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2024-06-28updated
The Best Place to Watch Green Sea Turtles: Discover Taiwan's Marine Wonders
# Get to know Taiwan
Taiwan is a hidden gem for marine enthusiasts, offering some of the best spots to watch green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). These majestic creatures, also known as green sea turtles, are the largest of the six hard-shelled sea turtle species, with adults weighing over 100 kilograms.
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Characteristics and Ecology
Green sea turtles have smooth, teardrop or oval-shaped shells with four pairs of lateral scutes and five central scutes. Hatchlings have dark gray shells about 4 cm long, roughly the size of an adult's palm, with white edges on their shells and limbs. As they mature, their colors and patterns evolve, often turning brown or tan. Taiwanese green sea turtles typically exhibit brownish hues.
Green sea turtles are omnivores, starting their lives feeding on plankton and small crustaceans while hiding in floating algae. As they grow, they transition to coastal coral reefs and seagrass beds, primarily consuming algae and seagrasses. This diet gives their fat a greenish hue, hence their name. They reach sexual maturity around 20-50 years and return to their birthplace to mate and lay eggs, sometimes traveling hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. In Taiwan, one turtle was recorded migrating between its feeding ground in Xiaoliuqiu and its nesting site in Yap, Micronesia, covering approximately 3,000 kilometers.
Habitat and Distribution
Green sea turtles are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. Taiwan is a crucial habitat, with major nesting sites in Penghu, Orchid Island, Xiaoliuqiu, and Taiping Island in the South China Sea. The nesting season runs from April to September, with peak activity in summer. Feeding grounds are spread around Taiwan, with the largest populations in Xiaoliuqiu and Taiping Island.
Conservation Status
Green sea turtles are classified as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN. Human activities and coastal development pose significant threats, leading to habitat loss and declining populations. In Taiwan, green sea turtles are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act, listed as a critically endangered species.
Sustainable Tourism Guidelines for Xiaoliuqiu
Visitors to Taiwan can contribute to the conservation of green sea turtles by following these sustainable tourism guidelines:
1.Avoid Sunscreen in Water: Prevent coral death and ecosystem disruption by not entering the water with sunscreen.
2.Respect the Intertidal Zone: Do not touch or collect marine life or sand to maintain the natural state.
3.Support Sustainable Seafood: Choose restaurants using sustainable fishing methods and seasonal fish, and bring reusable utensils to reduce single-use waste.
4.Reduce Waste: Minimize garbage and carry out more than you bring in to lessen the burden on Xiaoliuqiu, which lacks waste processing facilities.
5.Choose Eco-Friendly Services: Support businesses with high environmental awareness, such as eco-friendly accommodations, diving/snorkeling guides, and electric vehicle rentals.
6.Do Not Touch Wildlife: Avoid disturbing green sea turtles and other wild animals.
7.Avoid Beaches During Nesting Season: From June to September, refrain from beach activities at night to prevent disturbing nesting turtles.
8.Visit During Off-Peak Seasons: Travel in winter to disperse crowds and reduce pressure on intertidal zones during the summer.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can enjoy watching green sea turtles while helping to protect their habitat.
Conclusion
Taiwan offers a unique opportunity to observe green sea turtles in their natural habitat. By practicing responsible tourism, you can ensure the continued survival of these magnificent creatures and enjoy the rich marine biodiversity that Taiwan has to offer.
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