Body Description Largest of all living sea turtles. Can reach
up to 6 feet. Can weigh up close to a ton (largest ever recorded
weighed in at 2,019 lbs). Shell feels leathery, often covered with
white or yellow spots.
Slide 4
Circulatory System Leatherbacks are thermoregulators and can
therefore adapt their circulation capabilities to maintain a stable
core body temperature above freezing in extreme temperatures.
Leatherback turtles have been reported to have the ability to slow
their heart rate down to the point where almost nine minutes may
pass between beats Blood flow is also shunted away from non vital
tissues and organs and is directed towards the heart, brain and
nervous system
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Reproduction In the United States, nesting occurs from about
March to July. Female leatherbacks nest an average of 5 to 7 times
within a nesting season, with an observed maximum of 11 nests.
Nests are constructed at night in clutches of about 70 to 80 eggs
measuring 2 inches in diameter.
Slide 6
Growth/Development External Leatherbacks are believed to reach
sexual maturity in 6 to 10 years Incubation takes 55 to 75 days,
and emergence of the hatchlings occurs at night.
Habitat Adult females require sandy nesting beaches backed with
vegetation. The preferred beaches have proximity to deep water and
generally rough seas.
Slide 9
Why is it Endangered? The crash of the leatherback population,
once the worlds largest population, is believed primarily to be the
result of exploitation by humans for eggs and meat. Loss of nesting
habitat from coastal development. Marine pollution and debris.