The biggest turtle in the world

Did you know that the largest living turtle in a world is a leatherback turtle? It has a leathery shell, rather than hard, which is usual for other turtle species. Its weight can range from 600 to 1500 pounds and length from 55 to 63 inches. They do frequently cross Atlantic and Pacific Ocean during their migration periods which makes them one of the most migratory marine animals. Pacific leatherbacks migrate from nesting beaches in the Coral Triangle all the way to the California coast to feed on the abundant jellyfish every summer and fall.

Young leatherback turtle with a tracking device on its shell

Threats

The distribution of leatherback turtles is relatively wide however, the population is declining more and more each year. A usual threat for these animals is being accidentally caught by fishing boat (fishery bycatch) and an intense egg collection. Globally, leatherback status according to IUCN is listed as Vulnerable, but many subpopulations (such as in the Pacific and Southwest Atlantic) are Critically Endangered.

It is necessary for sea turtle's survival to have a safe beach for nesting. A recent coastal development, sea level rise, tourism and other human activities are destroying or disturbing most of turtle nesting beaches which have been used by leatherback turtles for centuries.

Turtle feeding grounds such as coral reefs and sea grass beds are also damaged and destroyed by activities onshore- by sedimentation from clearing of land and nutrient run-off from agriculture.

Source of information: worldwildlife.org