Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
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- D. coriacea – Stock Photo
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- D. coriacea – Stock photo
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- D. coriacea (hatchling) – Photo courtesy of NOAA Fisheries
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Dermochelys coriacea occurs along the Gulf Coast of Texas from Port O’connor to Brownsville, and in the Pacific Ocean along the California Coast.
LEGAL STATUS: Dermochelys coriacea is listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as Threatened throughout its entire range.
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli – 861)
Genus: Dermochelys, Greek – dermo = skin+ chelys = turtle – ref. soft skin covering carapace
Species: coriacea, Latin – corium = leather + –acea = having the nature or color of — ref. leathery carapace
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jaeger 1962