Chelone sp(Green Sea Turtle).pptxThe Green Sea Turtle is a reptile The Green Sea Turtle is a herbivore Average lifespan is 80 Years Can weigh up to 700 pounds Is found in tropical and subtropical costal waters

The Green Sea Turtle is a reptile
The Green Sea Turtle is a herbivore
Average lifespan is 80 Years
Can weigh up to 700 pounds
Is found in tropical and subtropical costal waters

1.   CHELONE sp. NAME – SK ABDUL MANNAN ROLL NO. – 108 REG. NO. – 4112307009 CLASS – 2 nd  SEM SUBJECT – ZOOLOGY (CHORDATES)  YEAR - 2024 1

2.                  Introduction : The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a large sea turtle species found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. These turtles are named for the greenish color of their cartilage and fat, not their shells. 2

3.             Systematic Position :   Phylum : Chordata         Class : Reptilia             Order : Testudines                    Family : Cheloniidae                            Genus : Chelonia                                   Specimen : Chelone  sp . 3

4. Physical Characteristic : 4 The Green Sea Turtle is a reptile The Green Sea Turtle is a herbivore Average lifespan is 80 Years Can weigh up to 700 pounds Is found in tropical and subtropical costal waters

5.       Habit and DISTRIBUTION  : Habitats: Green sea turtles are typically found in coastal areas, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. They prefer warm, shallow waters where seagrass and algae are abundant. Geographic Distribution: Green sea turtles are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are known for their long migratory journeys between feeding grounds and nesting sites. 5

6.                    Diet & FEEDING BEHAVIOUR : Herbivorous Diet: Green sea turtles primarily feed on seagrass and algae. Unlike other sea turtle species, they are mostly herbivores, especially as adults. Young Turtles: Juvenile green sea turtles are more omnivorous, eating invertebrates like jellyfish and sponges along with algae and seagrass. Feeding Behavior: Foraging: Green sea turtles use their strong, serrated jaws to tear and eat seagrass and algae. They forage in shallow waters where their food sources are abundant. Ecological Role: By maintaining healthy seagrass beds and algae levels, green sea turtles play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to the health of coral reefs and coastal environments. 6

7.                  Reproduction : 1 . Mating: Mating occurs in shallow waters near the nesting beaches. Males may mate with multiple females each season. Females store sperm and can lay multiple clutches of eggs from a single mating. 2. Nesting: Female green sea turtles return to the beaches where they were born (natal beaches) to lay eggs. Nesting typically occurs at night. The female digs a hole in the sand using her flippers, deposits around 100-200 eggs, covers them with sand, and returns to the sea. 7

8.           Ecological Importance : Maintaining Seagrass Beds: Green sea turtles are primary consumers of seagrass, grazing on it in large quantities. Their grazing behavior helps to trim seagrass, promoting new growth and maintaining healthy seagrass beds. Seagrass beds are crucial habitats for various marine species, providing food, shelter, and nursery grounds. Algae Control: Besides seagrass, green sea turtles also consume algae. By feeding on algae, they help to control algal growth, preventing overgrowth which can negatively impact coral reefs and other marine organisms. Biodiversity Support: Healthy seagrass beds and balanced algae levels support a diverse range of marine life. Many species of fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms rely on seagrass habitats for feeding, breeding, and shelter. 8

9.          Conservation Status : IUCN Red List Status: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the green sea turtle as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List. Endangered status indicates that the species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild if conservation measures are not implemented effectively. Threats: Green sea turtles face numerous threats, including habitat loss and degradation, pollution, climate change, and illegal poaching. Destruction of nesting beaches, entanglement in fishing gear, and ingestion of marine debris are significant threats to their survival. Conservation Efforts: Conservation efforts aim to protect nesting beaches, reduce bycatch in fishing gear, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and reduce pollution in marine habitats. Marine protected areas, nesting site monitoring programs, and community-based conservation initiatives are crucial for the preservation of green sea turtles.. 9

10.                   Conclusion : Call to Action: The conservation of green sea turtles is essential for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. Each individual can contribute to conservation efforts through simple actions such as reducing plastic consumption, supporting marine conservation organizations, and participating in beach clean-up activities. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the threats facing green sea turtles and the importance of their conservation is crucial. Education initiatives, public outreach programs, and media campaigns play a significant role in fostering understanding and support for conservation efforts. Long-Term Sustainability: Sustainable management practices, including the establishment of marine protected areas and the enforcement of regulations, are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of green sea turtles. Collaboration between governments, conservation organizations, local communities, and stakeholders is essential for achieving conservation goals. 10