Nesting sites:
Tropical coastlines and islands across the world
Natural habitat:
Seas in topical, sub-tropical, and temperate regions
Weight:
250 kg
Carapace Length: 90-120 cm
Shape: Broad and egg shaped
Colour: Carapace is olive green in colour with dark spots or lines. Juvenile turtles have brownish stripes
Plastron: Yellowish
Shape of the head: One pair of prefrontal scales. Small nostrils
Limbs: Oar-shaped limbs with one nail on each limb
Food: Hatchlings are carnivorous till the first year and turn herbivorous thereafter. They feed on marine algae, grass, etc.
Breeding season: Throughout the year, mainly May-September
Eggs deposition time: Nocturnal
Frequency in a breeding season: 4-6 times
Duration between deposition of consecutive eggs: 10-14 days
Duration between two breeding seasons: 3-5 years
Number of eggs: 100-120
Incubation period: 45-70 days
Current status: The species is endangered due to the consumption of its eggs, destruction of breeding habitats, and slaughter of adult turtles. Protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
