Leatherback Turtles
Leatherback turtles are the largest species of sea turtles, reaching lengths of up to 7 feet and weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. Unlike other turtles, they lack a hard shell; instead, their bodies are covered with a leathery skin. These turtles are found in oceans around the world, often migrating long distances between feeding and nesting sites.
Leatherbacks primarily feed on jellyfish, which they locate using their keen sense of smell. They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by helping to control jellyfish populations. Unfortunately, they face threats from plastic pollution, fishing gear entanglement, and habitat loss, leading to their classification as vulnerable.