Atlas species information
Introduction
Detailed species information from your search of the Atlas. Note that this information is longer maintained. Information may be out of date and images may not display.- Scientific name:
- Dermochelys coriacea
- Common name:
- leatherback turtle
- Naming authority:
- (Vandelli, 1761)
- Bio status category:
- Indigenous (Non-endemic)
- IUCN threat status:
- Critically Endangered
- NZ threat classification:
- Migrant
Refer to www.doc.govt.nz/nztcs for NZ threat classification system details.
leatherback turtle
Habitat
- While found in any salt water environment, leatherbacks spend most of their time far offshore.
- Leatherbacks have a unique ability to maintain their internal body temperature much higher than the surrounding water, therefore they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
- Food includes salps and jellyfish.
Description
- The scientific name means 'leathery'.
- The largest living turtle in the world and one of the largest living reptiles.
- Females grow to impressive size, on average measuring about 160 cm long and weighing 300-600 kg.
- Seven longitudinal ridges can be found along the carapace, or upper shell, with five similar ridges on the under shell.
- The turtle's shell is covered by a smooth skin, instead of the bony plates found on most turtles.
- Skin colour ranges from black to dark blue, with occassional patches of white or pink.
- Their flippers are very large and lack claws.
Distribution
- Leatherbacks have a wide distribution.
- They have been recorded as far north as Alaska, and as far south as Africa's Cape of Good Hope.
Notes
- The specific name means "leathery".
Statistical information and distribution map
| Before 1988 | Since 1988 | |
|---|---|---|
| Live Specimen | 31 | 62 |
| Dead Specimen | 7 | 25 |
| Bone | 3 | 2 |
| Total | 41 | 89 |
Live or dead specimen or shed skin
Bone or fossil
