Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the largest of the seven sea turtle species. Unlike other sea turtles, it has a leather-like, flexible shell. They have the widest global distribution of all the reptile species and are listed by the IUCN as vulnerable.
SPECIES IN DETAIL
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
CLIMATE CHANGE:
At the Aquarium
Not on display at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Geographic Distribution
Globally, the widest distribution of all reptile species. The Leatherback Sea Turtle is found in tropic and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Adult Leatherbacks can also travel as far north as Canada and Norway and as far south as New Zealand and South America
Habitat
Leatherbacks are the most pelagic (open ocean dwelling) of all sea turtles and are known for their deep diving. They make extensive migrations for different feeding areas, depending on the season. When ready to lay eggs, adult females require sandy beaches with vegetation and preferably a sloped surface to allow for a shorter distance from water to dry sand. Females also favor beaches that are close to deep water and often, rough seas.
Physical Characteristics
They are the largest of the seven species of sea turtles They use their large body size, blood flow and thick fat layer (and their swimming activity) to adapt to chilly water. It is the only sea turtle that does not have a hard shell. It can be identified by seven distinct ridges on its rubbery shell.
Size
Can be over 7ft (2 m) Up to 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Diet
Leatherbacks primarily feed on jellyfish, salps, and siphonophores. They have backward-pointing spines in their mouth/throat to help retain prey.
Reproduction
They can dive down in the ocean to depths of 4,000 ft (1,280 m) and stay down at that depth for up to 85 minutes.
Leatherback sea turtles make extensive migrations for feeding and breeding, sometimes traveling over 10,000 miles a year between sites.
Males spend their whole lives at sea, females come on shore to lay eggs.
Behavior
After mating at sea, Leatherback females come ashore during the breeding season to nest. Under the cover of darkness, they dig a hole in the sand and deposit usually 60-90 eggs. They then recover the nest with sand, making it hard for predators to detect. The turtles then return to the sea. The temperature inside the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings, a temperature of 85.1F (29.5C) results in males or females, cooler than 85.1F (29.5C) - males, warmer than 85.1F (29.5C) - females.
Adaptation
They have amazing adaptations to be able to survive in chilly water, including their large body size, changes in swimming activity and blood flow, and a thick layer of fat.
Their flexible, leather-like shell, with ridges along the carapace that taper to a point just above the tail helping to give it a more hydrodynamic structure, perfect for diving to deep depths in the ocean.
Longevity
Unknown, estimated to be 50 years
Conservation
IUCN lists as Vulnerable
Leatherback sea turtles are decreasing at an alarming rate in the Pacific Ocean. Threats to these turtles include residential and commercial development, use of their meat and eggs, climate change and severe weather. There are many conservation efforts underway for these turtles including monitoring populations, protecting their natural habitats, and educating the public about these amazing animals. You can help protect sea turtles by reducing plastic waste (like plastic bags and straws) that enters our waters. Animals, including turtles, may mistake this for food like sea jellies!
Distribution
Globally, the widest distribution of all reptile species. The Leatherback Sea Turtle is found in tropic and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Adult Leatherbacks can also travel as far north as Canada and Norway and as far south as New Zealand and South America
SPECIES IN DETAIL | Print full entry
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable
CLIMATE CHANGE:
Not on display at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Globally, the widest distribution of all reptile species. The Leatherback Sea Turtle is found in tropic and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Adult Leatherbacks can also travel as far north as Canada and Norway and as far south as New Zealand and South America
Leatherbacks are the most pelagic (open ocean dwelling) of all sea turtles and are known for their deep diving. They make extensive migrations for different feeding areas, depending on the season. When ready to lay eggs, adult females require sandy beaches with vegetation and preferably a sloped surface to allow for a shorter distance from water to dry sand. Females also favor beaches that are close to deep water and often, rough seas.
They are the largest of the seven species of sea turtles They use their large body size, blood flow and thick fat layer (and their swimming activity) to adapt to chilly water. It is the only sea turtle that does not have a hard shell. It can be identified by seven distinct ridges on its rubbery shell.
Can be over 7ft (2 m) Up to 2,000 lb (907 kg)
Leatherbacks primarily feed on jellyfish, salps, and siphonophores. They have backward-pointing spines in their mouth/throat to help retain prey.
They can dive down in the ocean to depths of 4,000 ft (1,280 m) and stay down at that depth for up to 85 minutes.
Leatherback sea turtles make extensive migrations for feeding and breeding, sometimes traveling over 10,000 miles a year between sites.
Males spend their whole lives at sea, females come on shore to lay eggs.
After mating at sea, Leatherback females come ashore during the breeding season to nest. Under the cover of darkness, they dig a hole in the sand and deposit usually 60-90 eggs. They then recover the nest with sand, making it hard for predators to detect. The turtles then return to the sea. The temperature inside the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings, a temperature of 85.1F (29.5C) results in males or females, cooler than 85.1F (29.5C) - males, warmer than 85.1F (29.5C) - females.
They have amazing adaptations to be able to survive in chilly water, including their large body size, changes in swimming activity and blood flow, and a thick layer of fat.
Their flexible, leather-like shell, with ridges along the carapace that taper to a point just above the tail helping to give it a more hydrodynamic structure, perfect for diving to deep depths in the ocean.
Unknown, estimated to be 50 years
IUCN lists as Vulnerable
Leatherback sea turtles are decreasing at an alarming rate in the Pacific Ocean. Threats to these turtles include residential and commercial development, use of their meat and eggs, climate change and severe weather. There are many conservation efforts underway for these turtles including monitoring populations, protecting their natural habitats, and educating the public about these amazing animals. You can help protect sea turtles by reducing plastic waste (like plastic bags and straws) that enters our waters. Animals, including turtles, may mistake this for food like sea jellies!
Globally, the widest distribution of all reptile species. The Leatherback Sea Turtle is found in tropic and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Adult Leatherbacks can also travel as far north as Canada and Norway and as far south as New Zealand and South America