The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the largest sea turtles in the world, reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters and weights exceeding 180 kilograms. Its carapace is smooth and typically olive to brown with radiating darker patterns, while the plastron (underside) is lighter yellow or whitish. Unlike most sea turtles, adult Green Sea Turtles are primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on seagrasses and algae, which gives their body fat a greenish color, hence the name. They have a streamlined shell and strong flippers adapted for long-distance oceanic swimming.
Aggressive or Danger to Human? Generally not aggressive and pose no danger to humans. They are shy and tend to avoid human contact, although they can become stressed or defensive if handled or disturbed.
Population Status: Endangered (EN) Globally (Source: IUCN Red List).
Habitat and Habits: Green Sea Turtles inhabit tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and coastal lagoons. They spend most of their lives in the ocean but return to sandy beaches to nest, often on the same beaches where they were born. Nesting typically occurs at night, with females laying multiple clutches of eggs per season. Hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea, beginning a long and perilous journey. The species plays an essential ecological role by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reef ecosystems. Major threats include habitat destruction, bycatch in fishing gear, illegal egg collection, and marine pollution.