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Loggerhead sea turtle hatchling (public domain photo on USFWS Digital Library).
Official State Saltwater Reptile of Florida
Florida designated the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) as the official state saltwater reptile in 2008 (Florida also recognizes the dolphin as the state saltwater mammal, and the manatee as the official state marine mammal, as well as two state fish and two other state reptile symbols; the gopher tortoise and the American alligator). All State Fish & Aquatic Life
The Florida State University School's Middle School Science Honors Class students worked with State Representative Curtis Richardson to include the loggerhead sea turtle in Florida's state symbols. Loggerhead sea turtles are listed as threatened with extinction, partially due to destruction of their nesting habitats.The loggerhead sea turtle's status as official state saltwater reptile will expire in 2018 unless it is renewed.
