The Florida Loggerhead Turtle
Caretta
caretta
The most common of Florida's at risk Sea Turtles,
the Loggerhead can regularly be found along
Florida's East Coast, which represents 90% of the US
nests.
Florida and Oman are the world leaders in nesting numbers.
For over 100 million years, this world traveler has been
observed not only in Oman, but in Alaska,
Canada, Japan, Southern South America
and many other places in between.
About 14,000 of them come to nest in Florida,
but
their
numbers are declining.
Weighing between 250-400 pounds, this Sea Turtle
named for the shape and size of its head,
may live to be up to 6o years old.
Every other year or so, between April and September,
the mother comes ashore and digs her nest,
laying about 100 eggs.
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Photo credit: NPS |
In about 2 months, the small hatchlings will emerge and
if they are very lucky and face no disruptions, such as
lights from houses or cars on shore, or gasp,
humans pointing flashlight in their eyes,
they will make their way to the sea and face
yet
more dangers like fishing lines and nets.
As with other Sea Turtles, the loss of food, nesting territories
and fishing accidents are the Loggerheads greatest threat.
Although omnivorous, excessive fishing worldwide
has left them with declining
dietary choices and
fishing entanglements end many of their lives.
Although Loggerheads are somewhat protected
around the world, their populations continue to
decline each year
as a result of thoughtless Humans.
