Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)—Critically Endangered

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©­ Doug Perrine/Seapics.com

The leatherback is the largest of all sea turtles, growing to over six feet in length and weighing as much as 2,000 lbs.  Leatherbacks routinely swim great distances across ocean basins and can dive to depths greater than 3,000 ft.  They feed primarily on jellyfish and other ocean drifters, eating as much as a 1,000 lbs each day. The leatherback’s carapace is a single piece with five distinct ridges and a rubbery feel.

Download a fact sheet about the Pacific leatherback here.

Learn more about our efforts to Save the Leatherback here.

Last Journey for the Leatherback documentary available here.