Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Lepidochelys olivacea

Threats to survival:

Accidental capture by fishing activities	Pollution	Human predation	Animal predation

Illustrations: M. Demma © ICRAM

Human predation

• Due to fishing, for both for food and leather -it is a rich source of protein and oil.
• Harvesting of eggs : many millions taken each year. In some areas this is strictly controlled and based on a quota system. (Malaysia, Surinam and Honduras). It is illegal in Mexico, Costa Rica and India. Since the clutches of early arribada may well be destroyed by later layings, there is a case for harvesting them.
• Leather: Antonio Suarez estimates 130,000 per year in three Mexican States (1996-1977).