Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is the smallest and most endangered species of sea turtle. It typically weighs between 80 to 100 pounds and has a heart-shaped shell that can reach about 2 feet in length. These turtles are primarily found in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and are known for their unique nesting behavior, where thousands gather on the same beach to lay eggs.
Kemp's Ridley turtles primarily feed on crabs, but they also eat other marine animals like jellyfish and mollusks. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this species, as threats include habitat loss, pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear. Organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) work to monitor and support their recovery.