Last Updated on 02/18/2024

Leatherback sea turtles are some of the most well known because they are the largest of all of the currently living turtles. Leatherbacks are also interesting because they are the only living species in the genus Dermochelys. In addition, these turtles are not often confused with any other species because they do not have the hard shell that every other species of turtle has.

The leatherback sea turtles have a leathery skin covering the carapace, under tskin is a mosaic of bony plates. When you combine all of these different features of the leatherback it makes them a very interesting species.

Leatherback sea turtles have the same body plan, a very large, flat, round body with two pairs of legs and a very large head and a short tail. The front limbs are very well adapted for swimming in the open ocean, allowing for them to move with great force and speed when necessary. The highly evolved flippers also allow them to move against strong ocean currents when they need to. In addition to the well-defined appendages, they have a very large head and a short tail.

Leatherback sea turtles are similar to other species, except they are very large. In fact, just the flipper of full-grown leather can be as long as 270 centimeters in length! These turtles grow very large, usually measuring in at one to two meters long and usually weigh in at 250 to 700 kilograms. The largest of the leatherback sea turtles on record was over three meters from head to tail and it weight more than 900 kilograms, usually found on or near the beaches of Wales in the North Atlantic. The Leatherback is the fourth largest reptile, coming in just behind crocodiles.

Leatherback sea turtles might be the biggest of the sea turtles, but size does not slow them down. These turtles are known to be the deepest divers of all reptiles, as there have been discovered at depths of more than 1,200 meters! The leatherbacks are also featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest reptile on record and have been cited swimming at 35.28 kilometers per hour!

Leatherback sea turtles are also some of the most widespread of the species they are found in most seawater with the exception of the Arctic Ocean. They are spread as far north as Alaska and Norway and as far south as the Cape of Good Hope in Africa and even the southern tip of New Zealand.

The Majestic Journey of the Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dive into the world of the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest of all living turtles and a marvel of the marine ecosystem. These gentle giants, with their unique leathery shells and deep oceanic voyages, have fascinated scientists and nature lovers alike. Embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries of these ancient mariners, exploring their habitat, diet, and the remarkable journey they undertake every year.

Habitat: Navigating the Global Seas

Tropical Waters and Beyond

The Leatherback Sea Turtle is a true globetrotter, thriving in a wide range of waters, from the balmy tropics to the frigid edges of the Arctic. Unlike other sea turtles, Leatherbacks can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to endure colder waters. This adaptation opens up a vast expanse of the ocean for these turtles to explore, from the equatorial regions to the subpolar seas. Their migration routes are among the longest in the animal kingdom, often crossing entire oceans in search of jellyfish, their primary food source.

Nesting Grounds: Beaches Across the World

Leatherback nesting sites are a critical part of their lifecycle, found on sandy beaches across the globe. Females return to their birthplace every few years to lay eggs, a phenomenon known as natal homing. These nesting beaches, often located in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, play a vital role in the survival of the species. The choice of nesting site is influenced by beach temperature, sand quality, and the absence of predators, factors that are crucial for the survival of the hatchlings.

Diet: The Jellyfish Hunter

A Gelatinous Feast

Leatherbacks have evolved to become specialized feeders, with their diet predominantly consisting of jellyfish and other soft-bodied organisms. This preference helps control jellyfish populations, maintaining a balance within the marine ecosystem. Their mouth and throat structure, equipped with backward-pointing spines, allows them to capture and consume these slippery prey efficiently. This diet is not without its risks, as leatherbacks sometimes mistake plastic debris for jellyfish, leading to fatal consequences.

Energy for the Long Voyage

The high-energy demands of their migratory lifestyle are met by the abundant, though not nutritionally dense, jellyfish. This diet supports their extensive travels and the energy required for females to produce and lay hundreds of eggs. The ability to derive sufficient energy from such a diet is a testament to the leatherback’s remarkable adaptation to its environment.

Reproduction: A Cycle of Survival

Mating Rituals and Egg Laying

Leatherback sea turtles have a unique reproductive process that begins in the ocean, where mating occurs. Females then embark on a journey to shore, often to the very beach where they were born, to lay their eggs. This pilgrimage to their natal beaches is a critical phase in their lifecycle. The females painstakingly dig nests in the sand, where they deposit their eggs before covering them and returning to the sea. This process can be repeated several times during a nesting season, with intervals of several years between each season.

The Perilous Start of Life

The hatchlings’ journey is fraught with challenges from the moment they emerge from their eggs. They must navigate their way to the ocean, avoiding predators like birds and crabs. Those that reach the sea face further threats from aquatic predators. This perilous start is a significant bottleneck in the survival of the species, with only a tiny fraction of hatchlings reaching adulthood. This vulnerable stage underscores the importance of protecting nesting beaches to ensure the survival of future generations.

In conclusion, the Leatherback Sea Turtle embodies the resilience and majesty of the marine world. Their extensive migrations, specialized diet, and intricate reproductive cycle are testaments to the complexity of nature’s designs. By understanding and appreciating these creatures, we can better advocate for their protection and the conservation of their habitats.

FAQs about Leatherback Sea Turtles

What distinguishes the Leatherback Sea Turtle from other sea turtles?

The Leatherback Sea Turtle is unique for its leathery shell, as opposed to the hard, bony shells of other sea turtles. This distinctive feature, combined with its large size and ability to regulate body temperature, enables it to thrive in a wider range of oceanic environments and undertake extensive migrations.

How do Leatherback Sea Turtles regulate their body temperature?

Leatherbacks possess a unique set of adaptations that allow them to maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding water. These include a large body size, which reduces heat loss; a thick layer of fat; and a counter-current heat exchange system that conserves heat generated by muscle activity. These adaptations enable them to survive in colder waters, unlike other sea turtles.

What are the main threats to Leatherback Sea Turtles?

The primary threats to Leatherbacks include habitat loss due to coastal development, incidental capture in fishing gear, pollution, and climate change. The ingestion of plastic, mistaken for jellyfish, is a significant hazard, leading to internal blockages and death. Protecting their habitats, reducing bycatch, and mitigating climate change impacts are crucial for their survival.

How long do Leatherback Sea Turtles live?

Estimating the lifespan of Leatherback Sea Turtles is challenging, but they are believed to live for 45 years or more. Determining their exact lifespan is complicated by their extensive migrations and deep-sea habitat, which make long-term studies difficult.

Can Leatherback Sea Turtles really eat only jellyfish?

While jellyfish constitute the majority of a Leatherback’s diet, they are opportunistic feeders and may consume other soft-bodied organisms. Their specialized diet helps control jellyfish populations but also makes them vulnerable to ingesting plastic debris, which resembles their prey.