When a species is threatened by extinction it falls under the category of being an “endangered species.” Each species has different threats which affect their survival rate. Many species may be affected by loss of habitat or loss of genetic variation (Society). However, other reasons exist and are prominent as well such as egg collection and unintentional capture when operating fishing equipment. There is class of sea turtle that is the rarest species of sea turtle, the smallest species of sea turtle, and the most critically endangered sea turtle in the world (Fisheries).
The Kemp Ridley Sea Turtle has an average lifespan of 50 years, weighs 100 pounds and is 2 ft. in size (National Geographic). It usually resides in the coastal waters and bays of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. A prevalent threat to survival it happenstances is over-harvesting of
…show more content…
People harvested the eggs in truckload sizes throughout 1940’s and 1960’s and sold them in little towns in Texas and Mexico (Texas Parks & Wildlife). The Kemp Ridley’s Sea turtle was put on the “Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1970” on December 2, 1970 (Fisheries). This has become a massive setback, it initiated their nesting activity to be called “arribadas” (National Geographic). When a “arribada” occurs, all female sea turtles take over the seashore in pursuit of the perfect space to place her offspring. A female Kemp Ridley Sea Turtle is sexually mature once it is 10 - 12 years old which means reproduction rates are low as many females don’t survive to this maturity level. With that being said, the nesting grounds are now being safeguarded. The
Throughout the animal kingdom, adaptations take place continuously and even the smallest of changes can leave a significant impact. Examples can be seen within any plant or animal. One example would include sea turtles, specifically, the Loggerhead Turtles. These turtles are native to the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea (Deurmit L 2007). They thrive in either temperate or tropical climates and can live in a myriad of biomes (Deurmit L 2007). These biomes include the pelagic, reef, coastal, and brackish water (Deurmit L 2007). Loggerhead turtles are omnivores and can eat anything from insects to aquatic crustaceans, to macro algae (Deurmit L 2007). According to Deurmit (2007) Caretta caretta is classified into Animalia Kingdom, Chordata Phylum, Vertebrata Subphylum, Reptilian Class, Testudines’ Order,
The efforts taking place through different conservation organizations and the State of Florida are making a mixed impact on the survival of Manatees and Sea Turtles. The decline in manatee population has decreased, but due to low reproduction rates, more needs to be done to avoid extinction. The sea turtle outlook is more species specific. Some species of turtle are seeing stabilization in population, while others are not. The State of Florida has a large array of custom license tags that support the conservation efforts taking place within the State. The proceeds go to benefit the local marine life in Florida. With financial resources, state and local cooperation, and through constant research and observation, we are able to learn more about both of these gentle animals. With human awareness of those living in Florida, these two animals will survive
There has been a steep decline in sea otter populations due to water pollution and exploitation of furs. This has adversely affected marine ecology. It is therefore suggested that sea otters should be included in the endangered species list to protect them from further exploitation. This study focuses on the community ecology of sea otters and their impact on marine ecology. The need for their inclusion in the Endangered Species list and the implications of such an intervention are also evaluated.
Loggerhead sea turtles, scientifically labeled Carretta carretta, are the most global nesting turtle species and the most abundant in United State’s waters. While they are not nesting, they travel through open ocean water, spending time searching for food and resting on the sea floor. These turtles were nicknamed Loggerheads because of their large heads and strong jaw needed to break the shells of crustaceans. Loggerheads have the largest nesting range of any sea turtle, inhabiting the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans (Spotila, 2004).
Pickrell, John. “Ichthyosaur’s Turtle Supper Causes Extinction Debate”. National Geographic News.com 5 August 2003. 22 March 2004.
The green sea turtles have been taken out of the Atlantic Ocean for several years, so now they are an endangered species. Today, the green sea turtles population is growing and in the Florida Refuge they counted up to over 12,000 turtle nests. It is shocking to see how much the refuges care about the green sea turtles. They have been looking out for the turtles for 35 years. It was interesting to find out that these green sea turtles live for a really long time. It takes the turtles 25 years just to mature. This article caught my eye because I love science and animals. Knowing that people are taking care of what used to be endangered animals really means a lot to me. I hate seeing animals hurt or struggling to survive. Because of the refuges
All animals are quite different, especially in appearance. Common features may be found if major differences can be looked past. If the smooth, slimy skin of a hagfish and the hard, ridged shell of a snapping turtle are stripped away, some shared characteristics may arise. Hagfish and snapping turtles have certain similarities and differences in important life processes that all animals depend on to live, such as procuring and digesting nutrients, supporting themselves, and their sense organs.
The Blanding’s turtle is identified by its unique appearance. Its top shell is a round, dome shape unlike other turtle species. The top shell is black with characteristic yellow or tan spots, and the under shell is a light yellow with characteristic brown spots. The neck and throat are a bright yellow, making it easy to identify from other turtles species. Adult males can reach lengths of 11 inches, and females can reach lengths of 8.5 inches. They are relatively medium-sized, and often nicknamed the “semi-box” turtle because they are physically similar to the box turtle.
Painted turtles, a fresh water turtle found all across North America, eats all types of leafy vegetation, bugs, such as worms and crickets, small fresh water shellfish, and other fish. Since turtles can be messy eaters, a separate tank for feeding is a good idea to ensure their water stays uncontaminated. Don't forget that a turtle needs a lot of calcium in their diet to maintain a healthy shell. Since turtles cannot have dairy, a vitamin supplement is a good way to ensure the turtle gets the calcium it needs.
On average, Loggerhead Sea Turtles have a life span of more than 50 years and weigh 250 pounds. (CITE?) Loggerheads are known for their large heads, strong jaws and a heart-shaped reddish-brown
Hawksbill sea turtles are in danger of extinction, and because of that they are listed as critically endangered under the Endangered Species Act (OCEANA). Several factors ar...
These basking rocks, or even floating cork for younger turtles, are very important, they have to have a place to bask and get out of the water. Yet if you decide to keep it outside be sure to provide a place to bask, plenty of water, filters, and a covering so other predators can not harm or eat your turtle. Equipment will be different for indoors or outdoors. If you keep your turtle indoors be sure that it can occasionally get fresh air and sun light, but do not keep an aquarium next to a window! Also, make sure your aquarium or pond is clean, this is extremely important to maintain good health for the turtle and provides them with a clean habitat.
The largest of the sea turtles grew to a width of 13 feet and 19 feet in length. There are two families of sea turtles that exist today, which date back to the Late Cretaceous period. The Dermochelyidae family which consist of only one species, the leatherback turtle, and the Cheloniidae family, which is made up of two subfamilies that include the Green turtles, Flatback turtles, Hawksbill turtles, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and Kemp’s Ridley
It is with great interest that I am applying for the Sea Turtle internship at the Bald Head Island Conservancy. The internship would provide beneficial knowledge and experiences as I pursue a career in wildlife medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I hope to improve my husbandry and handling skills and become familiar with sampling and tagging methods for sea turtles and other wildlife. This program would allow me to become more knowledgeable in the reproduction, development, migration, nutrition, and overall anatomy of sea turtles. Additionally, the program would provide an opportunity to gain experience with common injuries and diseases of sea turtles while conducting necropsies.
In our world today we have approximately 26,021 endangered species. Endangered species are organisms that may possible become extinct. The term 'endangered species' refers to all species that fits this description. However some conservation biologists and scientists normally use the term ‘endangered species’ to refer to species that are put on the IUCN(International Union for Conservation of Nature)Red List. Many factors can be looked at when considering the conservation status of a species. Factors such as human threats or environmental threats can cause a species to become endangered.