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Man's Impact: The Most Endangered Sea Turtles
The Human Cost: Why These Sea Turtles Are Disappearing
Reading time : 1 minute,
Discovery Chepe Id-346-ECO
Published in
08-20-2024
The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a fascinating and unfortunately critically endangered species. Its shell is highly appreciated as it is used in jewelry decorations.
After decades of this alert, progress has been made, but several species of sea turtles are still in danger of extinction and according to the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) , sea turtle species most threatened by man are:
1- Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): It is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. Its shell is made of a substance known as tortoiseshell, which is highly valued in jewelry and decoration. This has led to widespread poaching of the hawksbill turtle, drastically reducing their populations.
2-Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta): It is classified as endangered and is the most common sea turtle in the world. It is found all over the planet, but its populations are declining due to a number of factors, including poaching, accidental capture in fishing nets, and habitat loss.
From Nesting Grounds to Extinction: The Human Threats to Sea Turtles
3-Green turtle (Chelonia mydas): Found throughout the world, but its populations are declining due to poaching, accidental capture in fishing nets, and habitat loss.
4-Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): It is the largest sea turtle on Earth. It is found throughout the world, but its populations are declining due to poaching, bycatch in fishing nets, and habitat loss.
5- Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): It is classified as vulnerable and is the smallest sea turtle in the world. It is found throughout the globe, but its populations are declining due to poaching, bycatch in fishing nets, and habitat loss.
Other species of sea turtles that are also threatened by humans include the bastard turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), the Kemp's turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), the Pacific sea turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii) and the Kemp's turtle (Lepidochelys kempii).
The green turtle has a flattened, oval shell, olive green or brown in color. Its head is small and it has a strong beak that it uses to feed on seagrass, algae and jellyfish.
The most common threats facing sea turtles are:
· Poaching: The meat, eggs, and shell of sea turtles are coveted by humans, which has led to widespread poaching.
· Accidental capture: Sea turtles are often accidentally caught in fishing nets, which can lead to injury or death.
· Habitad loss: Sea turtles need sandy beaches to lay their eggs, but many of these beaches are being developed or polluted.
There are a number of things that can be done to help protect sea turtles, such as:
· Support organizations that work to protect sea turtles.
· Avoid buying products made with hawksbill or other sea turtle products.
· Support sustainable fishing practices that reduce accidental capture of sea turtles.
· Protect the beaches where sea turtles nest.
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