Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
Quick answer
Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtles — up to 700 kg with leathery shells and thermoregulation allowing cold-water foraging. Living about 45 years and diving over 1,000 metres, they eat almost exclusively jellyfish — listed Vulnerable from plastic ingestion.
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Leatherback Sea Turtle facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Dermochelys coriacea |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively |
| Habitat | Oceans worldwide from tropics to Arctic edges |
| Lifespan | 40–45 years in the wild |
| Weight | 250–700 kg (550–1,540 lb); largest of all turtles |
| Top speed | Up to 35 km/h (22 mph) swimming |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Testudines |
| Family | Dermochelyidae |
| Genus | Dermochelys |
Where it lives
All oceans from Arctic edges to tropical nesting beaches — most wide-ranging sea turtle.
What is a group of leatherback sea turtles called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Leatherback Sea Turtles is called a bale.
Baby name
A baby Leatherback Sea Turtle is called a hatchling.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Leatherback Sea Turtles live in All oceans from Arctic edges to tropical nesting beaches — most wide-ranging sea turtle. Preferred habitat includes oceans worldwide from tropics to arctic edges. Across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Leatherback Sea Turtles typically reach about 1.8 m in length and 400 kg in weight, with top speeds near 35 km/h. The giant jellyfish specialist. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Leatherback Sea Turtles feed on carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As reptiles, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild leatherback sea turtles.
Human interest and research
Leatherback Sea Turtles feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Are Leatherback Turtle Endangered
Dig deeper into leatherback sea turtle — are leatherback turtle endangered.
- How Long do Leatherback Turtle Live?
Dig deeper into leatherback sea turtle — how long do leatherback turtle live.
- Leatherback Turtle Facts 5
Dig deeper into leatherback sea turtle — leatherback turtle facts 5.
- What do Leatherback Turtle Eat
Dig deeper into leatherback sea turtle — what do leatherback turtle eat.
- Where do Leatherback Turtle Live?
Dig deeper into leatherback sea turtle — where do leatherback turtle live.
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Did you know? Leatherback Sea Turtle facts
- Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtles — up to 700 kg with leathery shells and thermoregulation that lets them enter cold waters.
- A leathery carapace with ridges allows deep diving and flexibility.
- Up to 2 metres long and 700 kg — largest of all turtles.
- Conservation: Vulnerable.
Diet & feeding
Leatherback Sea Turtle feeds primarily as a jellyfish and salps. Leatherbacks dive over 1,000 metres pursuing jellyfish.
Adaptations
- Leatherbacks dive over 1,000 metres pursuing jellyfish.
- Plastic bags resemble jellyfish — ingestion kills many leatherbacks.
Behaviour & ecology
- Leatherbacks dive over 1,000 metres pursuing jellyfish.
- Plastic bags resemble jellyfish — ingestion kills many leatherbacks.
Communication
- Scent marking, body posture, and head-bobbing or tail signals communicate threat and dominance.
- Vocalisations are limited in many reptiles but hissing or bellowing occurs in some groups.
Habitat & range
Oceans worldwide
Ecological role
Leatherback Sea Turtle plays a recognised ecological role in oceans worldwide.
Frequently asked questions about the Leatherback Sea Turtle
Where do leatherback sea turtles live?
All oceans from Arctic edges to tropical nesting beaches — most wide-ranging sea turtle.
What do leatherback sea turtles eat?
Carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively.
How long do leatherback sea turtles live?
About 45 years in the wild on average.
Are leatherback sea turtles endangered?
IUCN status: Vulnerable.
What is a group of leatherback sea turtles called?
A group of Leatherback Sea Turtles is called a bale.
What is a baby leatherback sea turtle called?
A baby Leatherback Sea Turtle is called a hatchling.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Leatherback Sea Turtle:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Vulnerable) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Dermochelys coriacea.
- IUCN Red List — Dermochelys coriacea.
Conservation status (Vulnerable) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Dermochelys coriacea. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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