![]() Sea turtles are especially vulnerable as eggs and hatchlings, and sea turtles often lay their eggs on beaches. Most than 90% of hatchlings are eaten by these predators.įlatback turtle nests are susceptible to predation by monitor lizards, dingoes, and introduced foxes. Animals that prey upon adult sea turtles includes sharks (especially tiger sharks), killer whales and large fish. Killer whales have been known to prey on leatherback turtles.įishes, dogs, seabirds, raccoons, crabs and flocks of gulls, and other predators prey on eggs and hatchlings. Loggerhead turtle - Credit: NOAA Fisheries. However, predation threats increase where human development. Tiger sharks, in particular, are known for eating sea turtles. Raccoons, ghost crabs and sharks all play a role in the natural food chain as sea turtle predators. Although sea turtles cannot withdraw their heads into their shells, the adults are protected from predators by their shells, large size and thick scaly skin on their heads and necks. Once in the water, hatchlings are consumed. Sea grass beds provide breeding and developmental grounds for numerous species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans.Īdult sea turtles have few predators, mostly large sharks. On the beach, hatchlings must escape natural predators like birds, crabs, raccoons, and foxes to make it to the sea. Current Population Trend: Decreasing Six of the seven species of sea turtles that swim the planet’s waters leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, green, olive ridley, and hawksbill are found. But what else do these ocean-dwelling creatures eat Are they strictly carnivorous, or do they sometimes nibble on seaweed and other plant life Let’s take a closer look at the diet of sea turtles. Sea turtles act as grazing animals that keep the sea grass short and help maintain the health of the sea grass beds. Last Updated on NovemThere are seven species of sea turtles, and all of them are predators. Sea turtles, especially green sea turtles, are one of the few animals that eat sea grass. Each species tend to specialise in different diet.
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