Meet the Leatherback Sea Turtle
The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is a unique marine reptile, distinguished by its leathery, ridged carapace rather than a bony shell. It is the deepest-diving sea turtle, capable of reaching depths of over 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) while searching for food.
Leatherbacks are known for their long migrations, often traveling thousands of miles between feeding and nesting grounds. They play a critical role in ocean health by controlling jellyfish populations.
Habitat
Leatherback Sea Turtles are found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. Key habitats include:
- Open ocean feeding grounds
- Tropical beaches for nesting
- Coastal upwelling zones with abundant jellyfish
Lifespan
Estimated to be around 50 years, though exact longevity is uncertain.
Diet
- Primarily jellyfish
- Occasionally eats other soft-bodied marine invertebrates
Reproduction
- Females lay ~80-100 eggs per nest
- Nesting occurs every 2-3 years
- Hatchlings face high mortality rates due to predation
Interesting Facts
- Leatherbacks can tolerate colder temperatures due to a unique blood circulation system.
- Their esophagus is lined with backward-pointing spines to help swallow slippery jellyfish.
Predators & Natural Threats
Hatchlings face predation from birds, crabs, and fish. Adults are sometimes attacked by large sharks or orcas.
Behavior
Leatherbacks are solitary and spend most of their lives in the open ocean, only coming ashore to nest.
Human Interactions
These turtles are often caught accidentally in fishing nets, and plastic pollution is a major hazard since they mistake plastic bags for jellyfish.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation programs include protected nesting sites, reducing plastic waste, and bycatch reduction measures.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Dermochelyidae
- Genus: Dermochelys
- Species: Dermochelys coriacea
