Loggerhead Turtle
Loggerhead Turtle
Caretta caretta
Protected Status
ESA Endangered
Northeast Atlantic Ocean DPS,
Mediterranean Sea DPS,
North Indian Ocean DPS,
North Pacific Ocean DPS,
South Pacific Ocean DPS
ESA Threatened
Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS,
South Atlantic Ocean DPS,
Southeast Indo-Pacific Ocean DPS,
Southwest Indian Ocean DPS
CITES Appendix I
Throughout Its Range
Quick Facts
Weight
250 pounds
Lifespan
Unknown
Length
3 feet
Threats
Harvest,
Entanglement,
Marine debris,
Disease,
Chemical pollution,
Noise,
Habitat degradation and loss
Location
Alaska,
New England/Mid-Atlantic,
Pacific Islands,
Southeast,
West Coast
About the Species
Loggerheads were named for their relatively large heads, which support powerful jaws and enable them to feed on hard-shelled prey, such as whelks and conch. They are circumglobal, occurring throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Loggerheads are the most abundant species of sea turtle found in U.S. coastal waters.
Five distinct population segments (DPS) of loggerheads are listed as endangered and 4 DPS are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting loggerhead sea turtles. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study and protect this species.
ESA Endangered
- Northeast Atlantic Ocean DPS
- Mediterranean Sea DPS
- North Indian Ocean DPS
- North Pacific Ocean DPS
- South Pacific Ocean DPS
ESA Threatened
- Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS
- South Atlantic Ocean DPS
- Southeast Indo-Pacific Ocean DPS
- Southwest Indian Ocean DPS
CITES Appendix I
- Throughout Its Range
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Reptilia | Order | Testudines | Family | Cheloniidae | Genus | Caretta | Species | caretta |
|---|
