Cook Islands year 2014 – Fauna / Marine Life Turtles MNH set

Cook Islands year 2014 – Fauna / Marine Life Turtles ☀ MNH (**) set

Marine turtles, also known as sea turtles, are a group of reptiles that belong to the family Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae. These magnificent creatures have adapted to life in the ocean and are found in various marine habitats around the world. There are seven recognized species of marine turtles, each with its own unique characteristics and distribution:

1. Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Green turtles are named for the green color of their fat, which is caused by their herbivorous diet. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and are known for their long migrations between feeding and nesting areas.
2. Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta): Loggerhead turtles are named for their large heads and powerful jaws, which they use to crush the hard shells of their prey. They are found in temperate and tropical waters and are known for their distinctive reddish-brown carapace.
3. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Hawksbill turtles are named for their pointed beaks, which resemble the bill of a hawk. They are found in tropical waters around the world and are known for their beautiful shells, which are often used to make jewelry and other decorative items.
4. Kemp’s Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii): Kemp’s ridley turtles are the smallest and most endangered species of marine turtle. They are found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the eastern coast of North America and are known for their olive-gray carapace.
5. Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): Olive ridley turtles are named for their olive-colored carapace. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and are known for their mass nesting events, known as arribadas.
6. Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus): Flatback turtles are named for their flattened carapace. They are found in the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia and are known for their limited range compared to other species of marine turtles.
7. Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): Leatherback turtles are named for their leathery carapace, which lacks the hard bony plates found in other marine turtles. They are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world and are known for their large size and long migrations.