Turtles are the elders of the fauna world who survived many similar animals. They belong to the same ancient detachment of animals, a class of reptiles (reptiles). Over the past 200 million years, turtles have not changed much. These creatures of different sizes and ages are surprisingly viable: individual species up to five years old can live without food, up to 10 hours remain alive in atmospheric layers lacking oxygen.
So, the largest turtle in the world is leatherback, or Dermochelys coriacea. They reach striking dimensions - the length can be about two meters, the span of the front fins - up to 5 m, and the weight of giants - up to 900 kg. Being the largest, at the same time they are also long-livers: some are 23 years old.
These turtles can retain body heat by constant feeding. They dive perfectly and can remain under the water column for a long time. These giants are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of a perfect achievement in speed among reptiles: 35.28 km / h.
The largest turtle is different from its contemporaries. Its shell is covered with thick skin, which is about 4 cm thick.
The waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans are the habitats of these giants. The coasts of Mexico and Guiana, West Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia have become the favorite nesting sites. Masonry takes place in late spring and early summer. The process of laying two groups of eggs (normal and sterile) lasts about 10-20 minutes, while the remaining 40 minutes go to dig, compact and mask the nest. The largest tortoise in the world emerges from an egg into the world after 2 months and immediately hurries to the sea. The tortoise returns to its places at intervals of 2-3 years at night.
The world's largest tortoise eats jellyfish, fish, sea worms, crustaceans and aquatic plants.
Currently, these marine giants have become less and less common. The main reason is the reduction in the number of eggs laid. This is due to mass tourism and the intensive construction of resorts with equipped beach areas.
Egg fishing and the popularity of adults as a food product have a significant impact on numbers. More than one creature was destroyed by fishing nets and plastic trash. The largest turtle in the world has the most valuable material - the fat used to seal the seams in boats.
Another tragedy is the highly valuable material, the “tortoise horn” - a layer that covers the bones of the turtle. Its composition stands out for beautiful in color, pattern and shape of the plate - shields, which hunters and turtles hunt.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has developed measures aimed at protecting the laying of turtles' eggs. These laws should help ensure that the world's largest tortoise increases in numbers. For example, in Malaysia (in the state of Trenganu), a section of the sea promenade 12 km long is recognized as a conservation area. Up to 1700 female turtles arrive on its territory every year to lay eggs.