Leatherback Turtle - Maritza Pasillas

Leatherback Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

Description and Ecology:

The leatherback turtle is one of the few oldest species to be around and known to be the largest marine animal. On average, the adult leatherback turtle measures 6ft and weighs 600-800 pounds. They are able to tolerate cold-water temperature and reach depths up to 1,200m due to their unique blood supply to their bones and cartilage. Unlike common turtles, the leatherback does not have a hard shell; instead it has a softer shell capable of protecting the marine animal from sharks. Their clawless long front flippers can distinguish them from other marine turtles. Their diet consists of sea plants, jellyfish and fish. 

Geographic and Population Changes

This marine animal migrate throughout the oceans primarily the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Ocean.  They migrate to tropical and subtropical coastal regions to mate and nest; most nesting is reported in the western Pacific. Leatherbacks lay about 100 eggs per clutch, or nest, and can do so approximately 4-7 times per season. Currently the largest population is located in the Pacific coast of Mexico; referred to as the most important breeding site. 

Endangered and the Threats 

The leatherback turtle was added to the list of U.S. Endangered Species Act as of 1973 due to the worldwide population decline.  There is no commercial trade nor Critical Habitat or protected area has been established for the leatherback. Nesting has been affected by different factors such as pollution, climate change leading to sea-level rise and the increase in human population leading to the presence of human activity in beaches. In 1991, nesting levels declined up to 25% contributing to the loss of leatherback turtles. 
The greatest threat to this species have been targeted by fisheries, pollution on the ocean. Often, leatherbacks are entangled in the nets that are left floating around. These pelagic foraging areas are causing this species to be accidentally captured. 

Recovery Plan 

Determining the success of gaining back the leatherback turtle population can be difficult to measure but a managed plan must be enacted to de-list the species from being endangered. 

 1. Nesting Environment 

The leatherback turtle does not have a specific nesting area but it is important to support locations where nesting does occasionally take part. It is necessary for the United states to financially and logistically support the protection of nesting premises in Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia and other Pacific nations. An enforcement on protecting the species ,in regards to the taking of nesting territory and eggs, by reducing amount of domesticated animals around nesting grounds, and construction on site. 

There must be an adequate measurement of the population improvements during the duration of the recovery plan. Evaluating the nesting success will allow researchers identify any possible areas of improvement. 

2. Marine Environment

A major threat for the marine species is the harvesting of turtles on nesting ground and in water. In order to educate and maintain enforcement laws, the distribution, abundance and status must be noted. Migration should be inspected by tracking male and female movements to nesting sites. Identify the threats placed on to adults and juveniles on foraging grounds. Reduction in entanglement due to floating fishing gear. Disease is also a factor in the deduction of the population but there must be further research done on the transmission. Prevention of marine degradation caused by the contaminated environment due to pollution.

3. Ensure Proper Care In Captivity 

Not a problem for the leatherback turtle

4. International Cooperation 

Due to the migration of the leatherback turtle it becomes mandatory for other nations to agree to the protection of the species. Agreements include CITES (regulates and prohibits commercial import and export of wildlife plant and animal species that are threatened), Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region, conventions concerning marine pollution and other. Development of new international agreements to secure the protection of turtles in foreign water. Airports are a good source to provide travelers with information on general information on sea turtle conservation. 

What Can You Do?

It is our job to respect and care for the nesting grounds of marine species. It is our responsibility to reduce the amount of chemicals we use to decrease the contamination of the marine environment. Always clean up any trash accumulated after a day at the beach; it is encouraged to discard any plastic bags or other objects that can lead to the species being trapped. Most importantly, educate others on how to contribute to the protection of leatherback turtles. 

Other Resources

The National Wildlife Federation. "Leatherback Sea Turtle". https://www.nwf.org/en/Educational-   Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Reptiles/Sea-Turtles/Leatherback-Sea-Turtle

Defenders Of Wildlife. "Sea Turtles." http://www.defenders.org/sea-turtles/how-you-can-help

Center for Biological Diversity. "Leatherback Sea   Turtle". http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/reptiles/leatherback_sea_turtle/index.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAuZXQBRDKARIsAMwpUeSPikQ7PgZWzothZutOWhzt_C_Qs1OdkDwaUMso9GKzkKF3T9isYOMaAiMrEALw_wcB

References

Sea Turtle Conservancy. Information About Sea Turtles: Leatherback Sea      Turtle. https://conserveturtles.org/information-about-sea-turtles-leatherback-sea-turtle/

See Turtles Org. Leatherback Sea TurtleI. http://www.seeturtles.org/leatherback-turtles/

Pacific Sea Turtle Recovery Team. Recovery Plan for U.S. Pacific Populations for the Leatherback Turtle. https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/981201d.pdf