Indonesia a Home for Six Sea Turtle Species

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is one of the countries that serves as a habitat for six of the world's seven sea turtle species. These species are the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), and Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus).

1. The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the most commonly found sea turtle species in Indonesia. It is a large turtle that spends much of its time feeding in seagrass meadows.

2. The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is smaller than several other sea turtle species and is known for its olive-green shell.

3. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is easily recognized by its pointed, bird-like beak and overlapping shell scales. This species is often found around coral reefs.

4. The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest sea turtle in the world. Unlike other sea turtles, its back is not covered by a hard shell but by a flexible, leathery layer with distinct longitudinal ridges.

5. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) has a large head and powerful jaws, which help it feed on hard-shelled animals living on the seafloor.

Meanwhile, the Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus) has a flatter shell than other sea turtle species and is less commonly found in Indonesian waters.

In addition to their unique characteristics, sea turtles play an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. They help keep seagrass beds healthy, support marine food chains, recycle nutrients, and contribute to the stability of ocean habitats.

Conservation organizations have reported that sea turtles face a number of threats, including plastic pollution, coastal habitat degradation, hunting, and illegal trade. These threats can affect the survival of sea turtles and their habitats.

World Sea Turtle Day serves as an opportunity to learn more about the various sea turtle species found around the world, including the six species that inhabit Indonesian waters. (Nurkamilah)