Green Sea Turtle: Improved From Endangered To Least Concern
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the Red List status of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has improved from Endangered to Least Concern due to sustained conservation.
- Green Sea Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle.
- The common name of this species refers to the usually green fat found beneath its carapace, not to the color of its carapace, which is olive to black.
- Green turtles serve as keystone species in tropical marine ecosystems.
- The species is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe.
- They have a comparatively small head.
- They do not have teeth, but their jaws have modified “beaks” suited to their particular diet.
- They do not have visible ears but have eardrums covered by skin. They hear best at low frequencies, and their sense of smell is excellent.
- They spend almost all their lives underwater and come out of the water only when nesting.
- Lifespan: Estimated to be 60-70 years.
- Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern
