Thu, 25 May 2023

Leatherback Turtles

Why in news? Recently, the government has granted approvals for an international container port on the Great Nicobar Island, which poses a threat to the survival of leatherback turtles, the largest turtles on Earth.

About:

  • Leatherback turtle is the largest of the seven species of sea turtles.
    • Other species are: Olive Ridley turtle, Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Kemp’s Ridley, Flatback Turtle,
  • It has a leather-like shell and is found in all oceans except the Arctic and the Antarctic.
  • In the Indian Ocean, it nests only in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • It is the only living species in its genus and family.
  • Leatherback turtles can grow up to two meters long and weigh as much as 700 kilograms.
  • The Leatherback is unique among reptiles as it can generate heat to maintain high body temperatures.
  • The species has existed since the age of the dinosaurs, but its numbers are in decline.
  • It is protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
  • Female Leatherbacks nest in significant numbers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and then swim towards Australia’s western coast and the eastern coast of Africa.
  • IUCN: Vulnerable

 

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/a-mega-port-in-india-threatens-the-survival-of-the-largest-turtles-on-earth/article66884132.ece

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