Green
The green turtle has the most numerous and widely dispersed nesting sites of the seven species, and was once highly sought after for its body fat – a key ingredient in the popular delicacy, ‘green turtle soup.’ Although it has become illegal to trade them in many parts of the world, green turtles and their eggs continue to be consumed.
Scientific name : Chelonia mydas
Status : Endangered(CR)
Distribution :
* Circumglobal
* Nesting areas throughout tropical regions are often on islands and coral atolls in addition to mainland beaches
* Non-nesting range extends to temperate regions during immature stages
Size :
ADULTS
Length 80-120 cm
Mass up to 200 kg
HATCHLINGS
Length 30-40 mm
Mass 25-30 gr
Diet :
From hatchlings until juvenile stages; plankton and mainly carnivorous
For adults; mainly herbivorous
Reproduction :
* Reproduce every 2-5 years
* Lay 2-5 clutches of eggs per season
* Lay 80-120 eggs per clutch
* Large ping-pong ball size eggs weigh approximately 40-50 grams
* Incubation period approximately 60 days long
* Can take 20-30 years to reach sexual maturity.
Facts : Eastern Pacific green turtles are termed ‘black turtles’ because of their darker coloration. They tend to be smaller and to lay fewer eggs than green turtles elsewhere.