Top 7 Biggest Turtles In The World

Turtle is one of the reptile species that live by the ocean and according to World Wildlife Foundation(WWF), more than 200 years of mankind's activities have influenced the survival of these turtles.

With some of the turtle species have become extinct, the government has made various initiatives to conserve and preserve their habitat. Some species can be relatively bigger than others with weights up to hundreds of kilograms.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 biggest turtles in the world based on their weight.

7. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (44 kg)

The one coming at 7th of our list will be the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle which weighs roughly 44 kg(97 lb) and is 2 feet long. The Olive Ridley Sea turtle can be distinguished by their olive green color and heart-shaped shell.

Their main diet is comprised of various types of food from seaweed, algae, jellyfish, snails, and crustaceans. These turtles can be found all over the world but as poachers come in for their unique shells and meat, their numbers are quickly dropping as we speak.

6. Alligator Snapping Turtle (75 kg)

Known as one of the biggest freshwater turtles in the world, the alligator snapping turtle does come in scary with their immense snapping force. Some believed that it had survived all odds from the past times and is still present even to this day.

Unlike other turtles, this one hunts in a unique way as it made use of its worm-like tongue to lure its prey towards it. They will mostly stay still in the river waiting for any curious fish or frogs to come in before the turtle snap their bodies to shreds.

5. Flatback Sea Turtle (80 kg)

The Flatback Sea Turtle or also known as the Australian Flatback can only be found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean surrounding Australia and Papua New Guinea. An adult flatback can weigh around 80 kg with a carapace of 3 feet in length.

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Their typical food mainly consists of seaweed, jellyfish, prawns, and other invertebrates. They will always roam by the coastal waters but constant pollution and fishing nets have caused this species to suffer resulting in their declining population.

4. Hawksbill Turtle (80 kg)

This uniquely shaped turtle was named after its long and pointed bill and it is primarily found in the subtropical and tropical regions. They can weigh an average of 80 kg with an overall length of 25 inches.

Their shells have distinct color patterns on them making them seem serrated on the edges. You can also find their shells being sold in the markets due to their unique colors and pattern.

3. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (135 kg)

This ginormous head-sized turtle is known for having a powerful jaw that is used to crush its food and as such earning its name. Adult loggerheads generally weigh approximately 135 kg and they are carnivores.

You can usually find this turtle throughout the day time as it swims around in the ocean. This sea turtle can be found in various oceans around the world but due to recent threats by humans, their population is quickly reducing to an alarming number.

2. Green Sea Turtle (160 kg)

Unlike other turtles on this list, the Green Sea Turtle is known for being herbivorous as they like to munch on seaweed and algae. They can grow to roughly 160 kg in weight as well as measuring 5 feet in length.

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They are pretty much everywhere across the globe but the constant human activities have put a threat to their habitat and they are on the brink of extinction.

1. Leatherback Sea Turtle (500 kg)

The biggest turtle in the world will be the Leatherback Sea Turtle with an average weight of 500 kg. The name was given due to the leather-looking texture of its shell. A unique fact will be that this turtle was believed to have survived since prehistoric times.

Unfortunately, the irresponsible actions of mankind have resulted in the deaths of many Leatherback turtles before they make it safely into the ocean. They are even listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN).

Source:

• IDN Times

Also read: Top 7 Heaviest Birds In The World