The Australian flatback (Natator depressus) is endemic to the continental shelf of Australia and is so called because of its flattened carapace. Adults weigh about 200 kg. Females nest during the night and day and can lay between 2 and 4 clutches per season, each of a clutch size of about 50 – 60 eggs. The re-nesting interval for the species is 13 – 18 days and the re-migration interval is about 3 years.
An adult flatback. Photo credit: Jarrad Sherborne
The Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) turtle is also known as the Atlantic ridley turtle and is found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Adults weigh about 50 kg and are about 60 – 90 cm in length and closely resemble olive ridleys. Females nest during the day and lay between 1 and 3 clutches per season. The re-nesting interval for the species is 17 – 30 days and the re-migration interval is 1 – 2 years.
An adult Kemp's ridley. Photo credit: Adrian McCracken
The East Pacific green turtle or black turtle which is found in the East Pacific Ocean is considered as a species (Chelonia agassizii) by some turtle biologists but genetic studies indicate that it belongs to the global green turtle population. Adults weigh about 70 kg (and up to 120 kg). Females nest during the night and lay between 1 and 3 clutches per season each consisting of 75 – 85 eggs. The re-nesting interval for the species is 17 – 30 days and the re-migration interval is 1 – 2 years.
An adult black turtle. Photo credit: Rosa Sandoval
