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Kosgoda sea turtle species identification: Olive Ridley vs Green Turtle carapace scute patterns?

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Valerie Scutes•930 rep

How do marine biologists distinguish nesting Olive Ridley turtles from Green Sea Turtles on southern beaches by counting lateral carapace scutes and prefrontal scales?

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Field identification of nesting turtles at Kosgoda relies on diagnostic carapace scute counts and facial scale architecture. The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) features four pairs of costal (lateral) scutes on its oval carapace, a single pair of elongated prefrontal scales between the eyes, and a smooth, unhooked beak. The smaller Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) displays six or more asymmetrical pairs of costal scutes on its round, high-domed heart-shaped carapace, two pairs of prefrontal scales on the snout, and a distinct olive-grey dorsal coloration. Olive Ridleys average 40kg, whereas mature Green turtles weigh 130kg to 180kg.

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Dr Dharshani NARA•1910 rep

Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are separated by four pairs of overlapping (imbricate) scutes and a narrow, bird-like hooked beak used to graze sponges.

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V
Valerie Scutes•930 rep

Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) lack hard keratinous scutes entirely, possessing a thick leathery skin reinforced with seven prominent longitudinal ridges.

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S
Sarah Field Scout•1720 rep

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