A leathery turtle, also known as the Dermochelyidae, is a type of marine reptile distinguished by its unique physical characteristics and ecological adaptations. It is the only extant (still living) species of the family Dermochelyidae and belongs to the superfamily Chelonioidea. The leathery turtle is the largest of all sea turtles, with adults reaching lengths between 4 and 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters) and weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms).
The name "leathery turtle" describes the distinctive texture of their shell, which lacks the hard bony plates present in other sea turtle species. Instead, it has a flexible, oily, and leathery carapace that covers most of its body, allowing for flexibility and buoyancy. This unique shell, along with its streamlined shape, enables the leathery turtle to swiftly maneuver through the water, making it an excellent diver and swimmer.
Leathery turtles are renowned for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, as they inhabit both tropical and sub-polar regions of the world. Their body temperature is determined by the surrounding water, and their unique circulatory adaptations help them retain heat in colder environments.
They have a specialized diet primarily composed of jellyfish, which they locate using their sharp, pointed beak-like mouth and powerful jaws. They have numerous backward-pointing spines in their throat that aid in swallowing prey with minimal water intake.
Due to habitat loss, pollution, and incidental capture in fishing gear, leathery turtles are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts, including protected nesting sites and reducing fishing bycatch, are crucial for the ongoing survival and recovery of
