LOGGER HEAD TURTLE

Loggerhead turtles nest on tropical beaches as well as some temperate locations, including the Mediterranean and the southeastern coast of the United States. Despite being one of the most common sea turtle species globally, they are the rarest nesting species in Sri Lanka. Within the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka is the only known nesting site for loggerheads, and the turtles found there exhibit unique coloration, suggesting a distinct population with unique genetic traits.

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Primarily carnivorous, loggerhead turtles feed on mollusks and crustaceans. Their name comes from their large heads, which house powerful, muscular jaws specialized for crushing hard-shelled prey. They have a heart-shaped, reddish-brown carapace with a yellow underbelly. Upon reaching sexual maturity, female loggerheads lay two to five clutches of up to 130 eggs per season.

The greatest threat to loggerhead populations comes from the fisheries industry, which increases the risk of bycatch, vessel strikes, and entanglement in ghost nets. Additionally, their numbers are further impacted by egg poaching and hunting for meat in certain regions.