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Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

Reptile · family Cheloniidae · order Testudines

  1. G1
    Critically imperiled
  2. G2
    Imperiled
  3. G3
    Vulnerable
  4. G4
    Apparently secure
  5. G5
    Secure

NatureServe global rank G4: apparently secure[2].

Updated October 30, 2026. Published by Humblebee.

Green Sea Turtle
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Endangered Species Act
Endangered (some populations)[1]
NatureServe global rank
G4 Apparently Secure[2]
Native in
20 states[3]
Longest recorded life
75 years[4]

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a reptile in the family Cheloniidae[5]. Under the US Endangered Species Act, some groups of green sea turtles are listed as Endangered and others as Threatened[1][6].

Conservation status

The US Endangered Species Act splits green sea turtles into groups by where they come from. Some groups are listed as Endangered, and others are listed as Threatened. Both kinds of listing began May 6, 2016[1][7]. NatureServe ranks the species G4 (Apparently Secure) worldwide and Vulnerable in the United States[2][8]. The IUCN Red List category recorded by NatureServe is Least concern[9]. International trade is controlled under CITES Appendix I[10].

Status Value
Endangered Species Act[1] Endangered, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by 5.5 degrees W. Long. )
Endangered Species Act[11] Endangered, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the Central South Pacific Ocean, bounded by the followi)
Endangered Species Act[12] Endangered, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the Central West Pacific Ocean, bounded by the followin)
Endangered Species Act[7] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the North Indian Ocean, bounded by: Africa and Asia in )
Endangered Species Act[13] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the Southwest Indian Ocean, bounded by the following li)
Endangered Species Act[6] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the North Atlantic Ocean, bounded by the following line)
Endangered Species Act[14] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the Central North Pacific Ocean, bounded by the followi)
Endangered Species Act[15] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the South Atlantic Ocean, bounded by the following line)
Endangered Species Act[16] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, bounded )
Endangered Species Act[17] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the East Pacific Ocean, bounded by the following lines )
Endangered Species Act[18] Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (Green sea turtles originating from the Southwest Pacific Ocean, bounded by the following l)
NatureServe global rank[2] G4 (Apparently Secure)
NatureServe US rank[8] N3B,N3N (Vulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding))
IUCN Red List (via NatureServe)[9] Least concern
CITES (international trade)[10] Appendix I
Total population (NatureServe estimate)[19] 100,000 to 1,000,000 individuals

Where Green Sea Turtle lives

NatureServe lists the Green Sea Turtle as native in 20 US states and territories, from Maine down the Atlantic coast to Florida, along the Gulf coast to Texas, and in California, Oregon and Hawaii[3]. The groups listed under the ESA for the North Atlantic cover Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia[6]. Hawaii and California each have their own listed group[14][17]. Delaware, Mississippi and Oregon are marked SNA[20].

Alaska: not recordedAKMaine: native, state rank SNRMEWisconsin: not recordedWIVermont: not recordedVTNew Hampshire: not recordedNHWashington: not recordedWAIdaho: not recordedIDMontana: not recordedMTNorth Dakota: not recordedNDMinnesota: not recordedMNIllinois: not recordedILMichigan: not recordedMINew York: native, state rank S1NNYMassachusetts: native, state rank S1NMAOregon: native, state rank SNAORNevada: not recordedNVWyoming: not recordedWYSouth Dakota: not recordedSDIowa: not recordedIAIndiana: not recordedINOhio: not recordedOHPennsylvania: not recordedPANew Jersey: native, state rank S1MNJConnecticut: native, state rank S1NCTRhode Island: native, state rank SNRRICalifornia: native, state rank S1CAUtah: not recordedUTColorado: not recordedCONebraska: not recordedNEMissouri: not recordedMOKentucky: not recordedKYWest Virginia: not recordedWVVirginia: native, state rank S1B,S1NVAMaryland: native, state rank S1NMDDelaware: native, state rank SNADEArizona: not recordedAZNew Mexico: not recordedNMKansas: not recordedKSArkansas: not recordedARTennessee: not recordedTNNorth Carolina: native, state rank S1BNCSouth Carolina: native, state rank S3SCDistrict of Columbia: not recordedDCOklahoma: not recordedOKLouisiana: native, state rank S1LAMississippi: native, state rank SNAMSAlabama: native, state rank S1ALGeorgia: native, state rank S3GAHawaii: native, state rank S3HITexas: native, state rank S3B,S3NTXFlorida: native, state rank S2FLPuerto Rico: not recordedPR
State presence as recorded by NatureServe[20].
Show state ranks (20 states)
StateRankMeaning
AlabamaS1Critically Imperiled
CaliforniaS1Critically Imperiled
ConnecticutS1NCritically Imperiled (nonbreeding)
DelawareSNANot Applicable
FloridaS2Imperiled
GeorgiaS3Vulnerable
HawaiiS3Vulnerable
LouisianaS1Critically Imperiled
MaineSNRNot Ranked
MarylandS1NCritically Imperiled (nonbreeding)
MassachusettsS1NCritically Imperiled (nonbreeding)
MississippiSNANot Applicable
New JerseyS1MCritically Imperiled (migrant)
New YorkS1NCritically Imperiled (nonbreeding)
North CarolinaS1BCritically Imperiled (breeding)
OregonSNANot Applicable
Rhode IslandSNRNot Ranked
South CarolinaS3Vulnerable
TexasS3B,S3NVulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)
VirginiaS1B,S1NCritically Imperiled (breeding), Critically Imperiled (nonbreeding)

