We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Reptiles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Loggerhead Turtles?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 5,992
Share

Loggerhead turtles are sea turtles with a global distribution, although some areas of the world are more famous for their loggerheads than others. In the conservation movement, loggerhead turtles have become an important symbol; these gentle giants were added to the endangered species list in 1978, and they continue to be very vulnerable despite the efforts of conservationists. People who want to see loggerhead turtles in their natural habitats can visit coastal regions with large populations of loggerheads, although access to the turtles may be restricted due to conservation concerns.

Like other sea turtles, loggerheads have a shell or carapace with a softer underside. The shell is typically a reddish brown color, while the turtle's belly is a creamy yellow. Loggerheads have powerful fins for swimming along with strong, squared jaws which are capable of snapping through shellfish. Adult turtles can exceed 220 pounds (100 kilograms) in size, and they are quite an impressive sight.

There are several distinct stages to the life of a loggerhead turtle. Females lay their eggs on shore, and when the eggs hatch, the baby turtles make their way to the water. The trip to the water helps the young turtle build up its strength, and once the turtles hit the water, they immediately start swimming and exploring. Young turtles drift out to sea, where they inhabit floating debris in the ocean and scavenge for food. At around 12 years of age, loggerhead turtles move into coastal regions, where they spend the majority of their lives, although some turtles have been known to travel immense distances.

Humans once hunted loggerhead turtles as a source of meat and oil. Their shells were also used in various crafts. Overhunting seriously threatened the survival of the loggerhead turtle, and when the creatures were listed as endangered, it became illegal to hunt them. Loggerhead turtles are still threatened by habitat destruction, however, as they rely on healthy waters and beaches to survive. It is also not uncommon for loggerhead turtles to be swept up in a fishing bycatch, although some branches of the fishing industry use specially designed nets which are designed to let turtles out.

These sea turtles can live to be quite old; they aren't even sexually mature until around 35. Many people enjoy watching loggerhead turtles in the water, and in some parts of the world, people can even swim with them. Conservationists hope that their efforts will preserve loggerhead turtle populations so that future generations can enjoy them as well.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-loggerhead-turtles.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.