Imprimer
caretta_caretta_playa_hmennella6.jpg
© H. Mennella
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© O. Bianchimani

Description

The loggerhead sea turtle is the commonest turtle in the Mediterranean sea! It can measure up to a meter and weigh as much as 100kg! It can be recognised by its brown shell with orange parts on the top and its large head and bulky body. It feeds on small fish, molluscs and crustaceans, by breaking their shells with its powerful jaw. Females only lay eggs every two or three seasons and return to land where they dig a deep hole in the sand to lay them

Scientific name

Caretta caretta

Natural habitats

Pelagic zone

Did you know ?

Threatened with extinction, the loggerhead sea turtle particularly suffers from pollution caused by plastic waste in the sea. It accidentally ingests floating plastic bags that it mistakes for jellyfish

Conservation stake

Strong

Threats

  • Accidental capture
  • Depletion of its prey
  • Ingestion of plastic bags
  • Collision with boats
  • Urbanisation of beaches were it lays its eggs
  • Sensitivity to light pollution during egg laying. How can I help to protect it?
  • Pick up, take back and sort your waste.
  • Limit the use of plastic packaging.

How can I help to protect it?

  • I pick up, take back and sort waste
  • I ensure that the use of plastic packaging is limited

Source URL: https://calanques-parcnational.fr/loggerhead-sea-turtle