Texas Beaches Host Rare Nests of the World’s Smallest Sea Turtle

Sea turtles are already protected worldwide, but what if I were to tell you that Texas is home to nests of the smallest sea turtle species in the world!

What Are the Tiniest Turtles in Texas?

That's right, the Kemp's ridley turtle clocks in at two feet in length when fully grown. This may seem a hefty size, but when you take into account that that's only a third of the size of the largest sea turtle, the leatherback, it really puts it into perspective.

Thanks to years of joint conservation efforts, Texas coastlines have become a secondary home for female Ridley turtles to lay their eggs.

Conservation Victories in Texas

In fact, according to Chron, from 1948 to 2001, Texas saw less than 100 nests on their shorelines. From 2002 to 2019, that number increased immensely, topping out at 900 nests in just those eight years!

Nesting typically occurs during the summer months through July, and this year is looking like it's going to be a good one. Just look at last year alone, that was when Texas had about 340 Ridley turtle nests.

How to Identify Kemp's Ridley Turtles in Texas

If you ever walk along the Texas coast during the summer seasons, you may encounter these tiny turtles. You know you are looking at a Kemp's ridley turtle when you spot their triangular-shaped head and hooked beak.

Adults are typically a grayish-green color on top while the bottom shell is more pale or yellow. Another giveaway is the singular claw on each of their front flippers.

These reptiles are listed as endangered and are therefore protected under federal law.

I mean, how can you look at this face and not fall in love?