Nesting sites:

Tropical coastlines across the world

Natural habitat:

Seas in topical and sub-tropical regions


50 kg


Carapace Length: 60-70 cm


Colour: Olive green

Plastron: Yellowish with marginal pores on both sides


Limbs: Oar-shaped limbs with one nail on each front limb


Breeding season: Throughout the year, mainly November-March

Eggs deposition time: Nocturnal

Frequency in a breeding season: 1-3 times

Duration between deposition of consecutive eggs: 20-28 days

Duration between two breeding seasons: 1-2 years

Number of eggs: 100-120

Incubation period: 45-55 days


Current status: The species is endangered due to the consumption of its eggs, destruction of breeding habitats, and the slaughter of adult turtles for leather and oil. Protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972