Sea Turtles

Of the seven living sea turtles species recorded in the world, five species were reported in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka coming for nesting. Green Turtle Olive Ridley, Hawkbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback.

The South and Southwest coast line of Sri Lanka comprises the largest marine turtle rookeries and all five species are still recorded at Kosgoda, Induruwa, Rekawa and Bundala.

Approximately 68% and 30% of the total nesting turtles were Green Turtles and Olive Ridley turtles respectively. Incidental by-catch ,illegal poaching of eggs natural predation on eggs and hatchlings and habitat change and destruction are some of obvious threats faced by marine turtles in Sri Lanka. Normally hatcheries receive the turtle eggs from the surrounding beaches for conservation activities and these eggs are reburied within the turtle hatcheries for incubation.