Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

The Olive Ridley is the smallest sea turtle species, with a carapace rarely exceeding 70 cm. Named for its olive-coloured shell, it inhabits tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, often found in shallow coastal areas and estuaries. Remarkably gregarious for a sea turtle, females gather by the thousands at traditional nesting beaches to lay eggs in synchronized events called *arribadas*. Though adaptable feeders, they face significant pressure from fishing nets and egg collection; the species is listed as vulnerable.