Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Sea Turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Sea Turtle)
Dermochelys coriacea, commonly known as the leatherback sea turtle, is the largest and most unique of all sea turtles. Unlike other species, it has a soft, leathery shell rather than a hard one and can travel incredible distances across the oceans.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Dermochelyidae
- Genus: Dermochelys
- Species: D. coriacea
Common Names
- Leatherback sea turtle
- Luth turtle
- Trunkback turtle
Identification
- Description: Leatherbacks are easily identified by their large size, dark gray or black leathery carapace with pale spots, and their lack of a bony shell. Their front flippers are the longest of any sea turtle species, enabling them to swim vast distances.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males tend to be slightly larger than females, with longer tails. Females have shorter tails and are more frequently observed on nesting beaches.
Native Origin and Distribution
- Geographical Range: Leatherbacks are highly migratory and can be found in oceans worldwide. They are known to nest on tropical and subtropical beaches but forage in waters as far north as Alaska and Norway.
Preferred Habitat
Leatherbacks are pelagic, spending most of their lives in the open ocean. They prefer deep waters but are also seen near the coast during nesting seasons.
Behavior
- Feeding Habits: Leatherbacks primarily feed on jellyfish, contributing significantly to controlling jellyfish populations. They can dive deeper than any other sea turtle, reaching depths of over 1,000 meters.
- Predators: As hatchlings, they face predation from birds, crabs, and fish. As adults, they have few natural predators, although sharks and orcas are occasional threats.
Reproduction
- Breeding Season: Leatherbacks typically nest during the warmer months, often between March and July, depending on the region.
- Reproductive Method: Females come ashore at night to dig nests on sandy beaches and lay around 80-100 eggs per clutch. They may lay several clutches during a breeding season.
Conservation
- Extinction Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
- Threats: Leatherbacks face threats from plastic pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat loss due to coastal development. Climate change also impacts nesting sites and the sex ratio of hatchlings.
- Conservation Measures: Protective measures include international treaties, beach monitoring, and efforts to reduce bycatch through modified fishing practices.
Economic Importance
Leatherbacks help regulate jellyfish populations, which can benefit commercial fish species by reducing competition for plankton. However, they are not directly exploited for economic purposes.
Interesting Facts
- Leatherbacks can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to survive in colder waters.
- They are the fastest-swimming reptiles, reaching speeds of up to 22 mph.
- Leatherbacks are capable of traveling over 10,000 miles annually across ocean basins.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.