Leatherback Sea Turtle

The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest and most oceanic of all sea turtle species. Unlike other turtles, its shell is soft and flexible, covered with leathery skin rather than hard bones. It has a streamlined body designed for open-ocean swimming, primarily feeding on jellyfish. Leatherbacks can travel thousands of miles across the ocean and are known for their remarkable migratory patterns. They are critically important for marine ecosystems but face threats from bycatch, pollution, and habitat loss, making conservation efforts vital for their survival.