Loggerhead Turtle

Biomimetics: the turtle has inspired the construction of the u-cat undersea robot for observing different seabed environments without creating turbulence.

The temperature of the turtles’ habitat has an effect on the incubation time and sex of the embryos. When the time comes to lay, they leave the water to dig a nest and then lay about a hundred eggs. Then then cover them up before returning to the sea. This operation generally takes less than an hour. 46 days: The incubation time for the eggs of the loggerhead sea turtle lasts between 46 and 71 days.

Where is the animal to be found?

The loggerhead sea turtle lives close to the coast and is a migratory species. After the green sea turtle, the loggerhead sea turtle is the most common turtle. It is found mainly in tropical or subtropical waters and also in temperate or even cold seas.

How can it be recognised?

This large marine turtle is found in many areas of the world. It has a large head and a powerful beak. It measures approximately 1.2 metres and weighs between 150 and 250 kg.

What is distinctive about it?

If present in sufficient numbers, loggerhead sea turtles can play an important part in controlling jellyfish populations; an adult loggerhead sea turtle can swallow several hundred Pelagia stinging jellyfish a day.

It is a carnivore reptile which feeds on jellyfish, sponges and echinoderms. It also eats fish, crustaceans or even seaweed, shredding it with its beak.

Threat and protective measure

The loggerhead sea turtle is under threat on several counts: hunting, being accidentally caught in drift nets and the propellers of pleasure boats, tourism and urban development which are destroying their laying sites, etc.

Vulnerable Trade in turtles is prohibited, except with special exemption. It is also protected by the Bonn Convention.