1. The Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest sea turtle
The Leatherback turtle is the largest turtle and the largest living reptile. It can grow up to 1.9 meters in length and weigh as much as 910 kg. The Leatherback is also unique among other types of turtles because instead of having a hard carapace, its shell is covered in a layer of fatty skin.
2. Leatherback Turtles are resilient divers
Leatherback turtles can dive as deep as deep-diving whales. They are capable of diving to depths of nearly 1,200 meters. This diving ability helps them catch prey (like jellyfish), avoid predators, and escape the heat as they travel through warm waters. A study in 2010 found that these turtles can regulate their buoyancy when diving deep by adjusting the amount of air they inhale at the surface.
3. Leatherback Turtles are world travelers
The Leatherback turtle is the furthest-ranging turtle. They have the largest range because they have a body cooling system and large amounts of fat that help them maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding sea water, allowing them to tolerate colder water regions. These turtles have been found as far north as Newfoundland, Canada, and as far south as South America. They are generally considered pelagic species, but can also be found in waters closer to the shore.
4. Leatherback Turtles eat jellyfish and other soft-bodied marine creatures
It is remarkable that such a large animal survives by eating soft-bodied creatures. Leatherbacks primarily feed on jellyfish and salps (a type of jellyfish). They do not have teeth, but instead have sharp spines in their mouths that help capture prey, as well as spines in their throat and esophagus to ensure that prey moves into their throat but does not come back out. These turtles play an important role in the marine food web by helping control jellyfish populations. However, they may be threatened by marine debris such as plastic bags and balloons, which they may mistake for prey.
5. Leatherback Turtles are endangered
Leatherback turtles are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and are classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. The population of these turtles in the Atlantic Ocean appears to be more stable than in the Pacific Ocean. Threats to Leatherback turtles include getting caught in fishing gear and marine debris, ingesting plastic waste, egg theft, and boat strikes. You can help by disposing of trash responsibly, reducing plastic use, never releasing balloons, observing turtles by boat, and supporting research, rescue, and rehabilitation organizations.
