Leatherback turtle

Introduction: The Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the only sea turtle that does not have a hard shell and instead bears a mosaic of bony plates beneath its leathery skin. A single species in the genus once facing extinction, research indicates that the leatherback turtle population is on the increase in Southern African waters.

Average dives are around 60m and they last usually for around 10min although in some cases they can reach depths of over 350m and stay under water for some 35min. They can metabolize fat to generate heat and are the only living reptile that is regularly endothermic, hence the ability to stay underwater for long periods.

Distribution: The surface waters of temperate waters off the entire coast of Namibia

Diet: Leatherback turtles feed almost exclusively on jellyfish and are known to travel long distances and enter cold currents temporarily to feed.

Colouring: A black carapace and flippers with scattered white spots. The plastron and lower surfaces are white.

Breeding: Up to 1,000 billiard ball sized eggs are laid in batches of 100 to 120 at a time in a deep, flask-shaped holes, dug on moonlit nights at 9 to 11 day intervals. Eggs hatch after a period of about 70 days and emerge at night to try and avoid predation by sea gulls, fish and ghost crabs. Females nest every 5 years or so.

Size: Total length 1.3 to 1.7m. Females are slightly larger than males.

Weight: Up to 590kg, but some are known to have grown to 800kg.