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The green sea turtle, scientifically known as Chelonia mydas, is the only species of herbivorous sea turtle. It feeds mainly on seagrasses, such as Zoostera and Thalassia (that grows on sandy bottoms), algae and even molluscs that are found in shallow waters along the coasts. The herbivorous diet determines the color of the animal's body fat and from this comes the name green turtle.
Adult green turtles can weigh over 300 kg and measure up to 1.5 m in length. . Along the coasts of the island of Nosy-Be, in Madagascar, I personally observed several specimens that easily reached the maximum size of the species.
They are incredible travelers: they also make transoceanic migrations between their feeding sites and nesting sites, sometimes even moving over 2,600 kilometers.
These turtles can sleep underwater by resting their heads on rocks or floating among algae. They can also hold their breath while they sleep.
They are extremely long-lived and can exceed 80 years of age and sexual maturity is reached between 25 and 40 years. If in the juvenile stages the specimens are limited to being passively transported by the currents, in adulthood four main behaviors are observed: foraging, reproduction and round trip from breeding and foraging sites.
The female mates and lays eggs every 2-3 years: digs in the sand 5-7 holes in which, at intervals of 10-15 days, it lays about 100 eggs with white and soft shells, for a total seasonal number of about 500 units. Incubation lasts 50-60 days, it is estimated that only one in 500 newborn manages to reach sexual maturity. The sex of green turtles, as for many reptiles, is determined by the temperature of the sand where the eggs are laid: warmer temperatures determine the birth of more females, while colder temperatures determine the birth of more males.
The species has a wide distribution, inhabiting the coastal waters of more than 140 countries; it can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans: in the Atlantic along the coasts of North and South America, including the Caribbean islands; in the Pacific in the waters around Australia, Southeast Asia and the Hawaiian Islands; in the Indian near the coasts of East Africa, of the Maldives and Sri Lanka. In the Mediterranean Sea it is present in the southeastern basin with main breeding grounds along the southern coasts of Turkey, Syria and Cyprus, although it is considered sporadic.
Unfortunately, the green turtle is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: habitat degradation, direct killing for meat and eggs, vessel propellers, bycatch with fishing nets contribute to the decline of its population. In addition, the species is subject to a form of tumor, called fibropapilloma, which attacks soft tissues and grows to prevent movement and nutrition, leading the animal to death. The cause of this pathology seems to be related to herpesvirus infection, whose contagion is associated with a reduction in immune defenses caused by exposure to marine chemical pollution.
There are several associations that deal with the protection of the green turtle, the best known are:
1. Sea Turtle Conservancy, one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the world dedicated to the protection of sea turtles, including the green turtle. It works for the conservation of turtle habitats, scientific research and public education.
2. Turtle Island Restoration Network, which focuses on protecting sea turtles and their habitats through research, conservation and education. It works to reduce the threats green turtles face, such as bycatch and habitat loss.
3. WWF, which is committed to the conservation of biodiversity. It works to protect sea turtles, including the green turtle, through habitat conservation, threat reduction and promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
4. Marine Conservation Society which is dedicated to the protection of sea turtles and their habitats in the UK. It works to reduce the threats that green turtles face, such as marine pollution and bycatch.
5. Carribean Conservation Corporation which focuses on protecting sea turtles in the Caribbean, including the green turtle. It works for habitat conservation, scientific research and public education.
