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Beneath the sun-kissed skies of a tropical Costa Rican beach lies the lifeless body of a majestic green sea turtle. A closer examination reveals wounds around the neck and a mysterious puncture mark at the rear. The crime scene is set, raising haunting questions about the circumstances leading to her demise.

The suspects

As investigators dive into the depths, they encounter a gallery of suspects that populate the ocean’s realm. Sharks, known apex predators, lurk in the shadows. Their sharp teeth and sleek bodies stand for the danger that surrounds the victim. Killer whales, intelligent and formidable, add another layer of complexity. Venomous jellyfish and sea snakes, with their delicate yet lethal tentacles, hover as potential culprits. Even the seemingly benign and beautiful coral is a suspect. Did a big fish (a sailfish or marlin) confuse the turtle for prey? Were the holes in the head caused by a crocodile? Or was it a human diver attempting to spear the turtle?

Not far away, the sandy shores have tracks imprinted in the soft terrain. Could these tracks belong to big cats, stealthily patrolling the coastline, waiting for the opportune moment to strike? This clue holds the key to unravelling the mystery.

The truth emerges

The investigation reveals a tale of stealthy hunters and cautious nesters. Cats, creatures of the night, prowl the coastal landscape during the same night-time hours that green turtles choose to nest. During the egg-laying phase, turtles are deeply focused and oblivious to their surroundings. And a jaguar seized the opportunity; a fierce bite to hold the turtle’s head left deep holes in her skull.

This sudden and dramatic interaction between predator and prey highlights the vulnerability of the green sea turtle during its nesting stage and the perpetual cycle of renewal that defines the wild, and underscores the delicate balance and resilience of nature.

Two months later, the once-silent beach comes alive with the emergence of hatchlings. These tiny turtles symbolise the triumph of new beginnings, showcasing the enduring spirit of life against the backdrop of adversity.

Turtle talk

Green turtles are known for their incredible navigational abilities that allow them to travel thousands of miles between their feeding and nesting grounds.

Did you know that each green turtle has a distinct and unique shell pattern? Researchers use these patterns to identify and track individual turtles in the wild.

Green turtles are impressively long lived, with individuals capable of living for more than 80 years.

Time for a puzzle! It’s just like a Sudoku, but instead of numbers you have some creatures that live in the ocean depths. Can you fill the grid in such a way that each creature appears only once in every row, every column and every 2*3 grid?