Species / Testudines taxon
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
Leatherback sea turtle, the largest of all living turtles. Known for its leathery shell.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Sea Turtles Superfamily (CHELONIOIDEA) > Leatherback Sea Turtles (DERMOCHELYIDAE) > Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys) > Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
- Chinese Name
- 棱皮龟
- English Name
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Scientific Name
- Dermochelys coriacea
- Rank
- Species
Plate notes
Dermochelys coriacea
Trivia
Etymology: Greek, derma, skin, and chelys, turtle; referring to the leathery skin covering the carapace. It is the only extant species in the genus Dermochelys.
Overview
Leatherback sea turtle, the largest of all living turtles. Known for its leathery shell.
Scientific Name
Dermochelys coriacea
Ecological Habits
Primarily pelagic, feeds mainly on jellyfish. Deep diving capabilities. Migrates long distances.
Major Threats & Conservation
Bycatch in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic waste, habitat loss, and climate change. Conservation efforts include beach protection and fisheries modifications.
Morphological Characteristics
Largest sea turtle, with leathery carapace lacking scales. Can reach up to 2.7 m in length and 900 kg. Distinctive longitudinal ridges.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Global distribution in tropical and temperate oceans. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU). CITES: Appendix I. Nesting sites on tropical beaches worldwide.
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