Caretta caretta

Caretta caretta, commonly known as the loggerhead sea turtle, is a marine reptile recognized for its large head and powerful jaws. It primarily inhabits warm, subtropical, and tropical waters worldwide, often nesting on sandy beaches. These turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and controlling jellyfish populations. Loggerheads face threats from habitat loss, pollution, bycatch in fishing gear, and exposure to boat strikes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites, reducing bycatch, and raising awareness to ensure the survival of this iconic species, which is currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).