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