GREEN TURTLE Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus) 



Order: CHELONIA Family: CHELONIIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Abutting, non-overlapping shields on carapace; four 

 pairs of lateral shields in shell; one pair of prefrontals on head; very large size; 

 paddlelike feet. 



Present distribution : Tropical oceans. Wanders up United States coasts during summer. 

 Throughout Hawaiian archipelago . 



Former distribution : Same; but once used Florida beaches as nesting sites. 



Status : Practically extirpated as a breeding entity in the fauna of the mainland U.S. 



Still common as a breeding entity on Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Regarded 



as a "depleted" species in lUCN Red Data Book, Vol. 3, 1968. 



Estimated numbers ; In waters off mainland U.S. , probably very few. Common in 

 Hawaiian Islands, World-wide, still fairly common in some areas, but seriously decimated 

 in others where they were once abundant. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Reaches breeding age about sixth year. Probably nests once 

 every three years . Average 100 eggs per female . May have several successive nests in 

 one year . 



Reasons for decline : Both animal and eggs widely used for food; eggs and young subject 

 to very heavy predation. Subject to intense harvesting pressure in some parts of world. 

 Overutilization in others . Now also being taken in Hawaii for its shell as trophy or curio 

 item for tourists . 



Protective measures already taken : Molestation of nesting sea turtles and their eggs is 

 prohibited in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. Hatchlings 

 are flown from Caribbean beaches to Florida for release . Similar release techniques are 

 employed in Buck Island Reef National Monument, Virgin Islands, and Virgin Islands 

 National Park. Resiilts in the form of return of released hatchlings not verified as yet. 

 Protected by law, closed seasons, limited harvests, restricted licenses, and other means 

 in many parts of its range . Entry to Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge by permit 

 only. Life history and ecological research by refuge personnel in progress. Cooperative 

 University of Hawaii and U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife experimental rearing 

 project in progress at University of Hawaii. 



Measures proposed : Continued research and protection . Better enforcement of existing 

 regulations; Extension of laws to areas not currently covered. Closure of waters at 

 Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to txortle taking. Need research, including actual harvests, 

 in main Hawaiian Islands . Close surveillance of fishing activities in future as such activities 

 may increase around French Frigate Shoals . 



Number in captivity : Practically every saltwater aquarium and a few zoos have them, 

 often as many as 5 to 10 . 



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