Nesting sites:
Tropical coastlines and islands across the world
Natural habitat:
Seas in topical and sub-tropical regions
Weight:
150 kg
Carapace
Length: 80-100 cm
Shape: Egg shaped with variegated patterns on the rear. Four pairs with overlapping scutes
Colour: Olive brown, amber, and brownish patterns on the shell
Plastron: Yellowish white
Shape of the head: Beak-shaped nostril. Two pairs of prefrontal scales
Limbs: Oar-shaped limbs with two nails on each front limb
Food: Sponges, gastropods (animals with shells), jellyfish, marine grass, algae, etc.
Breeding season: Monsoon
Eggs deposition time: Diurnal and nocturnal
Frequency in a breeding season: 3-5
Duration between deposition of consecutive eggs: 12-14 days
Duration between two breeding seasons: 2-5 years
Number of eggs: 120-150
Incubation period: 50 -65 days
Current status: The species is endangered due to the consumption of its eggs, destruction of breeding habitats, and slaughter of adult turtles to make ornaments from their vertebrae. Protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
