Leatherback Sea Turtles: The Largest Living Turtles

A Unique Species with a Leather-Like Shell

The leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea, is a remarkable species known for its immense size and unique physical characteristics. Unlike other turtles, the leatherback does not have a hard shell but instead has a tough, leathery carapace. This gives the turtle a distinctive appearance and makes it the largest living turtle species.

Leatherback turtles are found in all temperate and tropical oceans around the world. They are highly migratory, traveling thousands of miles to feed and breed. Their diet consists primarily of jellyfish, which they capture using their powerful jaws and sharp, hooked beak.

Due to their size and unique biology, leatherback sea turtles play an important role in the marine ecosystem. They are apex predators that help control jellyfish populations, and their nesting beaches provide essential breeding grounds for numerous other species.