Welcome to the World of Green Turtles
Green Turtles
Chelonia mydas
Also known as: Green sea turtle
Average lifespan: 60–80 years
Primary habitat: Coastal waters, seagrass beds, coral reefs
Geographic range: Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide
Overview
The green turtle is a large sea turtle named for the green color of its body fat, not its shell. Unlike most sea turtles, adults are primarily herbivorous and play a key role in maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems. Green turtles are ancient reptiles that have existed for over 100 million years.
What It Looks Like
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Large, smooth shell that ranges from brown to olive
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Streamlined body adapted for long-distance swimming
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Paddle-like front flippers
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Small, rounded head compared to other sea turtles
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Lighter-colored underside
How It Behaves
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Mostly solitary, but may gather at feeding grounds
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Active during the day
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Migrates hundreds or thousands of miles
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Females return to the beaches where they were born to nest
What It Eats
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Seagrasses and algae (adults)
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Jellyfish and small invertebrates (juveniles)
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Primarily herbivorous as adults
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Grazing helps keep seagrass beds healthy
Life Cycle
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Nesting occurs on sandy beaches
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Females lay 100–200 eggs per nest
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Eggs hatch after about two months
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Hatchlings instinctively crawl toward the ocean
Survival Skills
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Strong flippers for powerful swimming
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Large size deters some predators
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Shell provides protection
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Long migrations help access seasonal food sources
Fast Facts
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One of the largest sea turtle species
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Can migrate over 1,000 miles
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Temperature of the nest determines hatchling sex
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Named for the green fat beneath its shell
Conservation
Green turtles are essential to marine ecosystems because they graze seagrass beds, keeping them healthy and productive while supporting fisheries and coastal biodiversity. They are endangered due to egg harvesting, bycatch in fishing gear, coastal development, pollution, climate change, and the loss of nesting beaches. Conservation efforts include protected nesting sites, fishing-gear regulations, international trade bans, and global conservation programs aimed at restoring populations and safeguarding critical marine habitats.