Loggerhead sea turtles are the second-largest sea turtles living in tropical and subtropical waters. You can find these turtles worldwide, but their habitat is affected and influenced by various factors. So where do they live?
They live in the tropical waters of the Pacific Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. Southeast Asia, South America, and the western regions of the Atlantic are the main habitats for loggerhead turtles. They are also found in the Mediterranean Ocean.
In this article, I will discuss the distribution range of loggerhead turtles and also their habitat at different life stages. I will also discuss the habitat threats the turtles face and how we can contribute to preserving these turtles. Stay tuned!
What is the Distribution Range of Loggerhead Sea Turtles? [Reference]
You would be surprised to know that this turtle is native to 54 countries. Moreover, you can find these turtles in all FAO major fishing areas excluding the Antarctic and Arctic.
In the ocean, their habitat is divided into two zones: oceanic and neritic zones. The oceanic zone is an open ocean environment where minimum depths are greater than 200 m. Conversely, the neritic zone is a shallow region of water with a depth under 200 m.
Loggerhead sea turtles mostly stay in the top of 5m water in the oceanic zone. Sometimes they dive deeper than 200m in the oceanic Zone. Besides, in the neritic zone, they prefer waters 22 to 49m deep.
South Florida, USA are key nesting areas in the Atlantic Ocean, and Masirah, Oman in the Indian Ocean. Moreover, the important Pacific Ocean nesting areas are New Caledonia, eastern Australia, and Japan.
Let’s have a closer look at the nesting and marine habitat of loggerhead sea turtles in the table below.
| Habitat Type | Oceans | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Nesting Habitat | 01. Atlantic 02. Indian 03. Pacific | 01. South Florida, USA; Mexico, French Guiana, the Bahamas, the Lesser Antilles, and the Greater Antilles. 02. Masirah, Oman 03. New Caledonia, eastern Australia, Japan, and the Xisha region |
| Post-nesting Marine Habitat | 01. Atlantic 02. Pacific | 01. North Atlantic gyre, the Mediterranean Sea, and Continental shelf water 02. Kuroshio Extension Bifurcation Region, Baja California Sur, and East China Sea |
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What is the Nesting Habitat of Loggerhead Turtles?
Loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs on beaches and, rarely, on the shores of estuaries. They build their nest between the dune front and the high-tide line.
Naturally, sea turtle eggs need beaches with temperatures that are favorable for egg development. These eggs also require a high-humidity substrate that permits adequate gas exchange.
So, in northwest Atlantic Southern areas of Virginia, North and South Carolina, Florida and Georgia are nesting sites of these turtles. You can find the nesting sites also in Mexico, French Guiana, the Bahamas, the Lesser Antilles, and the Greater Antilles.
Usually, loggerhead sea turtles prefer sandy beaches. The Xisha region is the only low-level nesting habitat of these turtles. Yakushima Island, the beaches of Miyazaki, and Minabe on Japan’s mainland are the three main locations for nesting in the Pacific Ocean.
What are the Marine Habitats of Loggerhead Turtles [Reference]
Loggerhead sea turtles spend most of their lifetime in the ocean. In the Atlantic, they live in the North Atlantic gyre, the Mediterranean Sea, and Continental shelf water.
In the Pacific, you can find them in Baja California Sur and Kuroshio Extension Bifurcation Region. Moreover, the female loggerhead turtles use the East China Sea as an important post-nesting marine habitat.
Habitat at Different Stages of Life
We know that turtles use both marine and terrestrial habitats, but they spend mostly in the sea. This is also the case with loggerhead turtles. However, their habitat in the Ocean varies at various stages of life.
The hatchling loggerhead turtles leave their nest on the sandy beach and move toward the Oceanic environment. These hatchling turtles first migrate to the neritic zones (water depth less than 200m). Afterwards, they migrate to the oceanic zone (water depth more than 200m).
Eventually, the young turtles then migrate across the ocean and when they get older, they go back to the neritic zones. The nesting females go back to their birth beaches to lay eggs every two or more years. However, male turtles never go back to the land.
Conservation Status
IUCN has enlisted the loggerhead sea turtles as a vulnerable species globally. This is because of two reasons: (a) their population has decreased by 47% in the last 50 years, and (b) the reasons for this loss have not stopped.
