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Habitat
 Chelonia mydas

 

Courtesy of: Robert Thorn
Photo by: Robert Thorn

 

    Green  sea turtles occupy three types of habitats: high-energy beaches, convergence zones in the pelagic habitat, and benthic feeding grounds in shallow waters. Hatchings first live on the beach, then move into convergence zones in the open ocean. Once they are mature enough, they leave for the pelagic habitat and then the benthic feeding grounds. Green Sea turtles are found near coral reefs, worm reefs, and even the rocky bottom.  

   

Green Sea Turtle Resting on the Great Barrier Reef

    Because of their omnivorous diet, green sea turtles              forage in shallow seas where there is sufficient light
to ensure an abundant amount of marine grasses.
When they are ready to sleep, they retire to a location
that provides safety from large predators such as
sharks. On coral reefs, they move under overhanging
ledges and face inwards.


 


 

     Green sea turtles live in warm tropical waters all over the world. They are in greatest association near the United States around the Gulf of Mexico area and along the East Coast, particularly Florida. The Florida nesting population is threatened. While both nationally and internationally the green sea turtle is endangered. This turtle is primarily endangered because of water pollution, destruction of habitat, and because it is hunted.
 

Green Sea Turtle Nesting at Night. Courtesy of Kevin Schafer

 


   When females are ready, they drop their egg clutches on high-energy beaches. A deep next cavity is dug above the high-water line.

 

 


              Photo by: Kevin Schafer

 

Created by: Melissa Martinelli
Last Updated: April 27th, 2007