Sea turtles are pretty incredible creatures. If you're a fan of turtles and want to find out some more about them, here are some fun turtle facts we think you'll be fascinated by.
Turtles have an interesting diet
While land turtles eat earthworms, grubs, snails, beetles and caterpillars to grasses, fruit, berries, mushrooms and flowers, green sea turtles eat mostly seagrass and algae which is what can make them a greenish colour and where their names come from.
They live longer than you think
Unlike most other animals, turtles have a similar life expectancy to humans, and many can live for over 50 years. There are even reports the oldest sea turtle in the world is 400 years old!
The sex of turtles is determined by sand temperatures
Cooler sand produces male hatchlings and the warmer sand produces female hatchlings. As climate change causes global temperatures to rise, there are concerns about the falling number of male turtles.
They lay 100-125 eggs per nest
When they lay their eggs, they lay them in a nest on the beach by digging their flippers into the sand. Once the eggs hatch roughly 2 months later, the little hatchlings dig their way out of their nest before hurrying to the sea into the open ocean.
Turtles have lungs
Turtles are reptiles and they have lungs. Although they are able to hold their breaths underwater for long periods, sea turtles have to come up to the surface for air regularly.
Leatherback turtles have been here since the dinosaurs
They swim over 10,000 miles a year and can dive to depths as deep as 4,000 feet.
The difference between turtles and tortoises?
“Turtle” is the term for all 200 species of turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. Turtles can be aquatic, semi-aquatic, or mostly terrestrial. Tortoises are turtles that live on land and aren't equipped for water.
Turtles are an endangered species
Not only are turtles slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells by humans, they're also suffering due to climate change affecting the temperature of the sand.