How Long Do Sea Turtles Live For?
Sea turtles are some of the most ancient creatures on earth, with some species having existed for more than 100 million years! But due to environmental pressure, these majestic creatures face a difficult road ahead. One of the main questions people have about sea turtles is how long do these amazing animals live for?
Average Life Span
The average life span of a sea turtle varies depending on the species. Generally, their life spans can range from 30 to 80 years in the wild.
Life Span Varying from Species to Species
The Green Turtle can live up until the age of 80, while the Loggerhead Sea Turtle has an average life span of around 47 years.
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is believed to have the longest average life span, living up to 100 years in the wild.
Factors Affecting Life Span
Like any other species, their life span can be affected by external factors. These can include:
- Diseases – Diseases carried by other turtles, or spread through contact with other species, can lead to early death.
- Predation – Predators such as sharks or large fish can put an early end to a turtle’s life.
- Pollution – Pollution from oil spills or debris can act as a major contributor to death by poisoning or entanglement.
The life span of sea turtles can be greatly affected by the environment they live in, as a healthy ocean is essential for them to thrive. As such, it’s important that we all do our part to help preserve and protect these incredible creatures.
