In General

According to the Department of Environment and Heritage 50% to 80% of this turtle's nesting population has been lost in the last decade. These figures are a disgrace and should serve as a wake-up call to act for conservation. It has been estimated that 1 turtle every day dies from boat strike, entanglement or plastic bag consumption.

Loggerhead turtles inhabit the tropical reefs of the Qld, NSW, N.T. and WA coasts.

Diet

Shellfish, Sea urchins, Jellyfish and crabs.

Habitat

Tropical coral reefs, estauries, seagrass areas and bay areas.

Breeding

Sexual maturity is not reached until about 30 to 40 years. An individual turtle may not breed every year. Mating occurs about late October in South-East Queensland with nesting occuring between November and February. A clutch will contain up to 125 eggs about the size of a ping pong ball. Females hatch in about 6 to 8 weeks and males a little longer.

Conservation status

Endangered