Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptile
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Cheloniidae
- Genus
- Chelonia
Habitat
Green sea turtles inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, preferring shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs for feeding. They are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and females return to specific sandy beaches in over 80 countries for nesting. These areas often include warm waters with abundant vegetation.
Diet
Adult green sea turtles are primarily herbivores, feeding on seagrasses and algae in shallow marine environments. Juveniles are more omnivorous, consuming jellyfish, crabs, and sponges along with plants. They typically forage during the day in their feeding grounds.
Behavior
Green sea turtles are mostly solitary but gather in groups at feeding sites; they are highly migratory, traveling thousands of miles to reach nesting beaches. They exhibit diurnal activity, spending much of their time swimming or basking at the surface to regulate body temperature. They are known for their strong homing instincts and territorial defense during nesting.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the green sea turtle as Endangered, with populations declining due to threats like habitat loss, bycatch in fishing nets, and poaching. Conservation efforts include protected marine areas and international agreements to reduce these pressures.