Leatherback turtles, also known as Dermochelys coriacea, are the largest of the sea turtles. They are the only turtles that do not have an actual shell, but have leathery skins that act as a protector instead. Leatherbacks have been in existence for 150 million years, surviving the dinosaur era. Today, the leatherback turtle is in danger of extinction, with an estimated 40,000 in existence.
Breeding
Leatherback turtles reach sexual maturity from eight to 15 years of age. Males and females mate offshore from nesting sites. Once ashore, females lay as many as 50 to 180 eggs in the nest.
Hatchlings
Leatherbacks hatch from their eggs in seven to eight weeks. They weigh approximately 1.5 oz. and are about 2 inches in length. Hatchlings come out at night and race together for the shore, avoiding predators such as birds and crabs.
Maturity
When a surviving hatchling reaches the water, it swims toward feeding grounds offshore, using the moon, currents and waves to guide it there. It is thought that they eat together for several years, before joining adult sea turtles between five and 10 years of age. Due to human threats to the leatherback turtles, their exact lifespan is unknown.
Threats
Unfortunately, human impact has put the leatherback sea turtle on the endangered species list. Dangers humans pose to the leatherback include: plastic and other garbage left in the ocean; unintentional capture of turtles from fisheries; development in nesting areas; and pollution.
Fun Fact
According to the Sea Turtle Foundation, the sex of a turtle is determined by the sand temperature in which its egg is laid in. Males are produced from cool sand temperatures, while females are produced from warm ones.
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