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LEATHERBACK
TURTLE
Dermochelys coriacea
Five species of marine turtle have been recorded in British waters,
although no species breed in this country. The leatherback turtle is the most frequently recorded
species, and the species is regarded as native to our waters.
Leatherback turtles can grow to 2 metres in
length and weigh up to 600kg. They are unique amongst turtles in having a
leathery shell without any visible scutes. This species, in particular,
follows the
Climate change has resulted in a significant increase in the
numbers of these animals seen in our waters. The main conservation
issues facing turtles in British waters are accidental capture and
drowning in fishing gear, and collisions with boats. In addition many
ingest plastic bags, which can resemble jellyfish in appearance; these
can block their gut and cause starvation.
Loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta, green turtles Chelonia
mydas, hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata and Kemp's Ridley
Lepidochelys kempi are also more than likely visitors to our
waters.
For more information about the Marine Turtles see
EuroTurtle.
The United Kingdom Turtle Code >>>