The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), also known as the lute turtle, leathery turtle, or simply luth, is a species of sea turtle that is found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. It is the largest of all living turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile, reaching 2.7 meters long (8 ft 10 in) and weighing 500 kilograms (1,100 lb). Contrary to other sea turtles like the green sea turtle, the lute turtle doesn't have a bony shell. Instead, its carapace is covered by leather-like skin, for which it is named.
Leatherback sea turtles primarily feed on jellyfishes. This leads to individuals accidentally eating decaying plastic bags that look like jellyfishes and dying of choking as a result. They also feed on other cnidarians, tunicates, and cephalopods. Female sea turtles go to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs under the sand. Once the babies are out, they are immediately faced with numerous predators, from sea birds to requiem sharks. Ghost crabs, monitor lizards, raccoons, coatis, coyotes, and genets are other predators that feed on baby sea turtles. Adults have few predators, but orcas, great white sharks, and tiger sharks are capable of preying on them. Additionally, nesting females have been preyed upon by jaguars and saltwater crocodiles.
The leatherback sea turtle as a whole is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, but some of its subpopulations are critically endangered.
Games[]
Jurassic World: The Game[]
The leatherback sea turtle is mentioned in the Evo 2 fact of Archelon (as a close relative) and the Evo 4 fact of Protostega (where both have a soft shell).
