Caretta caretta

Loggerhead Turtles are known for their long migrations between feeding sites and nesting beaches, often traveling across entire oceans. They primarily feed on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Loggerheads have a strong homing instinct, allowing them to navigate back to their birthplace for nesting.

Females come ashore to lay eggs every 2-4 years, with clutches averaging around 100-126 eggs. Nesting occurs mainly at night, and after around 60 days, the hatchlings emerge and scramble to the sea, guided by the natural light horizon over the ocean.

Loggerheads are distinguished by their large heads and powerful jaw muscles, which allow them to crush hard-shelled prey. Adults typically measure about 90 cm in shell length and weigh around 135 kg, but can grow larger. They have a reddish-brown carapace and a yellowish underbelly.

Loggerhead Turtles have been navigating the world's oceans for millions of years. Their evolutionary success is attributed to their adaptability and wide range of habitats, from temperate to tropical waters.

The Loggerhead Turtle is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Major threats include loss of nesting habitats due to coastal development, accidental capture in fishing gear, pollution, and climate change affecting sex ratios and hatching success rates. Conservation efforts are underway globally to protect their nesting sites, mitigate bycatch, and preserve their marine habitats.