Cheloniidae is a biological term that refers to a family of reptiles commonly known as sea turtles. It is a taxonomic family within the order Testudines, which also includes freshwater turtles and tortoises. The Cheloniidae family consists of seven extant species of sea turtles, known for their adaptation to marine environments.
These turtles are widely distributed across the world's oceans, inhabiting both tropical and subtropical regions. They are characterized by their streamlined bodies, flipper-like limbs, and a flattened, streamlined shell, which enables them to navigate through water with agility. The most common species within the Cheloniidae family include the green sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp's ridley sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle, flatback sea turtle, and leatherback sea turtle.
Sea turtles within the Cheloniidae family are renowned for their long migrations, often spanning thousands of miles. They are also known for their impressive nesting behavior, wherein the females return to the same beach where they were born to lay eggs. These turtles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses, algae, and jellyfish, although some species also consume small invertebrates and fish.
Due to various human-induced factors such as pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and accidental capture in fishing gear, many species within the Cheloniidae family are considered endangered or threatened. Conservation efforts are being implemented worldwide to protect these remarkable creatures and their fragile marine ecosystems.
