The Endangered Species: The Leatherback Sea Turtle

The Leatherback Sea Turtle is one of the most unique species out of all of the turtle species. This beautiful turtle species is critically endangered and their population is decreasing drastically. The Leatherbacks amazing features are taken for granted causing the endangerment. Their valuable leather is one reason for endangerment. Another factor is the waste produced from the daily use of boats. Throughout the life of the Leatherback Sea Turtle we will cover multiple different topics. These topics range from their habitat to how their population is decreasing. The habitat of the Leatherback is throughout the world's ocean. After the Leatherback is born, it will more than likely stay in the same area. “The Leatherback Sea Turtle is not easily
It mainly consists of an abundant amount of jellyfish and other soft-bodied species. “It's surprising the leatherback can live on such a jellyfish diet.” (http://www.conserveturtles.org) Because the Leatherbacks’ main diet is jelly fish, they control jellyfish population. The Leatherbacks are large carnivorous eaters and they feed in areas just off the beach. The Leatherback has very few natural predators after it matures. The reproduction of the Leatherback is similar to any other turtle. “In one season a female can lay four to ten clutches.” (http://www.arkive.org) Around 16 years of age, Leatherbacks become sexually mature. Leatherback Sea Turtles prefer to reproduce in dark forest environments. Future mothers lay their eggs on the beach during the night. It takes approximately 65 days for the eggs to hatch. When the mother lays her eggs on the dark sloped beaches the eggs are a 2 inches in diameter. The physical description of the Leatherback is very unique compared to any other specie. A Leatherback can reach a length of 7.2 feet in length. “ The Leatherback is covered in a thick layer of “leather”and fat.” (http://planetsave.com). Leatherbacks have a special organized blood supply system located in their shoulder. The Leatherbacks front flipper is longer in diameter than any other marine animal. The weight of a Leatherback can reach anywhere from 660 to 1,100 pounds. A leatherback has no teeth however, it has delicate
“Researchers estimate they will be extinct in 20 years or less.” (http://planetsave.com) The lifetime of the leatherback turtle is estimated 80 years. However, others estimate it at 30 to 40 years. A Leatherback has swam for 12 miles over a time period of 647 days. The ocean level is rising at a rate of 1.8 millimeters per year. The Leatherback is one of the most giant among the other modern reptiles. The only Leatherback turtle that has very little known information about is the Juvenile Leatherback. “Steps are being taken to reduce deaths of Sea turtle in fishing nets.” (http://www.bagheera.com) There are only up to 26,000 to 43,000 mature females left in the population. Due to the population of females dropping the reproduction is also dropping. The Leatherback Sea Turtles’ life is very unique, interesting, and delicate. This beautiful creature will be extinct if actions are not taken immediately to preserve their lives. There are things that people can do to help keep them alive and reverse extinction. Some Leatherback turtles don’t even make it to the ocean, let alone hatch. These beautiful creatures were meant to live, not die because of our inconsiderate wastes and