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Leatherback Sea Turtles
Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
Leatherback sea turtles are the largest and deepest diving of the sea turtles, with maximum dive depths of over 1000 m. Although they hatch on beaches throughout the tropics, they make extensive migrations to forage in the cool waters at higher latitudes where they feed primarily on jellies.
Leatherback sea turtle populations have dropped dramatically in the last 10 years and there is some concern that they are at risk of extinction. To restore leatherback populations it is necessary to identify critical habitat and migratory corridors and link these to specific nesting colonies. Actions must then be taken to protect the leatherbacks in these areas.
