Template:Species-2010-08-2

Species of the month

Leatherback Turtle

Some facts about this turtle:

Average length: 1–2.44 metres.
Average weight: 250 to 700 kilograms (550 to 1,500 lb).
Life span: About 30 years.
Feeding: Feed mainly on jellyfish.
Protection status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Range: Cosmopolitan global range. Mainly coastal waters.
Population estimate: Between 26,000 and 43,000 nesting females.
Biggest recorded Leatherback: Over 3.25 meters in length and 910 kilograms in weight.

Dermochelys coriacea, is a sea creature and the biggest turtle. Females nest on land and lay as much as 9 egg clutches in a breeding season, each containing about 110 eggs. The name "Leatherback" comes from the leathery texture and appearance of the carapace. These turtles can eat the equivalent of their body weight in jellyfish on a daily basis. They are capable of diving to depths of 1500 meters, and stay underwater for 1 hour 30 minutes.

(Archived from Template:Species of the week)