Jasper Sea Turtle

Andraous (Discontinued)    Wildlife    Reptiles    Turtles & Tortoises      Jasper Sea Turtle

A rather rare species of sea turtle, the jasper sea turtle is a very important symbol to the local cultures.

Basic Information

Anatomy

At first glance the Jasper Sea Turtles look like a regular species of sea turtle, but a closer glance reveals beautiful patterns of deep blue, kelp green, golden yellow, and sandy white.
Its a rather large species of sea turtle.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like all sea turtles, female Jasper Sea Turtles return to the beaches that they hatched at in order to lay her own eggs. Often these nesting beaches become so packed with nesting sea turtles that one can walk long distances down the beach and never have to step on the sand.
Jasper Sea Turtles are unique in terms that the eggs that they lay have the appearance of being made out of some kind of crystal. These eggs can comfortably sit in the palm of one's hand, and there is anywhere from a dozen to one hundred eggs per clutch.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The eggs of these turtles are highly sought after for many reasons. Pirates love hiding their treasure in the nesting beaches of these turtles, for would be thieves are easily tricked into thinking they have found real treasure.
Some locals will collect some of these eggs, very carefully drain the egg of yolk, and refill the egg with sap. They will then treat the outside with a special solution to protect the shell. The yolk is often eaten afterwards.
In addition to their eggs being harvested, their shells are also often harvested due to their beautiful colors and patterning. These shells are then either hung up as decoration, or turned into pieces of jewelry.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Jasper sea turtles have one of the smallest distributions of all sea turtle species, and are found in a single ocean.