DESCRIPTION

The Green Sea Turtle, or ‘Penyu Agar’ to the locals, is one of the most common turtle species in Malaysia and worldwide. Also, the name ‘Green turtle’ is actually derived from the greenish colour of their cartilage and fats, not their shells, which is normally brown or olive. Their soft body parts are covered by a wide, smooth shell, and the underside of the shell is yellow. Also, they have strong paddle-like flippers which help to reduce drag underwater and swim effortlessly.

Even though they are perfectly adapted to life in the sea, at times they will venture onto land to lay their eggs, which can be a laborious and weighty task. Regardless, it is their nature, and green turtles often migrate long distances, returning to the same area used by their mothers to lay their eggs. After 2 months, the turtle hatchlings crawl out of their nest and scramble towards the sea in numbers, while avoiding a multitude of predators (birds, crabs, sharks, etc.). If they survive this ordeal, these hatchlings will lead a nomadic lifestyle, travelling via ocean currents in search of food and safety.

Green sea turtles are listed as endangered, and their numbers are decreasing. Their eggs are considered delicacies, while the adults are killed for their meat and their shells. Other threats include: destruction of nesting and foraging areas, irresponsible eco-tourism practices, fishnets, plastics, and rising sea temperatures.

* Population estimate for this species is based on nesting beach monitoring reports and publications from 2004. Updated assessment required.