Leatherback Sea Turtle By: Sam Lee

Body Description Largest of all living sea turtles. Can reach up to 6 feet. Can weigh up close to a ton (largest ever recorded weighed in at 2,019 lbs). Shell feels leathery, often covered with white or yellow spots.

Circulatory System Leatherbacks are thermoregulators and can therefore adapt their circulation capabilities to maintain a stable core body temperature above freezing in extreme temperatures. Leatherback turtles have been reported to have the ability to slow their heart rate down to the point where almost nine minutes may pass between beats Blood flow is also shunted away from non vital tissues and organs and is directed towards the heart, brain and nervous system

Reproduction In the United States, nesting occurs from about March to July. Female leatherbacks nest an average of 5 to 7 times within a nesting season, with an observed maximum of 11 nests. Nests are constructed at night in clutches of about 70 to 80 eggs measuring 2 inches in diameter.

Growth/Development External Leatherbacks are believed to reach sexual maturity in 6 to 10 years Incubation takes 55 to 75 days, and emergence of the hatchlings occurs at night.

Taxonomy Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida Order: Testudines Suborder: Cryptodira Family: Dermochelyidae Genus: Dermochelys Species: Coriacea

Habitat Adult females require sandy nesting beaches backed with vegetation. The preferred beaches have proximity to deep water and generally rough seas.

Why is it Endangered? The crash of the leatherback population, once the world’s largest population, is believed primarily to be the result of exploitation by humans for eggs and meat. Loss of nesting habitat from coastal development. Marine pollution and debris.