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Green Turtle Populations Rebound After Decades of Conservation Efforts
10 Oct
Summary
- Global green turtle population increased by 28% since 1970s
- Species downgraded from "endangered" to "least concern" on IUCN Red List
- Conservation efforts include protecting nesting beaches and reducing accidental catches
In a remarkable conservation success story, the global population of green turtles has rebounded significantly over the past few decades. According to the latest update from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the green turtle's status has been downgraded from "endangered" to "least concern" on the organization's Red List.
The recovery of this iconic marine species is the result of coordinated global efforts to protect green turtles and their habitats. Conservation measures have included patrolling nesting beaches, shielding mothers and their eggs, releasing hatchlings into the sea, educating coastal communities, and introducing fishing gear that prevents turtles from being accidentally trapped.
These sustained efforts have paid off, with the IUCN reporting a 28% increase in the global green turtle population since the 1970s. However, scientists caution that the current numbers remain far below historical levels, and the species continues to face threats from habitat destruction, fishing, and climate change.
In some regions, such as Raine Island in Australia, hatchling success rates are declining, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation work to ensure the green turtle's recovery lasts. As Roderic Mast, co-chair of the IUCN's Marine Turtle Specialist Group, noted, "Sea turtles cannot survive without healthy oceans and coasts, and humans can't either. Sustained conservation efforts are key to assuring that this recovery lasts."
