Quick answer
Leatherback Sea Turtles are native to Africa and Asia and Europe and North America and Oceania and South America. All oceans from Arctic edges to tropical nesting beaches — most wide-ranging sea turtle.
Native range
All oceans from Arctic edges to tropical nesting beaches — most wide-ranging sea turtle.
Continents and countries
Leatherback Sea Turtles occur across Africa and Asia and Europe and North America and Oceania and South America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.
Habitat types
Oceans worldwide from tropics to Arctic edges provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.
Range changes
Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where leatherback sea turtles persist today.
FAQs
Where do leatherback sea turtles live in the wild?
All oceans from Arctic edges to tropical nesting beaches — most wide-ranging sea turtle.
What do leatherback sea turtles eat?
They feed on carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively, varying by season and local habitat.
Are leatherback sea turtles endangered?
Leatherback Sea Turtles are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
How big is a leatherback sea turtle?
Adults weigh about 400 kg and reach roughly 1.8 m long.