Leatherback turtles are critically endangered across the Pacific ocean. Their nesting habitats are disrupted by humans in many ways: light pollution, egg hunting, trash and mere curiosity. These magnificent animals can reach weights of 2,000 pounds and 9 feet from beak to rear flippers. They can travel distances of 4,000 miles in the ocean, spend most of their lives without coming to land and are amazing navigators. They are also capable of the most deep and lengthy dives: 1,000 meters deep for as much as 80 minutes of total duration! For these and many other reasons I feel that we are obligated to protect these animals. Their decline is principally due to by-catch from the fishing industry and egg hunting. There are many scientists working on saving these animals and most of the current effort is located at Playa Grande in Costa Rica, their major nesting grounds. I first fell in love with these animals when reading Carl Safina's "Voyage of the Turtle", a book that describes the Leatherback's habits, biology, conservation efforts and habitats. It also discusses conservation efforts and current research into tracking their movement across the ocean. It is a very inspiring read.
"The only surviving species of its genus, family, and suborder, the Leatherback is an evolutionary marvel: a "reptile" that behaves like a warm-blooded dinosaur, an ocean animal able to withstand colder water than most fishes and dive deeper than any whale."
There are lots of information out there on these amazing creatures and if you are curious about them or how to help click here. Or watch the video below
