The biggest turtle - description, features and habitat

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:42

These unique reptiles have been living on our planet since the existence of dinosaurs. Turtles are among the oldest creatures, the remains of which were found back in the Mesozoic. But reptiles differ not only in this, some of them are of incredible size and are long-lived. Some individuals can reach 300 years of age. Turtles are terrestrial and marine, and in each of the species, representatives of especially large sizes can be distinguished, sometimes even frightening and mysterious, hiding from human eyes.

The biggest turtle in the world

The largest living sea turtle is the leatherback turtle, which reaches a body length of two meters and weighs over 600 kilograms, but specimens weighing over 900 kilograms have been recorded. They got their name because of the special structure of the shell, which in its structure differs from others in that it does not consist of horny plates, but of layers of thick skin resembling scales. The range of this species istropical regions of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Water for these turtles is a natural environment in which they are almost constantly and on land, due to their vulnerability, they rise only at night or to lay eggs. According to scientists, the largest sea turtles live deep at the bottom of water bodies and therefore most often remain invisible. Now leatherback turtles are endangered and are under US protection. But the chance of increasing the population is still great, because in one breeding season a female leatherback turtle can lay up to 700 eggs, while the period between seasons is from one to three years.

Green sea turtle

One of the largest representatives of marine species, after the leatherback, is the green turtle. The reptile got its name due to the corresponding color. It can be presented from light green to olive, but there is also a dark brown color with light stripes. The largest turtle grows up to one and a half meters in length, and the weight of some individuals reaches from 200 to 500 kilograms. The life expectancy of green turtles is up to 70 years. This turtle is also called soup turtle due to its tasty and tender meat. Due to the fact that the meat and eggs of these individuals are especially popular, their numbers began to decline significantly, in connection with this, hunting for soup turtles is strictly prohibited in many countries.

Giant land turtles

Varieties of land turtlesthere are a huge variety, their main habitat is deserts and savannahs, but there are also species that prefer a humid tropical climate. Terrestrial turtles differ from their sea relatives in their clumsiness and slowness, their shell is their main defense against enemies. The largest turtles living on land are elephant and giant.

Elephant (Galapagos) tortoise

The habitat of this type of reptile is limited only to the Galapagos Islands. In connection with the threat of extinction of the elephant tortoise, a reserve was opened on the islands, and this species of reptile is under the protection of UNESCO. The decrease in the number of turtles was facilitated by the use by humans of turtle meat for cooking, as well as the importation of alien animals into the habitat. The main danger for turtles are goats, which pierce the reptile shell with their hooves and feed on their meat. Galapagos tortoises can grow up to two meters long and weigh over 400 kilograms. Their main difference from other species is their elongated legs and neck. The life expectancy of these huge turtles reaches 170 years.

Giant (Seychelles) tortoise

The giant tortoise is considered the rarest among terrestrial and lives exclusively on the island of Aldabra in the Indian Ocean. Aldabra Atoll belongs to the State of Seychelles, hence the second name of this species of reptile. They grow up to about 120 centimeters in length and weigh up to 300 kilograms. Among theseindividuals found the largest representative - a huge tortoise named Goliath. His body is 130 centimeters long and weighs over 380 kilograms. These turtles feed mainly on plant foods and sometimes live up to 200 years of age. They have a high level of endurance, and are able to do without food from several weeks to a year. There is even a story about how, thanks to the Seychelles turtles, ancient sailors did not starve to death during their expeditions, stuffing full holds with walking "canned food". Also, the females of these turtles have the ability to regulate the population size, the density of which depends on the number of eggs she lays.

Red-eared turtle

One of the most popular types of home grown waterfowl. An unpretentious pet is kept in an aquarium, and in return it pleases its owner with its unique color. The turtle feels comfortable both in water and on land. The range in the wild is shallow ponds and swamps in Europe, Asia and North Africa. These individuals are native to eastern North America. Under natural conditions, they fall into a short hibernation, at home, while maintaining a comfortable temperature, they may well do without it. The adaptation period in red-eared turtles does not affect the breeding process; cubs are born about 3 centimeters in size. An individual grows during the first ten years of life. The size of the largest red-eared turtle reaches a maximum of 50 centimeters, but this length is mainly characteristic ofturtles living in the wild. At home, they can grow to a maximum of 30-32 centimeters, depending on how they are cared for.

Why is the huge turtle dreaming?

A turtle in a dream is the embodiment of the intended goals and current unfinished business, and how they will be completed depends on the accompanying phenomena. A turtle in clear clear water will mean a successful development of events and the implementation of plans. If the animal is in the mud or entangled in seaweed - this indicates that it will take a lot of effort to get what you want, the chance of success is small. When a turtle dreams, immersed in an aquarium, this dream can be interpreted as an obstacle or misunderstanding on the part of others or loved ones. An inverted animal may portend trouble from the intrigues of competitors. A huge turtle will be a harbinger of an increase or a sudden appearance of profits.

For a young girl, seeing a turtle in a dream can mean the appearance of a loved one in life, and for a married girl - a gift from a loved one, it can also promise an addition to the family in the near future. To dream of a turtle in your own house portends a calm and happy family life.