Pawikan

"Hello World!"
Photo by Genellie Erap

Common Name: Olive Ridley Turtle (locally known as Pawikan)

Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea

Photo taken at Morong Beach, Bataan in January 2014

"Off the beach and into the sea..."
Photo by Genellie Erap

The students of The Learning Tree were able to witness some new Olive Ridley Hatchlings leave the beach and start their adventure in the sea.

About Olive Ridley Turtles

     The Olive Ridley turtle is named for the generally greenish color of its skin and shell, or carapace. It is closely related to the Kemp’s ridley, with the primary distinction being that Olive Ridleys are found only in warmer waters, including the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

     The Olive Ridley is mostly carnivorous, feeding on such creatures as jellyfish, snails, crabs, and shrimp. They will occasionally eat algae and seaweed as well. Hatchlings, most of which perish before reaching the ocean, are preyed on by crabs, raccoons, pigs, snakes, and birds, among others. Adults are often taken by sharks.

     Though the Olive Ridley is widely considered the most abundant of the marine turtles, by all estimates, it is in trouble. Rough estimates put the worldwide population of nesting females at about 800,000, but its numbers, particularly in the western Atlantic, have declined precipitously. The United States lists the western Atlantic population of Olive Ridleys as endangered and all other populations as threatened.

     Many governments have protections for Olive Ridleys, but still, eggs are taken and nesting females are slaughtered for their meat and skin. Fishing nets also take a large toll, frequently snagging and drowning these turtles.

Sources:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/olive-ridley-sea-turtle/

Photos and description by Genellie Erap