AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Dermochelys coriacea
Leatherback Sea Turtle
(Vandelli, 1761)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
It is the world's largest turtle, with a shell made of leathery tissue.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Tortuga laúdSiete quillas
Leatherback
Tartaruga-giganteTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Testudines
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Dermochelyidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Dermochelys
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Vandelli, 1761)
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Highly migratory, inhabits open oceans and nests on tropical beaches.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Excellent diver that can reach depths of over 1,000 meters.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, except during migration and massive feeding.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Feeds primarily on jellyfish and other soft-bodied organisms.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Controls jellyfish populations in global marine ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females nest every 2-3 years, laying between 60 and 100 eggs per nest.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
180.0 - 220.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
300.00 kg - 700.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.60 - 100
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
9 - 20 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
60 - 70
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males30 - 50 Years
Females30 - 50 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males have longer tails that extend well beyond the rear flippers.
Females Multi-lang
Females have short tails and are the only ones that return to the beach to nest.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its flexible shell allows it to withstand high pressures at great depth.
Gigantothermy capacity that allows it to maintain body heat in polar waters.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Ingestion of plastics by mistaking them for jellyfish.
Bycatch in longline fisheries and gillnets.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is the only reptile that can maintain a warm body temperature in cold waters.
Unlike other sea turtles, it lacks a hard bony shell.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
