Habitat
Shallow waters of the continental shelf.
Distribution
Migrating widely but nesting mainly in temperate and subtropical areas.
Status
Vulnerable CITES Appendix 1
Population
Total population impossible to predict, but largest nesting site in Oman has 30,000 annually
Threats
Mainly by incidental capture in trawls, loss of habitat due to coastal development and local exploitation. Nesting generally occurs at night, and the artificial lights of coastal developments disorientate females and hatchlings, causing some to head inla
nd and be killed on the roads.
Conservation
Though protected by law over much of its range, legislation needs to be enforced. Restricting fishing, to minimise accidental capture is needed, and further protected areas designated.
Size
Carapace length up to 1 m
Weight
Adults may exceed 90 kg
Special features
Wandering individuals of this turtle have been found in Arctic waters, as far north as Murmansk, Russia. Compared to other sea turtles, the head of the Loggerheads is larger in relation to body size, and the species can crush clams and conch shells with
its powerful jaws.
File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996