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This video was made on the island of Redang in Malaysia during a boat trip to go to the famous Turtle Sanctuary: in fact, in certain periods of the year many turtles reach this location to lay their eggs. They have thus also become a tourist attraction and are so used to the presence of man that they allow themselves to be approached very easily. Redang Island is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and as well as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine sanctuary park offering snorkeling and diving opportunities for tourists. santuario delle tartarughe
Loggerhead sea turtle – Tartaruga marina comune – Caretta caretta – www.intotheblue.it – www.intotheblue.link
The Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), is a species of oceanic turtle distributed throughout the world. It is a marine reptile, belonging to the family Cheloniidae. The average loggerhead measures around 90 cm in carapace length when fully grown. The adult loggerhead sea turtle weighs approximately 135 kg, with the largest specimens weighing in at more than 450 kg. The skin ranges from yellow to brown in color, and the shell is typically reddish brown. No external differences in sex are seen until the turtle becomes an adult, the most obvious difference being the adult males have thicker tails and shorter plastrons (lower shells) than the females.
Loggerhead sea turtle – Tartaruga marina comune – Caretta caretta – www.intotheblue.it – www.intotheblue.link
The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. It spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. The loggerhead sea turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. The loggerhead reaches sexual maturity within 17–33 years and has a lifespan of 47–67 years. The loggerhead sea turtle is omnivorus, feeding mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Its large and powerful jaws serve as an effective tool for dismantling its prey. Young loggerheads are exploited by numerous predators; the eggs are especially vulnerable to terrestrial organisms. Once the turtles reach adulthood, their formidable size limits predation to large marine animals, such as sharks. santuario delle tartarughe
Loggerhead sea turtle – Tartaruga marina comune – Caretta caretta – www.intotheblue.it – www.intotheblue.link
The loggerhead sea turtle is considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In total, 9 distinct population segments are under the protection of the Endagered Species Act of 1973, with 4 population segments classified as “threatened” and 5 classified as “endangered”. Commercial trade of loggerheads or derived products is prohibited by CITES Appendix I. Untended fishing gear is responsible for many loggerhead deaths. The greatest threat is loss of nesting habitat due to coastal development, predation of nests, and human disturbances (such as coastal lighting and housing developments) that cause disorientations during the emergence of hatchlings. Turtles may also suffocate if they are trapped in fishing trawls.
Loggerhead sea turtle – Tartaruga marina comune – Caretta caretta – www.intotheblue.it – www.intotheblue.link
Turtle exluded devices have been implemented in efforts to reduce mortality by providing an escape route for the turtles. Loss of suitable nesting beaches and the introduction of exotic predators have also taken a toll on loggerhead populations. Efforts to restore their numbers will require international cooperation, since the turtles roam vast areas of ocean and critical nesting beaches are scattered across several countries. santuario delle tartarughe
(extract from Wikipedia)