However, these turtles are a wide-ranging species and regionally their conservation status is different. Let’s have a look at their conservation status regionally below.
| Region | Conservation Status |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean Sea | (LC) Least Concern |
| North Pacific Ocean | (LC) Least Concern |
| Northwest Atlantic Ocean | (LC) Least Concern |
| Southwest Atlantic Ocean | (LC) Least Concern |
| Southwest Indian Ocean | (NT) Near Threatened |
| Southeast Indian Ocean | (NT) Near Threatened |
| Northeast Atlantic Ocean | (EN) Endangered |
| South Pacific Ocean | (CR) Critically Endangered |
| Northeast and Northwest Indian Ocean | (CR) Critically Endangered |
The northwest Indian ocean subpopulation is the primary cause of the loggerhead population reduction worldwide. This region is critically endangered. Studies show that the population of these turtles has decreased by 70%.
What are the Threats that Loggerhead Turtles Face? [Reference]
Loggerheads are the second-largest sea turtles, but they are facing many habitat threats and challenges. Let’s take a look at them:
Studies show that coastal development such as roads, and harbors make the nesting habitat less suitable for nesting females. Again, many nesting loggerhead sea turtles are facing threats of boat strikes and injuries.
Marine pollution by oil spills and chemical spills affects marine life. Many turtles are facing serious health issues because of marine pollution. Plastic and Marine debris is another threat to these turtles. They consume it by mistaking it as their prey. This causes serious side effects or death.
On top of that, climate change affects the abundance and distribution of loggerhead sea turtles’ prey. Illegal trading for the meat and eggs of loggerhead turtles is also a big threat to their survival.
Preservation [Reference]
This might upset you that the second largest sea turtle is in danger of extinction. Thankfully, a lot of global attempts have been made to protect this species. Let’s have a look at some of the initiatives.
- In the US, communities are working to save the beach habitats and breeding places of sea turtles. The United States has mandated that fishermen use turtle excluder devices. This aids in the escape of turtles from fishing nets.
- Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund work to create Marine Protected Areas (MPA). In these regions, sea turtles can nest, forage, and migrate without hindrance.
- The Endangered Species Act designated the loggerhead sea turtle as threatened in 1978. Ever since these turtles have been protected by the federal government.
- International treaties and national laws provide protection for loggerhead turtles. In addition, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service regularly monitor their population.
- Certain coastal counties and communities in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina have implemented illumination limitations in an effort to reduce hatchling disorientations.
How We Can Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles?
It is sad that these important marine turtles are facing threats mostly because of our negligence. However, in many ways, we can help preserve these sea turtles.
- We should avoid using disposable products and products made of plastic. Instead of plastic, we should switch to biodegradable products.
- Besides, we can participate in and organize coastal clean-up events to reduce marine debris.
- Moreover, we should keep a safe distance from the nesting and foraging habitats of loggerhead turtles.
- When boating, keep your eyes out for sea turtles, slow down, and steer away from them. Put your engine in neutral if you come within fifty yards of them to prevent getting them hurt.
- Speak with experts if you witness a sea turtle that is hurt, stranded, or entangled. There are numerous organizations prepared and trained to respond.
- We can support campaigns like “Adopt-a-turtle” or organizations such as WWF, and NOAA to preserve the habitat of this sea turtle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Loggerhead Sea Turtles:
01. What is the most densely populated habitat of loggerhead turtles?
The Mediterranean Sea is the most densely populated habitat of loggerhead sea turtles.
02. Where does the large majority of loggerhead nesting occur in the US?
Most loggerhead turtle nesting takes place on Florida’s southeast coast in the US.
Conclusion
The loggerhead sea turtles, a highly migratory species, live in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. As a turtle, they use both terrestrial and Oceanic habitats but mostly live in the sea.
Their habitat changes at different life stages from Ocean to Land. While the female turtle returns to its natal place for reproduction, the male turtle never returns to the natal beaches.
These sea turtles are facing habitat threats due to pollution, development, and marine debris. We can contribute in many ways to the protection of these second-largest sea turtles.