Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle – World’s Largest Sea Turtle Survived The Extinction Of The Dinosaurs

Cynthia McKanzie – MessageToEagle.com – Giant Leatherback sea turtle ((Dermochelys coriacea) is one of the largest reptiles on Earth. This extraordinary creature has survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and has lived on our planet for more than 150 million years!

These sea turtles are range in size from 4-8 feet in length (1.2 – 2.4 meters) and weighs between 500-2,000 pounds (225 – 900 kg). The average adult measures in between 5-6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 m) and weighs 600-800 pounds (270 – 360 kg).

Credit: Military Concepts/YouTube

Being so incredibly large it’s only natural that the Leatherback sea turtles eat plenty and they can consume twice their own body weight in prey per day.

See also:

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These giant sea turtles can be found the open ocean, as far north as Alaska and as far south as the southern tip of Africa.

Scientist who studied the turtles using satellite tracking research discovered  leatherbacks feed in areas just offshore. Known to be active in water below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the only reptile known to remain active at such a low temperature.

They can survive in cold water due to thermoregulatory adaptations (called gigantothermy) which allow them to maintain their core body temperature.

Leatherback sea turtle. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Public Domain

Unfortunately, the amazing Leatherback sea turtles are considered Vulnerable around the world by the IUCN Red List and listed as Endangered in the US.

Let us hope we can preserve this magnificent species that has lived on our planet for the last 150 million years!

To help protect baby sea turtles in the wild, you can make a donation to Sea Turtles org

Written by Cynthia McKanzie – MessageToEagle.com Staff Writer