Factsheet

• Marine turtles are characterised by large, streamlined shell and non-retractile head and limbs.

• The leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle species; the Kemp’s Ridley is one of the smallest.

• Marine turtles breath through lungs therefore, come to the surface to take oxygen. They have developed an anaerobic system of respiration.

• Marine turtle have Flippers, instead of legs that aid in swimming.

• Marine turtles have large upper eyelids that provide protection for their eyes.

• They can see fairly well in water but are shortsighted on land.

• They secrete excess salt form their body by ‘crying’ Marine turtles do not have an external ear opening.

• Researchers have found that sea turtles respond to low frequency sounds and vibrations.

• Each species has a jaw shape adapted for its diet. Marine turtle’s have an acute sense of smell in the water. They use smell to locate food and to recognise nesting beach.

• Marine turtles, it is believed, can live for 100 years.

• Sea turtles possess a salt excretory gland at the corner of the eye, in the nostrils or in the tongue depending on the species.

• Sea. Turtles enjoy immunity from the sting of the badly box jellyfish and regularly eat them.

• It takes decades for sea turtle to reach sexual maturity.

• Marine turtles are large, air breathing reptiles.

• They have horny bill instead of teeth.

• The hetchling’s gender depends on the sand temperature. Higher the temperature, more number of females, lower the temperature more number of males.

• Marine turtles are cold blooded, i.e. ectothermic.

• Only female marine turtles come ashore to nest after mating. The males are never found on the shore.