Leatherback sea turtles

Status: Critically Endangered

Leatherback turtles are the largest of the sea turtle species, measuring up to 2.8m in carapace length and weighing over 900kgs.

Leatherback turtles occur throughout the world with nesting on open beaches with close deep water. Leatherbacks are the most widely distributed turtle in the world, tolerating cold water temperatures through the use of thermoregulatory devices.

Leatherbacks are primarily pelagic, living in the open oceans and feeding on sea jellies and salps. They are deep-sea divers and can dive up to 1200m deep!

Leatherback turtles have an elongated carapace with seven narrow ridges running along the length. Their carapace is black to dark brown-grey with white or pink splotches.