Your wildlife photography guide.

Explore the olive ridley sea turtle in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.

Where to observe and photograph the olive ridley sea turtle in the wild

Learn where and when to spot the olive ridley sea turtle in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the olive ridley sea turtle’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.

Olive ridley sea turtle

Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea


Olive ridley sea turtle

IUCN Status: Endangered

Family: CHELONIIDAE

Group: Reptiles

Sensitivity to human approach: Suspicious

Minimum approach distance: 20 m

Reproduction period: March to May

Incubation: 45 à 75 jours

Births: March to May


Habitat:
Sandy beaches, coastal waters, and tropical and subtropical oceans, mainly in the Indo-Pacific and on the coasts of Central and South America

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The Olive Ridley Turtle is a species of sea turtle found primarily in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, particularly along the coasts of Central America, Mexico, India, and Southeast Asia. It typically measures between 60 and 70 cm in length and weighs between 35 and 50 kg. Its shell is olive in color, which gives it its name, and it has flippers adapted for swimming. The Olive Ridley Turtle is primarily carnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, fish, and crustaceans. It is also known for its mass nesting sites, particularly on the Pacific beaches of Costa Rica. Unfortunately, the Olive Ridley Turtle is critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, ocean pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets.

Recommended lens:
200 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to photograph the olive ridley turtle, especially when it is resting on the beach or swimming in the ocean. The soft light of the morning or evening is ideal for capturing the details of its shell and natural behavior. Be discreet and respect their space to avoid disturbing their natural behavior, especially during the nesting period.

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