Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

The Green Sea Turtle, scientifically known as *Chelonia mydas*, is a large and graceful marine reptile found primarily in tropical and subtropical seas across the world. Characterized by its smooth, teardrop-shaped carapace, which can vary in color from olive to dark brown, the Green Sea Turtle exhibits a lighter underside. Despite its name, the green hue associated with this species does not refer to its shell, but rather to the greenish fat found beneath its skin, which results from its herbivorous diet predominantly consisting of seagrasses and algae.

Weighing up to 700 pounds and reaching lengths of approximately 5 feet, these turtles are notable for their remarkable migratory behavior, often traveling vast distances between their feeding grounds and nesting sites. Green Sea Turtles are integral to marine ecosystems, contributing to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, which can improve the habitat for other marine species.

Females return to the beaches where they were born to lay eggs, a nesting ritual that greatly fascinates biologists. Unfortunately, Green Sea Turtles are classified as an endangered species due largely to threats from habitat loss, climate change, and illegal poaching for their meat and shells. Conservation efforts are crucial in ensuring the survival of this ancient mariner and maintaining the ecological balance of our oceans.