Leatherback Sea Turtles. Weight. The family of Dermochelyidae, whose scientific name derives from Ancient Greek words meaning skin (derma) and tortoise (khelus), only includes the leatherback sea turtle. I, 2006) Worldwide Leatherback Nesting Sites 2005 (SWOT Report, vol. Sea Turtle Scientific Names. Mature males and females can be as long as six and a half feet (2 m) and weigh almost 2000 lbs. It can easily be differentiated from other modern sea turtles by its lack of a bony shell, hence the name. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle in the world, and regularly occurs off the coast of North Carolina. “ …you sense the life force that has carried leatherbacks past every obstacle for a hundred million years. Leatherbacks are unique … They have four … The leatherback sea turtle is considered an endangered species throughout its worldwide range. As its name implies, leatherback turtles have a thick, black leathery skin instead of a hard shell (as all other sea turtles do). Leatherback turtles migrate long … Sea turtle, any of seven species of marine turtles belonging to the families Dermochelyidae (leatherback sea turtles) and Cheloniidae (green turtles, flatback sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, hawksbills, and ridleys). Domestication. The leatherback looks very different from the … … The largest leatherback recorded measured 3 m from the tip of its beak to the tip of its tail, and weighed 916 kg! Adults can attain a shell length of six and a half feet and weigh up to 2,000 pounds, but usually weigh between 638-1,298 pounds. These particular turtles are distributed more vastly than any other species, they have been found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and as far as the Mediterranean Sea. (900 kg). Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea Taxonomy Group: Reptiles COSEWIC Range: Atlantic Ocean COSEWIC Assessment Date and Status Change: May 2012 COSEWIC Status: Endangered COSEWIC Status Criteria: A2abd+4abd COSEWIC Reason for Designation: Globally, this species is estimated to have declined by more than 70%.In the Atlantic, this species … They can grow up to 6.5 ft (2 m) long. SWOT MAPS. The leatherback sea turtle gets its name from its thick, leathery carapace (shell). They are also sometimes called lute turtle and leathery turtle. This creature measures nearly 2 meters (about 7 feet) long, and the front flippers of this ocean creature can grow up to 3 meters (9 feet). The shell lengths of few individuals exceed 1.6 metres (5 feet), although some reportedly reach 2.4 metres (8 feet). Sadly, all seven species are classed as vulnerable or endangered, therefore it is vital that these magnificent animals are protected to avoid the extinction of their … Leatherback sea turtles have not been domesticated in any way. The average adult measures in between 5-6 feet (1.5 - 1.8 m) and weighs 600-800 pounds (270 - 360 kg). Instead, … A leatherback's carapace is approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) … Leatherbacks are the largest of all sea turtles. The other six species of sea turtle are in the family Cheloniidae. Its name is derived from its shell which is a thick, leathery texture. Leatherback sea turtles have some fascinating features/characteristics; the following are 23 cool and interesting facts … Worldwide Leatherback Nesting Sites (SWOT Report, vol. Weight: 250 – 700 kg (Adult) Scientific name: Dermochelys coriacea. Leatherback turtles are vulnerable turtle species listed in the red list of the International Union of Conservation of Nature. Human waste, unfortunately, ruins the entire system that these turtles live in and many adults try to eat water-logged … Leatherbacks are in the family Dermochelyidae. The leatherback is the only sea turtle that lacks a hard, bony shell. These all look fairly similar when compared to the seventh species, the leatherback. Description: Leatherbacks have a deeply notched upper jaw with 2 cusps on the head. Dermochelyidae Fitzinger, 1843 – leatherback turtles, Leatherback Sea Turtles : Genus: Dermochelys Blainville, 1816 – Leatherback Sea Turtles : Species: Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761) – leatherback turtle, Leatherback, Tortuga-marina laúd, tinglar, tortue luth, Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea. Leatherback Sea Turtle Pacific population. Population. It has long fore flippers and shorter hind flippers, and visible lateral lines down the length of its shell, which is dark green to black in appearance. Compared with other species of sea turtles, only the leatherback lacks a hard shell. Sea Turtle Scientific Name. The Leatherback Sea turtle gained its name from its distinct shell, which is unique only to this turtle. The scientific name for leatherback sea turtles is Dermochelys coriacea. This turtle is also called Lute turtle or Leathery turtle with the scientific name Dermochelys coriacea. The largest of all sea turtles, the leatherback is also one of the largest living reptiles in the world. Leatherback Sea Turtle. These massive reptiles travel from their nesting beaches in southeast Asia to feed along the western coast of North America every year, including the outer coast of Washington. Six of the species are classified in the Family Cheloniidae. There is some debate on the number of sea turtle species, although seven have traditionally been recognized. SCIENTIFIC NAME. Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea. A giant of the sea turtle world, leatherback turtles are ocean wanderers searching the seas for jellyfish. Scientific Name. … Approx. It is listed in Appendix 1 of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), a list of the most highly endangered animals worldwide. This means that, if leatherback sea turtle populations shrink, jellyfish populations increase, and our commercial fish populations decrease. Vulnerable . The Pacific population of leatherback sea turtles has suffered most over the last twenty years: as few as 2,300 adult females now remain, making the Pacific leatherback the world's most endangered marine turtle population. Sea turtle or soft-top VW Beetle? STATUS. Marine turtles can … 175-400 pounds Length. Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea: Other Names: Lute Turtle, Leathery Turtle: Size: 1.83–2.2 m: Weight: 250 – 700 kg: Color: Dark gray or black carapace with pale or white spots; whitish to black plastron: Distribution : Alaska, Norway, Cape Agulhas in Africa, southernmost regions of New Zealand, all tropical and subtropical oceans, Arctic Circle: Habitat: Open ocean: Diet: Mainly jellyfish, also feed on … It’s only fitting that the world’s largest sea turtle, the leatherback (scientific name Dermochelys coriacea), visits the water surrounding the Salish Sea! Leatherback Sea Turtle By Rani Iyer Leatherback Sea Turtle Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea It is shaped like a teardrop, a big teardrop it must be! Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea Taxonomy Group: Reptiles COSEWIC Range: Pacific Ocean COSEWIC Assessment Date and Status Change: May 2012 COSEWIC Status: Endangered COSEWIC Status Criteria: A2abd COSEWIC Reason for Designation: The Pacific population of this species has collapsed by over 90% in the last generation.Continuing threats … The largest of all sea turtles, and one of the largest reptiles on earth, the leatherback turtle ranges in size from 4-8 feet in length (1.2 - 2.4 meters) and weighs between 500-2,000 pounds (225 - 900 kg). The leatherback is the largest turtle and the largest living reptile in the world. The sea turtle is a recognized taxonomical group with two living families. The leatherback is named for its dorsal shell (or carapace) that is … They are less likely to be hunted for their meat or shell compared to other sea turtles. In the majority of countries, this turtle is fully protected by law, however, enforcement of this protection is difficult in many areas. Apparently following the blooms of its jellyfish prey, it moves widely throughout the oceans. Oceans Loggerhead turtles are named for their large heads that support powerful jaw muscles, allowing them to crush hard-shelled prey like clams and sea urchins. Adults average 1–1.75 metres (3.3–5.7 ft) in shell length, 1.83–2.2 metres (6.0–7.2 ft) in total length and weigh 250 to 700 kilograms (550 to 1,540 lb). Leatherback sea … They help maintain the health of sea grass beds and coral reefs that benefit commercially valuable species such as shrimp, lobster and tuna. Leatherback Turtle – Dermochelys coriacea [Scientific name] Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Reptilia; Order: Testudines; Suborder: Cryptodira; Family: Dermochelyidae; Genus: Dermochelys Blainville, 1816; Species: D. coriacea; Tip: Leatherbacks are the largest of the seven living sea turtle species, growing to more than 6.5 in length and weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 … The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all the sea turtles, averaging 150 to 170 cm SCL (straight carapace length) and 500 kg. Read on for interesting facts about leatherback sea turtles. The family of Cheloniidae, whose scientific name simply derives from khelone (turtle), has six different species: the … Length: 1.8 – 2.2 m (Adult) Clutch size: 110. These are beautiful creatures, and are often much larger than species of pet turtle. Other turtles have hard and bone-like shells rather than the flexible and leather-like shell found on the Leatherback. 20,000 to 30,000 nesting females. It is the only sea turtle not to have a hard shell. Present in all world’s oceans except Arctic and Antarctic. This family includes the hawksbill, green, flatback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, and olive ridley turtles. They are the only members of this family. Leatherback Sea Turtle Atlantic population. Dermochelys coriacea. Indiscriminate poaching of … This means they can dive to great depths where the water is a lot colder to get first pick of all the deep sea jellyfish. The flippers are armed with sharp claws. Sea turtles are the live representatives of a group of reptiles that have existed on Earth and traveled our seas for the last 100 million years. There are seven species of sea turtle living in oceans all over the world, from the Eastern Pacific to the Indian Ocean. Leatherback sea turtles are members of a larger group called Chelonia. Other articles where Leatherback turtle is discussed: sea turtle: Physical features and feeding habits: The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) inhabits pelagic (open ocean) environments. The leatherback is the only sea turtle that lacks a hard, bony shell. