Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Olive ridley sea turtle
Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea

IUCN Status: Endangered
Family: CHELONIIDAE
Group: Reptiles
Shyness: Suspicious
Safe distance: 20 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-31.06
Gestation: 45 à 75 jours
Births: 01.08-31.10
Habitat:
Sandy beaches, coastal waters, and tropical and subtropical oceans, mainly in the Indo-Pacific and on the coasts of Central and South America
Description:
The Olive Ridley Turtle is a species of sea turtle found primarily in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, particularly along the coasts of Central America, Mexico, India, and Southeast Asia. It typically measures between 60 and 70 cm in length and weighs between 35 and 50 kg. Its shell is olive in color, which gives it its name, and it has flippers adapted for swimming. The Olive Ridley Turtle is primarily carnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, fish, and crustaceans. It is also known for its mass nesting sites, particularly on the Pacific beaches of Costa Rica. Unfortunately, the Olive Ridley Turtle is critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, ocean pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets.
Recommended lens:
>=200 mm
Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to photograph the olive ridley turtle, especially when it is resting on the beach or swimming in the ocean. The soft light of the morning or evening is ideal for capturing the details of its shell and natural behavior. Be discreet and respect their space to avoid disturbing their natural behavior, especially during the nesting period.
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