Endangered Species Life List

After dinner 30 Aug 2010, Amanda and I took a night walk along the beach. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the sand and lava rocked beach accompanied with the breeze off the ocean was peaceful. We followed along the shore by star light, but we were also equipped with head lamps and camera this time! As we made our way to the Tombolo the stars were bright and the silhouette of a large turtle on the sand soon appeared along the shore. As we approached there were not just one but two sea turtles resting along the edge of the surf. These were the Pacific Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia maydas agassizii) distinguished by having a single pair of prefrontal scales on the head between the eyes. They are the most prevalent marine turtle around the islands of Hawaii according to the Reptiles and Amphibians in the Hawaiian Islands field guide. They are the favorite food of many species of sharks within the Pacific Ocean but man has been the turtle’s main reason for decline. Over-exploitation of both eggs and adult animals within the past 150 years has resulted in serious population declines. The word “green” in the name refers not to the color of the shell or skin, but rather to the greenish color of the fat inside its body. This reptile is primarily a herbivore grazing in shallow waters on algae, seaweed and other marine vegetation. This diet is where the green color and excellent flavor is derived and the reason that sea turtles were highly sought after for turtle soup. Now classified as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act these shy, gentle, air-breathing reptiles may not be taken or killed. In addition, all sea turtles are protected under Hawaii state law. Due to this protection the species is now more common in the waters around Hawaii that it was in recent pasts.

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