Turtles are the elders of the world of fauna, having survived many similar animals. They belong to the ancient order of animals of the same name, the class of reptiles (reptiles). Over the past 200 million years, turtles have not changed much. These creatures of different sizes and ages are surprisingly viable: some species can live without food for up to five years, and remain alive for up to 10 hours in oxygen-deprived atmospheric layers.
So, the largest turtle in the world - leathery, or Dermochelys coriacea. They reach striking sizes - the length can be about two meters, the span of the front flippers is up to 5 m, and the weight of the giants is up to 900 kg. Being the largest, at the same time they are also long-lived: some are 23 years old.
These turtles can retain body heat by constant feeding. They dive excellently and can stay under water for a long time. These giants are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the perfect achievement in speed among reptiles: 35.28 km / h.
The largest turtle is different from its contemporaries. Its shell is covered with thick skin, which is about 4 cm thick.
The waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans are the habitats of these giants. The coasts of Mexico and Guiana, West Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia became the favorite nesting places. Laying takes place during late spring and early summer. The process of laying two groups of eggs (normal and sterile) lasts about 10-20 minutes, while the remaining 40 minutes are spent on digging, compacting and masking the nest. The world's largest turtle is born from an egg after 2 months and immediately hurries to the sea. The turtle returns to its place at intervals of 2-3 years at night.
The world's largest turtle feeds on jellyfish, fish, marine worms, crustaceans and aquatic plants.
These sea giants are now becoming rarer and rarer. The main reason is the reduction in the number of places for laying eggs. This is due to mass tourism and intensive construction of resorts with equipped beach areas.
A significant impact on the number is provided by fishing for eggs and the popularity of adults as a food product. More than one creature has been killed by fishing nets and plastic debris. The world's largest turtle has the most valuable material – fat used to seal seams in boats.
Another tragedy is the highly valuable material, "tortoise horn" - the layer that covers the turtle's bone skeleton. In its composition, beautiful in color, pattern and shape stand out.plates - shields, which are hunted by turtle catchers.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has developed measures aimed at protecting turtle egg clutches. These laws should encourage the world's largest tortoise to increase in numbers. For example, in Malaysia (in the state of Terengganu), a 12 km long section of the seafront is recognized as a protected area. Up to 1,700 female turtles arrive on its territory every year to lay their eggs.
