By Annemarie Kramer
Latin name:
Lepidochelys olivacea
Geographic Area:
Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean
Weight:
Up to 50 kg (110 lbs)
Size:
Up to 70 cm (2.3 ft)
Distribution:
Probably the moste widely distributed sea turtle after the leatherback turtle; found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean. They spend a large amount of their lives in the open ocean, and do not have coastal feeding grounds like other sea turtles. The most important nesting beaches are in Central America and India. At the coasts those turtles prefer deeper areas with sandy or muddy bottom, where crabs and other molluscs live. The Olive Ridley also migrates between feeding and nesting grounds.
Nesting behavior:
Two different nesting behaviours exist in this species, depending on the region where they lay their eggs. In some areas they nest in large numbers and at the same time on the same beach; a phenomenon which is called „arribada“ and takes place during the day. In other areas females nest solitary and at night. Each nest contains an average of 109 eggs. They can nest every year and more than once, but they always come to the same beach. After 6 to 8 weeks the young turtles hatch. What they do afterwards, and where they go until they come back to the shores as adults, is not known; they probably live in the open ocean or close to shore, depending on the availability of food. Very little is known about their growth and mating behaviour.
Food sources:
Adult turtles feed in different areas and down to 100 m (300 feet) of depth, but as well on the open ocean or in shallow seas. Among their food are jellyfish, salps, fish, snails, crabs and algae.
Literatur:
Lutz, P. L. & J. A. Musick (Hrsg.), 1997. The Biology of Sea Turtles. 432 Seiten. CRC Press. Boca raton, London, New York, Washington, D.C.
Lutz, P. L., J. A. Musick & J. Wyneken (Hrsg.), 2003. The Biology of Sea Turtles. Volume II. 455 Seiten. CRC Press. Boca raton, London, New York, Washington, D.C.
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