Turtle identified

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 15

Turtle identified

PA Dunedin The remains of a turtle found on the Otago coast have been identified as an Olive Ridley turtle — the first time the species has been confirmed in New Zealand. The turtle’s carapace was found at Kaka Point, and was sent to the Otago Museum in Dunedin for identification. The turtle was originally though to have been a loggerhead. The museum’s assistant director, Mr John Darby, said the loggerhead turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle were closely related. Although the Ridley had not been described from New Zealand before, it was possible it may have been confused with the loggerhead species, which turned up in the North Island from time to time, he said. “The Olive Ridley is a widespread species found in the tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and South Atlantic oceans,” he said. Although Mr Darby had not been able to sex the turtle — too much of it had been lost — he thought it was close to being an adult. The carapace measured 60cm, whereas an adult measures about 68cm.