Habitat

NatureServe records sand and dune, tidal flat and shore, near shore and open ocean habitats[21]. Feeding happens in shallow, calm water with plenty of plants growing under the surface, and also in the open ocean[22]. Adults live in tropical areas, while young turtles range into cooler waters[22]. Young hatchlings often float in mats of seaweed[22].

Habitat types recorded by NatureServe[21]

Size, diet and lifespan

Adults eat seagrass, seaweed and other marine plants, along with some animals such as mollusks, sponges, crustaceans and jellyfish[23][24]. The typical length recorded by NatureServe is 122 cm (48 in) and the typical adult weight is 200 kg (441 lb)[25][26]. The typical clutch size is 150[27]. Incubation takes 59 days[28]. Females reach maturity at 3,650 days of age[29]. The longest recorded lifespan is 75 years[4].

Trait Value
Typical length[25] 122 cm (48 in)
Typical adult weight[26] 200 kg (441 lb)
Longest recorded lifespan (AnAge)[4] 75 years
Litter or clutch size[27] 150
Gestation or incubation[28] 59 days
Female maturity[29] 3,650 days (about 10.0 years)
Food habits[24] Invertivore, Herbivore
Migration[30] long-distance migrant

When to look for it

NatureServe calls the Green Sea Turtle a long-distance migrant, though groups can differ[30]. Observation records in the United States on GBIF peak in March, April and May[31]. These records show when people look and report, not how many turtles there are[31].

January: 1,246 recordsJanFebruary: 984 recordsFebMarch: 2,754 recordsMarApril: 3,932 recordsAprMay: 3,210 recordsMayJune: 1,600 recordsJunJuly: 1,400 recordsJulAugust: 1,372 recordsAugSeptember: 1,184 recordsSepOctober: 1,054 recordsOctNovember: 1,046 recordsNovDecember: 1,289 recordsDec
US observation records on GBIF by month, all years. The three months with the most records are highlighted. Records show when people look and report, not how many animals there are[31].
Show records by month
MonthRecords
January1,246
February984
March2,754
April3,932
May3,210
June1,600
July1,400
August1,372
September1,184
October1,054
November1,046
December1,289

Where to see it

This species is protected or at risk, so we show its range only at the state level. We do not publish parks, nesting, spawning or wintering sites.

States with the most GBIF observation records: Hawaii, Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina[32]. These counts follow where people look and report, not population size.

Questions people ask

Is the green sea turtle endangered?
Under the US Endangered Species Act, some groups are listed as Endangered and others as Threatened[1][6]. NatureServe ranks it G4 (Apparently Secure) worldwide[2].
Where does the green sea turtle live in the US?
NatureServe lists it as native in 20 US states and territories, including Florida, Texas, California and Hawaii[3].
What do green sea turtles eat?
They eat seagrass, seaweed and other marine plants, and also mollusks, sponges, crustaceans and jellyfish[23].
How big is a green sea turtle?
NatureServe records a typical length of 122 cm (48 in) and a typical adult weight of 200 kg (441 lb)[25][26].
How long does a green sea turtle live?
The longest recorded lifespan is 75 years, which is a record and not a typical lifespan[4].

