Loggerhead sea turtle [Caretta caretta]
Description
The loggerhead sea turtle is a marine species that is recognized by its large head and reddish-brown shell or carapace. It is an oceanic turtle distributed throughout the world. It spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. The loggerhead sea turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. Loggerheads are considered an endangered species and are protected by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Reptiles
Reptilia
|
| Order |
Sea Turtles
Testudines
|
| Family |
Green Sea Turtles
Cheloniidae
|
| Genus |
Loggerhead
Caretta
|