Sea Turtles can be found in all oceans except for the polar regions. Some species travel between oceans. The flatback Sea Turtle is found solely on the northern coast of Australia.
Sea turtles are almost always submerged, and, therefore, have developed an anaerobic system of respiration. Although all Sea Turtles breathe air, under dire circumstances they may divert to anaerobic respiration for long periods of time. When surfacing to breathe, they can quickly refill their lungs with a single explosive exhalation and rapid inhalation. Their large lungs have adapted to permit rapid exchange of oxygen and to avoid trapping gases during deep dives.
However, Sea Turtles must emerge while breeding, given the extra level of activity.
The seven living species of Sea Turtles are: Flatback, Green, Hawksbill, Kemp's Ridley, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley. All species except the Leatherback are in the family Cheloniidae. The Leatherback belongs to the family Dermochelyidae and is its only member.
Most species of Sea Turtle are endangered. Globally, the Kemp's Ridley, Hawksbill, and Leatherback Sea Turtles are listed as "Critically Endangered", the Loggerhead and Green as "Endangered", the Olive Ridley as "Vulnerable" and the Flatback as "Data Deficient", meaning that its conservation status is unclear due to lack of data. If you would like to buy or license a print, please email Mike with your request.
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