Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
Conservation Status:
Sea turtle sightings are very rare in Connecticut, as they migrate to the northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean as the water heats up in the spring. They may be spotted in Long Island Sound from May to November.
Description
The leatherback is the largest turtle in the world, growing up to six feet long and weighing 500 to 1000 pounds. They lack scales and a hard shell, instead having thick leathery skin. There are seven ridges that run from their head to tail. They are dark gray with white speckles and a lighter colored underside. These turtles have a teardrop shaped body and flipper-like limbs. They have the largest flippers in proportion to their body out of all sea turtles.
Habitat
These turtles can be found globally in oceans. They have a wide distribution, being found as far north as Alaska and Scandinavia, and down south to South America and Australia.
Behavior
These turtles are fully aquatic, only leaving the water to nest. They are able to dive deeper than other sea turtles due to the lack of a hard shell, which allows it to withstand more pressure. They have been found diving as far as 4000 feet deep. They eat jellyfish and crustaceans. Leatherbacks may migrate up to 6000 miles. They nest in both fall and winter, and do not always return to the beach they hatched on. They favor tropical sandy beaches and will lay around 100 eggs. They can live about 50 years.
Range
Present
