Sea turtles on the verge of extinction
Have you ever met a sea turtle? Did you know that they are threatened by several factors that could lead to their extinction? Would you like to know more?
This week, the Turtle Kingdoms team went on a sea trip to gather more information about sea turtles, an endangered species. Here is what we can currently say:
Sea turtles, adapted to the ocean, are critically endangered. Climate change is altering their nesting grounds, while marine pollution is poisoning their habitat, jeopardizing their survival. Urgent action is needed to protect them.
Today, these critically endangered species find themselves left to fend for themselves.
After reading, you will know:
- Describe the factors that threaten the existence of sea turtles;
- How does sea turtle fertilization take place;
Sea turtles
Capable of long migrations, the sea turtle is a very hardy reptile which, no matter how far it travels, always returns to the place where it was born to reproduce.
Sea turtles ( Chelonioidea ) are a superfamily of turtles adapted to marine life. They are among the oldest tetrapods on Earth. They are reptiles perfectly adapted to marine life, thanks to their elongated body shape, covered with a robust shell or carapace, and the presence of "legs" transformed into flippers.
Sea turtles are primarily herbivores, feeding primarily on algae and certain types of coral. They also feed on jellyfish, being immune to their stings thanks to their tough skin.
Threats
Climate change
Climate change and global warming can have serious impacts on turtle populations. Sea turtle sex determination is temperature-dependent. A change in global temperatures alters sand temperatures, which affects the sex of hatchlings and increases the risk of instability in population composition.
Accidental fishing
Every year, thousands of turtles are trapped by shrimp fishing operations. Sea turtles are reptiles, so if they can't reach the surface to breathe, they drown. Longline and gillnet fishing are also among the leading causes of sea turtle mortality. Every year, sea turtles become entangled in trawls, hooks, and fishing nets in the oceans .
Illegal trade
High demand and high market prices for sea turtle shells —particularly hawksbill turtle shells—and leatherback turtle leather products threaten the populations of these vulnerable species.
Poaching and direct consumption
Hunting and collecting eggs for consumption are the main causes of the drastic decline in turtle populations worldwide. Turtle eggs are considered an aphrodisiac in some countries and are eaten raw or sold as snacks in bars and restaurants.
Marine waste and pollution
Sea turtles can mistake plastic objects floating in the sea for food, such as jellyfish, and choke when they try to eat them. They become entangled in discarded fishing gear and plastic bags , drowning, or being unable to feed or swim. Litter on beaches can trap newly hatched turtles, preventing them from reaching the sea. Oil spills can poison turtles of all ages.
Coastal development and loss of nesting and feeding habitats
Uncontrolled coastal development has destroyed vital nesting beaches. Lights from roads and buildings attract newly hatched chicks and drive them away from the sea. Traffic and human activity during beach restoration projects, including dredging and sand filling, destroys nearshore feeding areas and nesting beaches.
Longevity
There is no consensus among scientists on the lifespan of sea turtles. Their lifespan is estimated at around 80 years, given that they reach sexual maturity at 30-50 years and have a reproductive lifespan of 30 years. Given the factors discussed, many turtle species are in danger of extinction . Sea turtles in particular are threatened with extinction.
How are sea turtles fertilized?
Mating takes place near the coast, near the beach chosen for laying eggs. Females reproduce for the first time between the ages of 10 and 30, and to nest, they return to the same place where they were born. To do this, they can migrate up to 5,000 km, guided by an orientation that scientists have not yet been able to fully explain.
Female sea turtles, like other reptiles , lay eggs. Most species come to beaches at night to lay their eggs, although olive ridley and terrapins also do so during the day. When nesting or hatching, the female digs a hole with her hind flippers and lays between 30 and 200 eggs, depending on the species. Once the female has laid her eggs and buried them, she immediately returns to the sea, leaving the eggs unattended.
The sex of the turtle depends on the temperature of the sand, and when it is warm, females are formed. Along the Atlantic coast of the United States, temperatures are cooler in the north, so the further north turtles lay their eggs, the more likely it is that the hatchlings will be males.
After an incubation period of approximately 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the species, the young hatch and begin the grueling journey from their sand-covered nest. Under natural moonlight, the young head out to sea and begin swimming in the direction of the waves.
Endangered species
Like all sea turtles, the imbricata turtle is endangered worldwide. The species Eretmochelys imbricata is listed on the IUCN Red List and the United States Red List. However, fishing for imbricata turtles continues in some countries. Demand has not diminished, and the black market for turtles is also thriving.
Endangered, sea turtles are abandoning their usual habitats. These ancient tetrapods are threatened by poaching, illegal trade, a supposed lifespan of 80 years, a climate that is poisoning the earth, and marine pollution that creates uninhabitable habitats for these sea turtles.
Treat yourself to some turtle designs with the Turtle Kingdom store.
You now know a little more about sea turtles than before. To support sea turtles, and especially turtles in general, visit our online store! You'll find lots of turtle-related items there!
