What's in the Great Barrier Reef Sharks, Turtles, and Mammals Edition.

This is part two of the two part series, What's in the Great Barrier Reef. I am going to create another newsletter relating to the coral of this habitat.

. Previously, we have dove down deep into the various fish (not all) of the Great Barrier Reef. Sure, vast majorities of amazing colorful fish species occur in this area, but aren’t we forgetting something. Well, of course not the turtles, who will forget the turtles? I’m talking about the sharks. The mammals have left a surprise. Many people think about the colors of this reef that make it special, but in my perspective, its biodiversity makes it special. In the last blog, you have got to see the fish, the colors of this reef, but this blog will show you the biodiversity, and truly the creatures that you probably didn’t know lived here.

To start us off, the sharks! These creatures are a mighty and magnificent sight. We will go over the variety of sharks that are in this reef!

BLACKTIP REEF SHARK:

Beautiful Black-tip Reef Sharks roam coral reefs such as this one.

These sharks are the most abundant in tropical reefs. They are found in. shallow waters, and are quick in speed.

GREY WHALER REEF SHARK:

Gray reef sharks.

The Grey reef shark is one of the most common reef shark. They are more aggressive, and is better to keep a distance from them.

LEOPARD SHARK:

Leopard Shark

These sharks are immediately identified by their unique animals. They are completely harmless to humans and are truly a sight to see.

WOBBEGONG SHARK:

Wobbegong shark

The Wobbegong shark is extremely unique, and known for their striking appearance and patterns. Because of their flat bodies, they are called “carpet sharks”.

Now, let us move on to the turtles. These turtles are amazing animals that a lot of people love to see. Six of the seven species of sea turtles live in the GBR, and they are all awesome.

GREEN SEA TURTLE:

Green Turtle

The Green turtle is stunning! Unlike most turtles, the green turtle is mostly herbivorous. Like a lot of turtles, they migrate far distances to find proper nesting grounds.

HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE:

Hawksbill sea turtle

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a critically endangered species of turtle. Did you know that this turtle is the first reptile to be biofluorescent? This means this turtle emits green or red light based on their diet.

LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE:

Loggerhead sea turtle.

Like most turtles, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle is endangered. What makes this species unique is that it is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle currently in this world.

FLATBACK SEA TURTLE:

Flatback sea turtle.

The Flatback Sea Turtle is the smallest out of all the species at the GBR. These reptiles get their names from their flattened or lower domed shell.

LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE:

Nesting Leatherback turtle in Thailand beaches. (IGNORE TEXT ABOVE, I CAN’T DELETE IT)

The Leatherback Turtle is the largest of all turtle species. Also, it is the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile!

OLIVE RIDLEY SEA TURTLE:

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is the most abundant sea turtle. They are found in warm and tropical waters.

The final mammal in the Great Barrier reef is for you too see with a few scrolls. I bet you will be surprised to see this.

DUGONG:

A beautiful Dugong.

The Dugong is one of the four species of Sirena, which includes three other types of manatees. This animal is heavily endangered. Hunted for it’s meat and oil, the Dugong is not doing to well. Although, lots of efforts are made to protect this beautiful marine creature. Bet you didn’t expect this mammal to be here.

This blog covers the unique side of the GBR (Great Barrier Reef). I hope you enjoyed. Dhyan from the Biology Blog, singing off.