About Sea Turtles
Sea turtles have long fascinated both biologists and conservationists. Of the many species found around the world, five are found in waters of the Indian subcontinent.
Over millions of years of their existence, sea turtles have evolved a variety of remarkable strategies for survival. They use a wide range of habitats (sandy beaches, coral reefs, sea grass beds, etc.), thus, playing a critical role as flagship species for the conservation of the oceans’ ecosystems and diversity. Many of these habitats face mounting threats today around the world. Sea turtles are also an important part of the traditional culture of many coastal indigenous peoples all round the world.
Species
Green turtle
Hawksbill
Olive ridley
Loggerhead
Leatherback
Largest among all the sea turtle species, leatherbacks get their name from their unique shell, which is composed of a layer of thin, tough, rubbery skin strengthened by thousands of tiny bone plates that make it appear “leathery”.