Pasan Nanayakkara
Leatherback sea turtles are the world’s biggest sea turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile. They are usually found in tropical and temperate parts of the ocean around the world, and their impressive size is surprising to those who aren’t familiar with them.
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Recently, a video was shared on YouTube showing a huge leatherback sea turtle resting on the sand. The creature appeared to have laid eggs and was on the way to the sea. Two spectators beside the marine reptile even emphasized the animal’s enormous size. While the location of the sighting wasn’t mentioned in the video, it’s clear that those who had the chance to witness this incredible creature were lucky.
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Leatherbacks mainly feed on jellyfish, which are their primary source of food. They usually rise up to the sea surface during the nighttime to feed. As a result, it’s more likely to see a leatherback at night than during the daytime. Although people in boats might see them swimming on the ocean surface, the number of shore sightings is rare and only occurs less than a dozen times during two decades.
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Leatherbacks are easily distinguished from other sea turtle species. As the name suggests, they have a shell-less back that is covered with oily flesh and flexible, leather-like skin. Sadly, this magnificent marine reptile is an endangered species, with only around 25,000 individuals in the world.
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There is still much unknown information about this mysterious creature that has been around the Earth for over 100 million years. While the opportunity to witness a leatherback sea turtle in the wild is rare, it’s a reminder of how amazing and diverse our planet’s wildlife is.
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Have you ever seen a sea turtle on a beach? What do you think about the leatherback sea turtle? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below, and be sure to follow our site for more fascinating stories!
