Band 6+: The graph below shows the population figures of different types of turtles in India between 1980 and 2012. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The line graph provides information about population numbers for four different types of turtle species in India, over a period of 33 years, from 1980 to 2012.

Overall, the population of olive ridley turtles increased drastically throughout the period. Almost all other species observed a decline in numbers.

At the start of the period, the population of olive ridley turtles is about 100 units. The number of olive ridley turtles increased throughout the period, increasing by almost 30% and reaching a mark of about 130 units. The species of leatherback turtles, however, witnessed a drastic drop in its population with a decrease of almost 50%.

The figures for the population of green turtles decreased gradually throughout the period, and by the end of the period, the numbers dropped by about 10%. All other species remained at a stable level throughout, with only a marginal increase at the end of the period.