Sea Turtles

ocean · reptiles · endangered · ancient

Seven species exist. There are seven kinds of sea turtles in the world: the flatback, green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, and olive ridley. Each one looks a little different and lives in different parts of the ocean.

Most are threatened. Five of the seven sea turtle species are in real trouble and could disappear from Earth forever. The flatback and one other species are safer, but people are working hard to protect all of them.

Flatbacks stay local. The flatback sea turtle is only found in the waters around Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. They never travel to other oceans like many other sea turtles do.

Ancient reptiles. Sea turtles belong to the reptile family called Testudines, which means they're cousins of all other turtles. They've been swimming in the ocean for millions of years.

Ocean athletes. Sea turtles are built for life in the water with flipper-like legs and streamlined shells that help them dive deep and swim long distances across the ocean.