Turtle Release programme in Sri Lanka - කැස්බෑවුන් නිදහස් කිරීමේ වැඩසටහන (Insight Resort - Ahangama)

Turtle Release programme in Sri Lanka - කැස්බෑවුන් නිදහස් කිරීමේ වැඩසටහන (Insight Resort - Ahangama)
There are seven recognized species of sea turtles:
1. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Known for its green fat tissue under its carapace, the green sea turtle is found in tropical and subtropical seas around the world. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae.
2. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta): Named for its large head, the loggerhead sea turtle is found in oceans globally, primarily in temperate and subtropical regions. It has a wider diet than most sea turtles, including mollusks, crustaceans, and fish.
3. Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Easily recognizable by its narrow, pointed beak resembling a hawk's bill, this species inhabits coral reefs and feeds primarily on sponges. Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and pollution.
4. Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii): The rarest sea turtle species, Kemp's ridley is found mainly in the Gulf of Mexico and along the U.S. eastern seaboard. It is critically endangered, with threats including bycatch in fishing gear and habitat loss.
5. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): This species is known for its olive-colored carapace. It has a broad distribution, found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Olive ridleys often nest in large groups, known as arribadas.
6. Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus): Found solely in the waters of Australia and Papua New Guinea, the flatback sea turtle has a flattened shell and a restricted range. It is listed as data deficient due to a lack of information on its population status.
7. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): The largest of all sea turtles, the leatherback lacks a hard shell and instead has a leathery, flexible skin. It is highly migratory, found in oceans worldwide, and primarily feeds on jellyfish.
The importance of saving sea turtles lies in their ecological significance and the role they play in maintaining marine ecosystems. Sea turtles help to control jellyfish populations, which are primary predators of fish larvae. By keeping jellyfish numbers in check, sea turtles indirectly support healthy fish populations, which are crucial for maintaining balanced ocean ecosystems.
Furthermore, sea turtles are also important for maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. They graze on seagrasses, which promotes new growth and prevents overgrowth. This grazing behavior helps to maintain the health and diversity of seagrass ecosystems, which in turn provide essential habitats for many marine species.
Additionally, sea turtles contribute to nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. When they nest on beaches, their eggs and hatchlings provide nutrients for beach vegetation, which helps stabilize sandy shores and prevent erosion. #foryou #seaturtles #seaturtleconservation #seaturtle #seaturtlerescue #srilanka #srilankatourism #travel #travels