Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Scientific Name

Caretta caretta

Conservation Status

Globally:

IUCN — Vulnerable

However, conservation status can vary considerably among different subpopulations.

Distribution

Loggerhead turtles occur in:

  • Atlantic Ocean

  • Pacific Ocean

  • Indian Ocean

  • Mediterranean region

Characteristics

  • Large marine turtle

  • Powerful jaws

  • Reddish-brown carapace

  • Large head compared with many other sea turtles

Threats

  • Bycatch

  • Habitat loss

  • Coastal development

  • Marine pollution

  • Plastic ingestion

  • Climate change

  • Egg/nest predation

UPSC Key Pointer

Sea turtles are excellent indicators for studying:

  • Marine ecosystem health

  • Coastal habitat degradation

  • Ocean pollution

  • Climate impacts on nesting beaches