Australian endangered species: Leatherback Turtle

Australian endangered species: Leatherback Turtle

The Conversation

15 August 2013


Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest, oldest and most widely distributed of the world’s marine turtles.

Its appearance alone distinguishes the leatherback from its relatives: shell-less and bluish black in colour, with seven fleshy ridges along its back, and dappled all over with white spots. It is the only extant member of the ancient Dermochelyidae family, which first appeared around 100 million years ago. Read more

 

 

 

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