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Leatherback turtle

leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

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Dermochelys coriacea - (Vandelli, 1761)
Pronunciation  DERM-oh-KEE-liss   KOH-ree-AH-say-ah
Etymology  Dermochelys: 'skin-turtle', referring to the leathery skink that covers this species' carapace.
coriacea: 'leathery'.
Other names  Luth
Leathery turtle
 
 
Carapace length
Species avg: 250 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Natural history

Known to nest occasionally along a short stretch of the central coast of Queensland (Limpus). Most sightings are along the more heavily populated eastern seaboard of Australia where large adults are found year round in larger bays, estuaries and rivers. The number of sightings suggests the species actively seeks out temperate feeding grounds, rather than that these specimens have simply strayed so far south.
Leatherback turtles are the most cold-tolerant of all sea turtles, employing counter-current heat exchangers in their limbs, a thick layer of subcutaneous fat to serve as insulation, and a not insubstantial amount of endogenous heat production to increase and maintain their body at a temperature above that of the waters in which they live.

Diet

Feeds entirely on jellyfish and other soft-bodied marine invertebrates.

Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Dermochelys coriacea at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2012-12-07 14:42:22.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Dermochelys+coriacea on the 28th of March, 2024.
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Copyright notice
This page, its content and layout are copyright © 2007-2024 Stewart Macdonald / Ug Media, unless otherwise stated.
All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
No part of The Australian Reptile Online Database may be reproduced without written permission from Stewart Macdonald.
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