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