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of eight extant sea turtle species, weighing up to 1,540 lb (700 kg). It is easily distinguished by its black, leathery skin, huge, spindle- or barrel-shaped bodies and long flippers. Common Name: Leatherback Sea Turtle Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea Where in Canada: West coast IUCN Status: Vulnerable (globally)* *The West Pacific Ocean Subpopulation is listed as Critically Endangered. Caretta caretta. Although Atlantic populations are … Distribution and Habitat. For more videos about wildlife please subscribe :)Royalty free content brought from pond5.com and/or bigstockphoto.com As a protected species, it is highly illegal to have a leatherback sea turtle, or any sea turtle, as a pet. That … Cute or not, don't touch the flippers. This massive turtle can weigh as much as 2,016 pounds (913 kilograms)! It is the only living species in the genus Dermochelys and family Dermochelyidae. Using these flippers, this creature can … Population. Underwater giant on the brink. Bycatch, the accidental capture of marine animals in fishing gear, is a … Thank you for listening. Leatherback sea turtles are quite large. The Northwest Atlantic Ocean Subpopulation is listed as Least Concern. This makes them rare and worthy of our protection in addition to their contributions to the ecology of the sea. The leatherback sea turtle’s scientific name is Dermochelys coriacea. Adults can grow to 8' but specimens approaching 6 feet in total body length are more common. The greatest number of observations of this species off the coast of North Carolina occurs in the spring and early summer months, when they are migrating north to foraging grounds off of New England and Atlantic Canada. Downward curved spines II, 2007) Global Leatherback … Sea turtles are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems. Common Name: Leatherback Sea Turtle Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea Description. Turtles have major cultural significance and tourism value. The Leatherback Sea Turtle’s scientific name is Dermochelys coriacea and they are the only living species in this genus and in the entire family Dermochelyidae. Both families are highly aquatic, and most species only appear on coastal beaches for egg laying. The leathery turtle are the only surviving member in the family of Dermcelyidae and also among the genuses. Scientific name: Dermochelys coriacea Family name: Chelonioidea Classification: Reptile IUCN status: Vulnerable Lifespan (in wild): Up to 50 years Weight: Up to 900kg Body length: Up to 2m Diet: Carnivore Habitat: Ocean Range: The world’s largest turtles, leatherbacks can grow to to around 2m long and weigh up to a massive 900kg – that’s heavier than 11 men! DISTRIBUTION. Unlike other sea turtles, leatherback turtles don’t mind the cold! Its carapace is large, elongated and flexible with 7 distinct ridges running the length of the shell. Leatherback Sea Turtle Care . Scientific Name. The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest living and most widespread species of turtle. The rubber-like carapace (upper shell) is often … 33-48 inches Habitats. Nesting areas in tropics . The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all living sea turtles.It is the fourth largest modern reptile behind three crocodilians.. The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), sometimes called the lute turtle or leathery turtle or simply the , is the largest of all living turtles and is the fourth-heaviest modern reptile behind three crocodilians. Does the Leatherback Turtle Make a Good Pet. All turtles, terrapins and … Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). The oldest of all sea turtle species, it has been around for more than 150 … The only living reptile that can surpass the size of these marine behemoths is the saltwater crocodile, which can grow to 23 feet (7 … The leatherback's carapace is made up of a layer of thin, tough, rubbery skin, strengthened by thousands of … Adult and… Circumglobal. Non-nesting range extends to sub-polar regions. They are the only sea turtle with a leathery soft shell, and unfortunately are in danger of extinction. Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea; Conservation Status: Vulnerable; The leatherback sea turtle is the world’s largest turtle and the fourth-heaviest living reptile (only three crocodilians are larger). Fast leatherback turtle facts . All seven sea turtle species are in the superfamily Chelonioidea.