Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle

  

Read how the baby Hawaiian Green Sea turtles are released.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is indigenous (arrived in the islands under natural conditions such as by wind or by water, but can also be found in a number of different regions) to Hawai'i. In Hawai'i, it is popularly known as honu.. The green sea turtle got its name from the green layer of fat in its body. Young green sea turtles feed on algae and other sea grasses, sea jellies, and tiny marine animals. Adult great sea turtles feed almost entirely on algae. It takes 10 to 50 years for the Hawaiian green sea turtle to be fully grown. The average weight of an adult is 300 lbs. (136 kg.). Unfortunately, 50% of all green sea turtles in Hawaii are affected by tumors called Fibropappillomatosis.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle is endangered. Tumors that develop on its body and make seeing and eating difficult are now the major threat to the honu .