SEA TURTLES

Australia is home to six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles, each with its own unique charm and story. These ancient mariners navigate the vast oceans, returning to Australia’s beaches to nest and continue the cycle of life.

The Green Turtle is perhaps one of the most iconic visitors to Australian waters. These turtles are named for the greenish colour of their body fat, not their shells, which are typically a beautiful mix of brown and olive hues. They are often found grazing on seagrass beds, which gives them their vegetarian diet. You might spot them along the Great Barrier Reef or the Coral Sea.

Loggerhead Turtle is known for their large heads and powerful jaws, Loggerhead Turtles are frequent visitors to the eastern shores of Australia. They primarily feed on hard-shelled prey like crabs and molluscs. The beaches of Queensland, particularly around the Bundaberg region, are key nesting sites for these turtles.

Hawksbill Turtles are often found in the tropical waters of northern Australia. They play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by feeding on sponges, which allows other marine life to thrive.

Unique to the Australian continental shelf, the Flatback Turtle is a true Aussie. They prefer the soft, sandy beaches of northern Australia for nesting. Unlike other sea turtles, Flatbacks have a relatively flat shell and are less migratory, staying closer to the coast.

While they are the most abundant sea turtle species globally, Olive Ridleys are less common in Australia. They are known for their mass nesting events, called arribadas, although these are rare in Australian waters.

The Leatherback is the largest of all sea turtles and can be found in the open oceans around Australia. They are unique with their leathery shell and are capable of diving to great depths in search of jellyfish, their main diet.

Each of these species faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, climate change plus predation by feral pigs and foxes. Conservation efforts in Australia focus on protecting nesting sites, reducing by-catch in fisheries, and tackling marine debris.

By learning about these incredible creatures, we can better appreciate their role in marine ecosystems and understand the importance of preserving their habitats. Every effort to conserve these turtles helps ensure that future generations can witness the awe-inspiring sight of a sea turtle returning to the beach to nest.