Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

IUCN status: Critically Endangered

Leatherback turtle is the largest of the marine turtles measuring up to 8 feet, and weigh between 300-600 kgs.

As the name suggests, its shell is made of a layer of thin, tough, rubbery skin that looks like leather. They are easily distinguished because of their unique carapace which is not hard as in other marine turtles, instead it is elongated.Leatherbacks are deep diving and have been recorded in cold waters.

This is because Leatherbacks are able to store oxygen in the blood and body tissue as well, whereas other turtles hold oxygen in their lungs.Leatherbacks mainly feed on jelly fish and squid and sometimes relish octopus, crabs, sea snails and slugs.

In India they are found nesting in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands. Nesting once a year or with a gap of 2-3 years, a nest may contain 60-120 eggs.