Appearance

Leatherback sea turtles are oceanic reptiles ranging from 6 feet to 8 feet in length and weigh through 1,200-1,500 pounds. Their shells are sparkled with white or pink blotches, with dark green as their main color. On the back of the shell is a leathery covered carapace, which is thin interlocking bone-like plates.


Range

They are found in Newfoundland, Greenland, And Iceland. In the summer you often can find them on the Long Islands.


Habitat

They live in icy cold waters near the out in the middle of the ocean.


Breeding

Females start breeding at 10-15 years at age and come to shore to nest every 2-3 years. Once the eggs are hatched they must make it to the water before predatory birds come and eat them up.


Status

They are protected by the government but still are endangered. The cause of the decline in population is the destruction in habitat, poachers, ingestion of marine Deloris, and interaction of commercial fishing.