GREEN SEA TURTLE
KEY FACTS Population Trend: Decreasing ↓
IUCN Status: Endangered
*Population estimate: 85,000 – 90,000 nesting females
Scientific name: Chelonia mydas
Size: upto 1.5m
Found in: Malay Peninsula and East Malaysia
Habitat: Open and coastal waters, sandy beaches, and islands
Diet: Fish eggs, jellyfish, small invertebrates, sponges, seagrasses, algae, and crustaceans
Average clutch size: 85 – 200 hatchlings
Average Life-expectancy in the wild: up to 70 years
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 as 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.
TURTLE VOLUNTEERING IN MALAYSIA
VOLUNTEERING
The Perhentian Turtle volunteering project is one of our most popular and well-established project. Furthermore, it is fully integrated with a community project to help the local fishing village transition to sustainable tourism.
INTERNSHIPS
We offer a wide range of internships for young graduates and budding conservationists. Practically, these allow you to gain valuable work experience and CV skills. Our project locations are generally in the tropical rainforest or on paradise islands. The minimum stay is 3 months.
