Sri Lanka is home to several remarkable species of sea turtles, each with unique characteristics and behaviors.
Green Turtle
The most common turtle found in Sri Lankan waters, the Green Turtle inhabits not only the Indian Ocean but also the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Its name comes from the color of the fat beneath its upper shell, which was once used in turtle soup, though this practice has diminished significantly. Young Green Turtles are carnivorous, while adults have a herbivorous diet, primarily feeding on marine vegetation.
Hawksbill Turtle
Less common than the Green Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle is a smaller species, reaching a maximum length of 90 cm and weighing between 50-70 kg. It is easily identified by its narrow head and bird-like beak, which it uses to catch prey. Hawksbill Turtles are regular visitors to Sri Lanka’s tropical waters.
Loggerhead Turtle
The Loggerhead Turtle is a rare sight in Sri Lanka, more commonly found along the east coast of America. Characterized by its large head and reddish-brown shell, this turtle can grow up to 1 meter in length and weigh between 170-200 kg. Loggerhead Turtles are carnivorous and primarily feed on hard-shelled prey.
Olive Ridley Turtle
The smallest of the sea turtles, the Olive Ridley Turtle reaches a maximum size of 65 cm and weighs 35-45 kg. Once heavily hunted for their meat, they now nest yearly, with many laying eggs on Kosgoda Beach, depositing over 150 eggs at a time. They are omnivorous and play an essential role in marine ecosystems.
Leatherback Turtle
The Leatherback Turtle is the largest and rarest species found in Sri Lanka. Easily recognizable by its long front flippers and unique black and white stripy shell, it lacks a hard shell, making it distinct among sea turtles. Growing up to 3 meters long and weighing as much as 750 kg, Leatherbacks can dive to depths of 1500 meters in search of their favorite food: jellyfish.
Conservation Challenges
Sea turtles are classified as endangered species, with a survival rate of less than 5% for their eggs. Natural predators, such as sharks and birds, pose threats, but humans are by far the most dangerous. Demand for turtle eggs in the black market, often viewed as aphrodisiacs or symbols of fertility, leads to the theft of hundreds of thousands of eggs each year. Turtle shells are also sought after for ornamental purposes, and the meat of Green Turtle females is harvested. Alarmingly, an estimated 300,000 turtles are caught in fishing nets annually worldwide.
In response to these challenges, various hatcheries and conservation projects have been established with local and international support. These initiatives aim to protect turtle eggs and ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures for future generations. By participating in these conservation efforts, visitors can help safeguard Sri Lanka’s sea turtles and their habitats.
