Biological Field Guides 7 Marine Species IUCN Conservation Status

The 7 Sea Turtle Species of the World

Field identification, diets, global nesting habitats, and top snorkeling sanctuaries for all seven living marine turtle species.

🐢 Data Deficient (Protected in Australia)

Flatback Sea Turtle

Natator depressus

Flatback Turtle in natural ocean habitat 📷 David Willis

The complete scientific and expedition field guide to the Australian Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus). Endemic continental shelf range, unique flattened carapace anatomy, non-pelagic hatchling biology, and audited northern Australian snorkeling sanctuaries.

Diet: Carnivorous / Benthic Invertebrates (Soft Corals, Sea Cucumbers, Jellyfish)
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🐢 Endangered

Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

Green Sea Turtle in natural ocean habitat 📷 patrice schoefolt

The complete expedition field guide to Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). Anatomy, seagrass grazing mechanics, IUCN conservation status, nesting behavior, and audited global snorkeling spots.

Diet: Herbivorous (Seagrasses & Green Algae)
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🐢 Critically Endangered

Hawksbill Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

Hawksbill Turtle in natural ocean habitat 📷 ClickerHappy

The complete expedition field guide to Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Anatomy, glass sponge feeding ecology, IUCN status, tortoiseshell trade history, and top coral reef sanctuaries.

Diet: Spongivorous (Specialized on Silica Glass Sponges)
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🐢 Critically Endangered

Kemp's Ridley Turtle

Lepidochelys kempii

Kemps Ridley Turtle in natural ocean habitat 📷 Chris F

The complete expedition field guide to Kemp's Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). Anatomy, daytime arribadas, blue crab diet, IUCN status, and Gulf of Mexico recovery sanctuaries.

Diet: Carnivorous (Blue Crabs, Calico Crabs, Shrimps, & Bivalves)
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🐢 Vulnerable

Leatherback Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

Leatherback Turtle in natural ocean habitat 📷 Vinícius Vieira ft

The complete expedition field guide to Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). Anatomy, gigantothermy, 1,200m deep diving, jellyfish diet, IUCN status, and global nesting sanctuaries.

Diet: Gelatinivore (Specialized on Jellyfish, Salps, & Pyrosomes)
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🐢 Vulnerable

Loggerhead Turtle

Caretta caretta

Loggerhead Turtle in natural ocean habitat 📷 Eyyüp Erten

The complete expedition field guide to Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta). Anatomy, jaw crushing force, trans-oceanic migrations, IUCN status, and top Mediterranean and worldwide sanctuaries.

Diet: Carnivorous (Hard-Shelled Mollusks, Crabs, Conchs, & Whelks)
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🐢 Vulnerable

Olive Ridley Turtle

Lepidochelys olivacea

Olive Ridley Turtle in natural ocean habitat 📷 Jared 'Shy' Chapman

The complete expedition field guide to Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). Anatomy, the arribada mass nesting phenomenon, omnivorous diet, IUCN status, and top Pacific and Indian Ocean sanctuaries.

Diet: Omnivorous (Crabs, Shrimps, Jellies, Tunicates, & Small Fish)
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