© Silvi Dwi Anasari
Most turtles belong to the Cheloniidae family, which are turtles with hard shells covered in scales. Only the leatherback turtle is a member of the Dermochelyidae family, as its shell is made up of layers of skin and fat tissue with seven ridges or longitudinal lines.
The Dermochelyidae family tends to have better thermoregulatory adaptations, allowing them to survive in colder waters than species in the Cheloniidae family.
Turtles hatch on sandy beaches and undergo imprinting, forming a deep connection to their birthplace. After facing predators and environmental challenges, only a few reach adulthood. After 10–50 years, mature females return to their birthplace to nest—continuing the cycle.
© Yayasan Penyu Indonesia / Perdiansyah
© Turtle Foundation / Petra Minnasch
© Turtle Foundation / Petra Minnasch
Turtles have existed for over 120 million years, adapting from lizard-like ancestors into their current shelled form. Their survival highlights their resilience and crucial role in ocean ecosystems.