Learn about the seven species of sea turtles that roam the world’s oceans, each playing a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance.
7 Species of Sea Turtles
Scientific Name :
Chelonia mydas
Distribution :
Tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Size :
80–122 cm.
Weight :
65–204 kg.
Food :
Seagrass and algae.
Special Features :
Second-largest sea turtle and the largest hard-shelled species; almost entirely herbivorous as adults.
Conservation Status (IUCN Red List) :
Endangered
In YPI Project :
Berau (East Kalimantan), Sipora (West Sumatera), Nias (North Sumatera), Salaut Besar (Aceh).
Scientific Name :
Dermochelys coriacea
Distribution :
Found in all oceans except the Arctic and Antarctic.
Size :
132–178 cm, up to 200 cm.
Weight :
250–907 kg.
Food :
Primarily jellyfish.
Special Features :
Largest sea turtle; can regulate body temperature and dive up to 1.2 km deep.
Conservation Status (IUCN Red List) :
Critically Endangered
In YPI Project :
Sipora (West Sumatera), Nias (North Sumatera), Salaut Besar (Aceh).
Scientific Name :
Eretmochelys imbricata
Distribution :
Tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.
Size :
75–88 cm.
Weight :
43–75 kg.
Food :
Sponges, coral, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Special Features :
Source of the valuable tortoiseshell; a sponge-feeding specialist on coral reefs.
Conservation Status (IUCN Red List) :
Critically Endangered
In YPI Project :
Berau (East Kalimantan), Simeulue (Aceh).
Scientific Name :
Natator depressus
Distribution :
Northern Australia and New Guinea.
Size :
75–99 cm.
Weight :
70–90 kg.
Food :
Jellyfish, sea anemones.
Special Features :
Exclusively nests in northern Australia.
Conservation Status (IUCN Red List) :
Data Deficient, but strictly protected in Australia.
In YPI Project :
None—found in Indonesian waters but does not nest on Indonesian beaches.
Scientific Name :
Caretta caretta
Distribution :
Tropical and subtropical waters, including the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Size :
85–124 cm.
Weight :
80–200 kg.
Food :
Crustaceans, shellfish, snails, and fish.
Special Features :
Large head with powerful jaws to crush hard shells.
Conservation Status (IUCN Red List) :
Vulnerable
In YPI Project :
None—found in Indonesian waters but does not nest on Indonesian beaches.
Scientific Name :
Lepidochelys kempii
Distribution :
Gulf of Mexico, up to Massachusetts.
Size :
61–76 cm.
Weight :
36–45 kg.
Food :
Crustaceans and mollusks.
Special Features :
Rarest and most endangered sea turtle; known for mass nesting (arribadas).
Conservation Status (IUCN Red List) :
Critically Endangered
In YPI Project :
Not found in Indonesian waters.
Scientific Name :
Lepidochelys olivacea
Distribution :
Tropical waters worldwide, including the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.
Size :
55–76 cm.
Weight :
36–43 kg.
Food :
Crustaceans, jellyfish, algae, mollusks.
Special Features :
Most abundant sea turtle; known for synchronized nesting (arribadas).
Conservation Status (IUCN Red List) :
Vulnerable
In YPI Project :
Sipora (West Sumatra), Nias (North Sumatra), Simeulue (Aceh).