Facts and sources

  1. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Endangered, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by 5.5 degrees W. Long. in the west. USFWS ECOS
  2. NatureServe global conservation status rank for Green Sea Turtle: G4 (Apparently Secure). NatureServe Explorer
  3. NatureServe lists Green Sea Turtle as native in 20 US states and territories: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode... NatureServe Explorer
  4. Maximum recorded lifespan in AnAge: 75 years. This is a record, not a typical lifespan. AnAge
  5. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a reptile in the family Cheloniidae, order Testudines. NatureServe Explorer
  6. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the North Atlantic Ocean, bounded by the following lines and coordinates: 48 degrees N. Lat.... USFWS ECOS
  7. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the North Indian Ocean, bounded by: Africa and Asia in the west and north; 84 degrees E.... USFWS ECOS
  8. NatureServe national rank in the United States: N3B,N3N (Vulnerable (breeding), Vulnerable (nonbreeding)). NatureServe Explorer
  9. IUCN Red List category as recorded by NatureServe: Least concern. NatureServe Explorer
  10. CITES listing recorded by NatureServe: Appendix I (controls on international trade). NatureServe Explorer
  11. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Endangered, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the Central South Pacific Ocean, bounded by the following coordinates: 9 degrees N., 175... USFWS ECOS
  12. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Endangered, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the Central West Pacific Ocean, bounded by the following coordinates: 41 degrees N., 146... USFWS ECOS
  13. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the Southwest Indian Ocean, bounded by the following lines: the equator to the north; 84... USFWS ECOS
  14. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the Central North Pacific Ocean, bounded by the following coordinates: 41 degrees N., 169... USFWS ECOS
  15. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the South Atlantic Ocean, bounded by the following lines and coordinates: along the northern... USFWS ECOS
  16. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, bounded by the following lines and... USFWS ECOS
  17. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the East Pacific Ocean, bounded by the following lines and coordinates: 41 degrees N., 143... USFWS ECOS
  18. Under the US Endangered Species Act, Green sea turtle has the status Threatened, listed May 6, 2016 (USFWS ECOS). Listed entity: Green sea turtles originating from the Southwest Pacific Ocean, bounded by the following lines and coordinates: along the... USFWS ECOS
  19. NatureServe estimate of total adult population (global, as a range): 100,000 to 1,000,000 individuals. NatureServe Explorer
  20. NatureServe state ranks for Green Sea Turtle (map and table on this page). NatureServe Explorer
  21. Habitat types NatureServe records for Green Sea Turtle: Sand/dune, Bay/sound, Tidal flat/shore, Pelagic, Near shore. NatureServe Explorer
  22. NatureServe notes on habitat for Green Sea Turtle. NatureServe Explorer
  23. NatureServe notes on food for Green Sea Turtle. NatureServe Explorer
  24. Adult food habits recorded by NatureServe: Invertivore, Herbivore. NatureServe Explorer
  25. Typical length recorded by NatureServe: 122 cm (48 in). NatureServe Explorer
  26. Typical adult weight recorded by NatureServe: 200 kg (441 lb). NatureServe Explorer
  27. Typical litter or clutch size in AnAge: 150. AnAge
  28. Gestation or incubation period in AnAge: 59 days. AnAge
  29. Age at female sexual maturity in AnAge: 3,650 days (about 10.0 years). AnAge
  30. NatureServe migration category for Green Sea Turtle: long-distance migrant (populations can differ). NatureServe Explorer
  31. GBIF observation records of Green Sea Turtle in the US by month (chart on this page). GBIF
  32. US states with the most GBIF observation records of Green Sea Turtle: Hawaii, Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina. Record counts follow observer effort, not population size. GBIF

Status, range and habitat come from NatureServe Explorer (CC BY 4.0) and USFWS ECOS at the snapshot date. Listings change by federal rule. State lists are where NatureServe records the species, not a promise that you will see it there. Never name a place smaller than a state. GBIF and park records count observations and checklists. They show where and when people report the species, not how many animals live there.

NatureServe. 2026. NatureServe Explorer [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: October 30, 2026). Licensed under CC BY 4.0; SpeciesFacts selected and summarized it.

Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.