Leatherback Sea Turtle

About

The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of all sea turtles, with adults weighing between 600 and 1500 pounds and measuring 55 to 63 inches in length[3][4]. It is distinguished by its leathery, unscaled carapace, which lacks the hard scutes found in other turtles. Instead, it has thick, leathery skin with embedded osteoderms, providing flexibility and protection[1][5]. The turtle's body is streamlined for hydrodynamics, with large front flippers that power it through the water[1]. Leatherbacks are renowned for their extensive migrations, traveling up to 16,000 km annually across entire ocean basins to reach feeding and breeding grounds[2][3]. They primarily feed on jellyfish and other soft-bodied invertebrates in the open ocean[4]. Despite their impressive abilities, leatherbacks face significant threats, including habitat loss, fisheries bycatch, and plastic ingestion[3][4]. They are listed as Vulnerable globally, with some subpopulations being Critically Endangered[3]. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these iconic creatures and their habitats.