Penyu

Penyu (Chelonia mydas) 

The term penyu commonly refers to sea turtles in the Malay/Indonesian language, the taxonomic classification for a common sea turtle species, such as the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas).

A. Taxonomic Info

 Kingdom: Animalia

 Phylum: Chordata

 Class: Reptilia

  Order: Testudines

  Family: Cheloniidae

  Genus: Chelonia

  Species: Chelonia mydas

B. Morphological/ distribution/ habitat info 

Morphology

 1. Shell: The carapace (upper shell) of the Green Sea Turtle is heart-shaped and varies in color from olive-brown to dark green, often with lighter spots or streaks. The plastron (bottom shell) is typically yellowish or cream-colored.

 2. Size: Green Sea Turtles are large, with adults growing up to 1.5 meters in length and weighing between 150 and 300 kilograms (330 and 660 pounds).

 3. Head and Beak: The turtle has a small, triangular head with a sharp beak suited for grazing on seagrass and algae.

 4. Limbs: Its front limbs are modified into flippers, which are large and paddle-shaped, enabling it to swim efficiently. The back limbs are more flipper-like but are not as well-developed for swimming.

 5. Tail: The tail of the Green Sea Turtle is short and stubby, located near the rear of the body.

 6. Skin: The skin is leathery, smooth, and often appears in shades of greenish or grayish, helping the turtle blend in with the sea.

Distribution

The Green Sea Turtle is found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. It lives in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. In the Atlantic, they can be found along the coasts of North America, the Caribbean, and West Africa. In the Pacific, Green Sea Turtles are found around Australia, Hawaii, and Southeast Asia. In the Indian Ocean, they are located along the coasts of East Africa, South Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. These turtles migrate long distances between their feeding grounds and nesting beaches. (Howell, L. N. & Shaver, D. J., 2021)

Habitat Info

Green Sea Turtles prefer shallow coastal waters where seagrass beds and algae are abundant. They are commonly found in mangrove forests, coral reefs, and on beaches, where they nest. Juvenile turtles often live in nearshore waters, such as estuaries and coastal lagoons. Adult Green Sea Turtles feed mainly on seagrass in seagrass meadows. They require warm, clean waters for survival and can travel great distances between feeding areas and nesting beaches. The turtles also depend on healthy coral reefs and mangroves for protection and food. (Howell, L. N. & Shaver, D. J., 2021)

C. Traditional Uses / TK-related Info

1. Food: Green Sea Turtles have been traditionally hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some cultures. Their eggs were also collected for consumption.

 2. Shell: The shell of the Green Sea Turtle was historically used to create ornamental items, such as jewelry, combs, and other carvings. The attractive patterns on the shell led to it being highly valued.

 3. Traditional Medicine: In some regions, turtle meat, fat, and other body parts were used in traditional medicine for their supposed healing properties. Some believed turtle fat had the ability to treat wounds, pain, or even illnesses such as tuberculosis.

 4. Cultural Significance: In various island cultures, particularly in the Pacific and Caribbean, sea turtles hold cultural and spiritual significance. They are often featured in mythology, storytelling, and rituals.

D. Any related scientific studies, such as ecology/ conservation status/threats/diversity

•  The Green Sea Turtle is listed by many authorities as endangered globally, though its status may vary by region.  

•   Major threats include bycatch in fishing gear, intentional harvest of adults and eggs, loss/degradation of nesting and foraging habitats

• The species has a global distribution in tropical and subtropical seas, with multiple genetic stocks and nesting populations worldwide.  

•   Ecologically, adults are primarily herbivorous