SEA TURTLES

Sea Turtles Class Reptilia Family Cheloniidae Family Dermochelyidae Species - Leatherback, Green, Black, Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Flatback

Reptilia Characteristics Ectothermic Lungs or gills? 3 - chambered heart lays eggs

Family Dermochelyidae Scute-less turtles backbone is NOT attached to the inside of the shell capable of diving up to 1000 feet. ONLY the Leatherback

Family Cheloniidae Turtles with shells that are covered with scutes (horny plates) include all species but one This is a flatback turtle

Sea Turtles Fossil records date back to 208 - 245 million years ago warm/ temperate regions - shallow coastal waters, bays, lagoons, estuaries large streamline shell - nonretractable head and limbs This is a green turtle

Leave water only to lay eggs migrate long distances to lay eggs in the same nesting areas every 2-3 years migration is tracked by flipper tagging, radio transmitters, and satellites females lay 100 - 160 eggs at one time

Eggs are temperature dependant (cold = female warm = male) Incubation ranges from 45 - 70 days Low survival rate, many are eaten by dogs, ghost crabs, pigs, birds, humans Born on full, bright moonlight nights

This Kemp’s Ridley is the smallest and most endangered. As few as 350 females She will only lay eggs at Rancho Nuevo, Mexico.

Males have a larger tail because the male reproductive organs are at the base of the tail. Turtles have great vision underwater but not above. Size ranges from 22 inches to 7 feet (leatherback)