turtles Are Vital
Sea turtles are essential to ocean ecosystems:
🌱 Seagrass Management: Grazing green turtles keep seagrass beds healthy and thriving.
🏝️ Beach Ecosystems: Turtle eggs left behind after hatching provide nutrients for coastal vegetation.
🐠 Coral Reefs: Hawksbills help prevent sponge overgrowth on coral reefs.
Threats They Face
Despite their ancient lineage, all seven species of sea turtles face threats, including:
• Plastic Pollution: Mistaking plastic for jellyfish can be deadly.
• Fishing Nets: Bycatch remains a major issue.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures affect gender ratios and nesting sites.
• Coastal Development: Loss of nesting beaches threatens their survival.
Fun Facts
🐢 Sea turtles can hold their breath for up to 7 hours while resting!
🐢 Hatchlings instinctively head toward the brightest horizon—usually the ocean.
🐢 A female turtle returns to the same beach where she was born to lay her eggs, guided by Earth’s magnetic field.
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