Leatherback Sea Turtle
Scientific name- Dermochelys coriacea
The leatherback sea turtle, also known as the leathery turtle, mainly because of its leathery appearance. It is one of the seven sea turtles, also its the largest of all turtles (land and sea). Its the forth heaviest living reptile (behind three crocodiles). Its the only living species in the genus Dermochelys. 79% of leatherback nesting occurs within national parks and other protected areas. Leatherbacks can dive to depths of 4,200 feet (1,280 meters), deeper than any other turtle, and can stay down for up to 85 minutes. It is estimated that only about one in a thousand leatherback hatchlings survive to adulthood.
Type: Reptile
Life span: 45 years (in the wild)
Weight : Up to 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
Length: 1.8 m - 2.2 m
Diet: Carnivore
Introduction
Appearence
The leatherback sea turtles are mostly black on top with white and pink spots on the head, neck and carapace. Its plastron is mottled with pink, white and black. They have two tooth cups on either side of their upper jaw; also they have seven ridges running down their back.
Size compared to humans