The green turtle has achieved a remarkable recovery, moving from the brink of extinction to a much safer position on the conservation scale. Scientists herald this major victory as proof that dedicated conservation efforts can bring even the most threatened species back from the edge.
These ancient mariners, named for the greenish fat in their bodies resulting from their plant-based diet, were once relentlessly hunted for their meat, eggs, and decorative shells. This intensive exploitation led to a catastrophic decline, and the species was officially classified as endangered in the 1980s.
However, decades of concerted global action have yielded significant results. Conservation strategies have included protecting turtle nests on beaches, reducing accidental capture in fishing gear, and raising public awareness to combat illegal hunting. The latest data reveals that these measures have successfully boosted green turtle populations.
“This win must serve as a catalyst for achieving many other conservation successes,” explained Dr. Nicolas Pilcher from the Marine Research Foundation in Malaysia. The recovery of the green turtle is particularly encouraging because it is one of the largest sea turtle species and one of seven living today, with two currently facing the highest extinction risk.
“This is fantastic news,” commented Prof. Brendan Godley from the University of Exeter. “While we must continue our efforts, this recovery demonstrates the positive impact of decades of dedicated work by hundreds of thousands of people who care about these magnificent creatures. Their iconic status helps galvanize conservation action.”
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently updated its global Red List at a world congress in Abu Dhabi. The comprehensive assessment now evaluates 172,620 species, with 48,646 identified as facing extinction threats.
Species’ statuses are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on population trends, habitat changes, and threat levels. A green turtle was upgraded from Endangered to Least Concern, meaning it no longer faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Nevertheless, despite this progress, green turtles remain far below their historical population levels due to past overexploitation and ongoing perils including fishing bycatch, habitat destruction, and climate change.
A stark contrast to the green turtle’s success is the troubling situation facing Arctic seals. As sea ice continues to melt due to climate change, these marine mammals are losing their vital habitat for breeding, resting, and feeding. The hooded seal’s status has worsened from Vulnerable to Endangered, while bearded and harp seals are now classified as Near Threatened.
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