Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

Vulnerable ↓

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

50 years

Length

2.0 m

Weight

500.0 kg

Population

35.0K

Trend

↓ Decreasing

About

The leatherback is the largest living turtle and the fourth-heaviest reptile. Unlike other turtles, it has a soft, leathery shell.

Fun Facts

✨ They can dive to depths of 1,280 meters.
✨ They eat their weight in jellyfish every day.
✨ They can maintain body temperature above the surrounding water.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, among 5 distinct biome types spanning the Australasia and Indomalayan and Neotropic realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

🌊 Marine Oceanic 🐚 Marine Neritic

Distributed across Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇲🇾 Malaysia 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago

Diet & Behavior

🥩

Carnivore

Leatherback Sea Turtle is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore

Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable

Estimated Population

35.0K

Population Trend

↓ Decreasing

Full Taxonomy

Testudines (Turtles & Tortoises)

Family

Cheloniidae (Sea Turtles)

Genus

Chelonia (Green Sea Turtles)

Species

Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Sea Turtle)

Similar Species in Chelonia

Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

Endangered

View all species in Chelonia →

Explore More

Compare Species

vs Green Sea Turtle

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Leatherback Sea Turtle?

The scientific name of Leatherback Sea Turtle is Dermochelys coriacea. It belongs to the genus Chelonia.

What is the conservation status of Leatherback Sea Turtle?

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.

Where does Leatherback Sea Turtle live?

Leatherback Sea Turtle is found in Distributed across Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Costa Rica, Indonesia, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago.

What family does Leatherback Sea Turtle belong to?

Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) belongs to the genus Chelonia, which is part of the taxonomic family Cheloniidae.

What does Leatherback Sea Turtle eat?

Leatherback Sea Turtle is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Leatherback Sea Turtle live?

Leatherback Sea Turtle has an average lifespan of approximately 50 years in the wild.

How many Leatherback Sea Turtle are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is approximately 35,000 individuals.

Is Leatherback Sea Turtle endangered?

Yes, Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.