Bocas del Toro Panama is the nesting ground for a number of sea turtles. Here are some basic facts about sea turtles:
Sea turtles do not have teeth, instead they have a beak like jaw which they use to tear, crush and bite at the food in their diet.
Sea turtles do not have ears. They have an inner eardrum covered by a flap of skin and they hear best at low frequencies.
Sea turtles have an excellent sense of smell. Their vision is good underwater but they are nearsighted when on land.
Sea turtles can remain submerged underwater for an extended period of time if they are not exerting themselves. For example, routine activity requires oxygen replenishment every four to five minutes, but they can sleep underwater for several hours at a time without the need to replenish oxygen.
They have flippers shaped like paddles for easier navigation in the water. The front flippers are used to propel themselves and the back flippers are used for steering. Their shells are more streamlined for speed and efficiency in the water.
Due to their immense size, sea turtles cannot retract their heads into their shells. Their skulls and necks are not armored. Sea turtles cannot right themselves if they are turned upside down. They also cannot back up in water or on land.
Because the sea turtle is a reptile, it cannot regulate its own temperature. When they are too cold, they become lethargic and seek warmth. At warmer temperatures they risk overheating. A rapid rise in body temperature can cause a deadly heat stroke which is one reason they nest at night.
