Biggest Turtle in the World 2024, List of Top-10

Turtles, with their ancient lineage and fascinating diversity, have captivated the imagination of nature enthusiasts for centuries. Among these incredible creatures, some species stand out for their sheer size, leaving an indelible mark on the natural world. In this article, we will dive into the realm of the largest turtles, showcasing the top 10 magnificent giants that roam the world’s oceans and rivers.

World’s Biggest Turtle 2024

The Leatherback Sea Turtle, the largest turtle globally at 2 meters, holds a remarkable status. This colossal species, inhabiting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, boasts an average length of 2 meters, with some individuals reaching a staggering 2.6 meters and weighing up to 600 kg. Despite its impressive size, these giants have a relatively short life expectancy of 20-30 years. Recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as Archelon, an individual of this species measured over 4 meters long and weighed approximately 2 tons, solidifying its reputation as the largest known turtle in the world.

Key Facts Related to Largest Turtle in the World

Here are some key facts related to Leatherback Sea Turtle, the largest turtle in the world:

• Size: The leatherback sea turtle, the largest turtle species, reaches lengths of up to 2 meters and can weigh as much as 700 kg.
• Unique Appearance: It stands out with a leathery skin covered in tough, flexible plates, lacking the hard, bony shell seen in other turtles.
• Habitat: Highly migratory, leatherbacks inhabit oceans globally, from tropics to subarctic regions, covering vast distances for breeding and feeding.
• Diet: Carnivorous, they primarily feed on jellyfish, equipped with adaptations to swallow large, gelatinous prey without harm.
• Threats: Faces various threats, including habitat loss, hunting, accidental capture in fishing gear, and ingestion of plastic pollution; climate change poses additional risks.
• Conservation Status: Classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, efforts focus on protecting nesting sites, reducing accidental captures, and raising awareness about plastic pollution’s impact.

Top-10 Biggest Turtles in the World By January 2024

Leatherback Sea Turtle, with the length of up to 2 meters and weight of 700 kg, is the world’s biggest turtle, followed by Galapagos Elephant Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, and Alligator Snapping Turtle.

Here is the list of top-10 largest turtles in the world by January 2024:

LARGEST TURTLES IN THE WORLD 2024
Rank	Turtles	Size
1.	Leatherback Sea Turtle	2 meters
2.	Galapagos Elephant Turtle	180 cm
3.	Green Sea Turtle	150 cm
4.	Alligator Snapping Turtle	140 cm
5.	Aldabra Giant Tortoise	120 cm
6.	Arrau Turtle	1 meter
7.	African Spurred Tortoise	75 cm
8.	Fringed Turtle (Matamata)	40 cm
9.	Red-eared Slider Turtle	37 cm
10.	Cayman Turtle	35 cm

World’s Largest Turtle – Leatherback Sea Turtle

The leatherback turtle, the world’s largest turtle species at 2 meters, boasts an average length of 2 meters, with some individuals reaching an astounding 2.6 meters and weighing up to 600 kg. Inhabiting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, this giant primarily feeds on marine life. Despite its impressive size, these turtles have a relatively short life expectancy of 20-30 years. Notably listed in the Red Book for protection, an individual named Archelon holds the Guinness World Record, measuring over 4 meters and weighing about 2 tons as the largest known turtle.

Second Biggest Turtle in the World – Galapagos Elephant Turtle

The Galapagos elephant turtle, a terrestrial giant, surpasses 180 cm in length and weighs up to 400 kg. Inhabiting the Galapagos Islands, these turtles consume supposedly poisonous plants and shrubs. Classified as endangered in the Red Book, this species, once comprised of 11 subspecies, faced a poignant moment in 2012 when the last of the eleventh subspecies, affectionately known as Lonely George, passed away at 100 without offspring. Remarkably, these elephant turtles can have a lifespan of up to 200 years.

Third Largest Turtle in the World- Green Sea Turtle

The Green Sea Turtle, ranking third among the largest tortoises globally at 150 cm, can weigh up to 200 kg. Found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, its name derives from the olive-green hue, though some are dark brown. Once known as a “soup turtle” for its meat, hunting has led to a notable decline, prompting protective measures. Prohibited from hunting, these giants, with an average lifespan of 80 years, face conservation challenges due to historical exploitation.