Turtles, like the humans who love them, are a diverse bunch. There are over 300 species of this ancient reptile, and each one has its own preferred diet. Some turtles are carnivores, while others follow a strictly vegetarian diet. Most turtles, however, are omnivores, eating both animals and plants.

Green turtles are the only herbivorous species of sea turtle. Their diet mainly consists of algae and seagrasses, though they may also forage on sponges, invertebrates, and discarded fish. The East Pacific green turtle tends to eat more animal prey than other populations.

Adult sea turtles are herbivores — unlike most sea turtle species — and their serrated jaws help them chew vegetation such as algae and seagrass.

Sea turtles may be carnivorous (meat eating), herbivorous (plant eating), or omnivorous (eating both meat and plants). Green sea turtles have finely serrated jaws adapted for a mostly vegetarian diet of sea grasses and algae.

Adult loggerhead sea turtles are carnivores. Loggerheads have strong, large jaws that are adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey. Adult olive ridley sea turtles are omnivores, but they predominantly eat meat. Olive ridleys have powerful jaws that are well-suited for eating a variety of foods.

Do Green Turtles have any natural predators? The only natural predator that mature Green Turtles need to be wary of are larger species of sharks. Juveniles and hatchlings face many more predators including crabs, birds, and mammals.

Population Estimate*: Between 85,000 and 90,000 nesting females.

Numerous mammals prey on turtles. Raccoons are capable predators and will normally carry a turtle to a safe area where they can eat it without being disturbed. Coyotes and foxes prey on turtles, as do some domestic dogs. Opossums, weasels, skunks and ferrets will all kill turtles if given the opportunity.