What You Need to Know About the World’s Largest and Oldest Sea Turtle

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Did you know? The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is not only the largest living turtle on Earth but also among the oldest species still swimming in our oceans, with ancestors dating back more than 100 million years.


🐢 Where Does It Live?

Leatherback turtles travel across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They migrate thousands of kilometers, nesting on tropical beaches but feeding in colder waters rich in jellyfish. Some of the most important nesting sites are found in:

Costa Rica

Trinidad and Tobago

Gabon

Indonesia

📛 Names and Identity

Scientific name: Dermochelys coriacea

Common names: Leatherback turtle, luth, trunkback turtle

Known for its unique leathery shell, unlike the hard shells of other turtles.

🌍 Conservation Efforts

Several international organizations are working to protect leatherback sea turtles from extinction:

WWF (World Wildlife Fund) – protecting nesting beaches.

Leatherback Trust – research and conservation.

Sea Turtle Conservancy – monitoring migration and reducing threats.

☠️ Threats: Ocean Pollution & CO₂

Sadly, leatherbacks are critically endangered.

Plastic pollution: They mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, often leading to death.

Fishing nets: Accidental entanglement kills thousands each year.

Climate change & CO₂ emissions: Rising ocean temperatures affect their food sources, while warmer sand disrupts the natural balance of male and female hatchlings.

💭 Final Thoughts

The leatherback turtle is a true ocean giant and living fossil. Protecting it means protecting the health of our seas. By reducing plastic use, lowering CO₂ emissions, and supporting global conservation organizations, we can ensure these ancient mariners continue their incredible journeys.

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