Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of all living turtles and is easily distinguishable by its lack of a hard bony shell. Instead, its carapace is covered by a leathery, oily skin and is supported by a unique arrangement of bones, giving it a flexible and hydrodynamic form that aids its deep diving and long-distance migratory capabilities. Leatherbacks can exceed 2 meters in length and weigh up to 700 kg, making them formidable creatures of the oceans. Their coloration is predominantly dark with pale spots, which provide camouflage in the ocean depths.

This species is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is renowned for its extensive migratory journeys, with some individuals traveling over 10,000 miles annually between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Leatherback Sea Turtles primarily feed on jellyfish, which affects their dive patterns and migratory routes. Unfortunately, they are classified as Vulnerable due to threats like marine pollution, particularly plastic ingestion, bycatch in fisheries, and loss of nesting habitats. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these ancient mariners, which have been traversing our oceans for millions of years.