Species Type:
Reptiles
Common Name(s):
Leatherback sea turtle
Size:
On average, leatherback turtles measure six feet (1.8 meters) in length and a weigh anywhere between 500 to 1,500 pounds (226.8-680.4 kilograms).
Diet:
Jellyfish make up the majority of a leatherback's diet. However, fish, seaweed, crabs and other crustaceans are also on the menu.
Range & Habitat:
Found worldwide, leatherbacks like tropical and temperate marine waters.
Details:
Unlike other turtles, leatherbacks’ shells aren’t directly visible because they’re covered by a thick layer of black or brown leathery skin, hence their name. This physical adaptation allows leatherbacks to venture into cold water environments while maintaining their core body temperature. Leatherbacks are a highly migratory species, only making their way back to shore when it’s time to lay their nests. According to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened species, leatherback turtles are considered a critically endangered species.