Conservation success: Green turtle returns from the brink of extinction, say scientists

Green Turtle Bounces Back from Brink of Extinction, Say Scientists (Image: Canva)

The green turtle's long trek from the brink of extinction to rehabilitation has been touted as an inspiring conservation triumph. Previously hunted for soup and ornamentation shells, this long-time sea roamer is now making its way toward survival.

Populations Rebound After Decades of Protection
New worldwide information indicates green turtle populations are on the increase after years of specific conservation efforts. The species, long listed as Endangered, has now been reclassified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The change follows decades of global conservation measures, including beach patrols, egg protection, hatchling releases, and reduced bycatch in fishing nets.

Dr Nicolas Pilcher of the Marine Research Foundation in Sabah, Malaysia, called the recovery a milestone. “We must use this win as a catalyst for many more,” he said. Green turtles, among the largest sea turtle species, owe their name to the greenish hue of their body fat, caused by their plant-based diet.

Scientists Urge Continued Vigilance
Professor Brendan Godley from the University of Exeter said the progress reflects over fifty years of global effort. “Sea turtles are iconic species that inspire people,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands have worked tirelessly to protect them, and it’s making a difference.”

Despite the success, scientists warn that numbers remain far below historic levels. Conservation must continue to counter ongoing threats from fishing, habitat loss, and climate change. On Australia’s Raine Island, for example, fewer hatchlings are emerging, signalling challenges ahead.

Red List Update Brings Mixed News
The latest IUCN Red List, released at the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, now includes 172,620 species, with 48,646 facing extinction.  Species are realigned based on new population or habitat information becoming available.

While green turtles had better fortunes, other species did not do so well. Arctic seals, which rely on sea ice for breeding and resting, are in decline as temperatures warm up. The hooded seal has been uplisted from Vulnerable to Endangered, while bearded and harp seals are Near Threatened.

The revival of the green turtle is a strong reminder that conservation can succeed when it is maintained, but equally how vulnerable such success is in an ever-evolving world.