Green Sea Turtle (Penyu Hijau)
Chelonia mydas
A large, gentle sea turtle often seen cruising reefs and grazing seagrass meadows. Adults are mostly herbivorous and spend long periods foraging in shallow coastal waters before surfacing calmly to breathe.
HabitatSeagrass meadows, lagoons, shallow coral reefs
DietSeagrass and algae (mostly herbivorous)
SizeUp to 1.5 meters
BehaviorCalm grazer; surfaces to breathe; rests under ledges
Where you might see it
Most likely in calm, shallow areas around Kadidiri and sheltered lagoons across the Togeans, especially where seagrass is present.
How to spot it
Scan seagrass edges and reef flats for a dark oval shell. Watch for a head surfacing briefly to breathe, then gliding back down.
Responsible Encounter Guidelines
- •Keep 3–5 m distance; never chase or block its path.
- •Do not touch, ride, or attempt selfies.
- •Maintain neutral buoyancy; don’t stand on coral/seagrass.
- •No flash; avoid loud splashing.
- •If it changes direction, you’re too close—back off.
Gallery
Conservation Status
IUCN: Least Concern (2025 update); still protected, vulnerable locally to bycatch, habitat loss, and pollution.