Leatherback sea turtles are the largest of all living sea turtles, with adults reaching lengths of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) and weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg).
They are the only sea turtle species that does not have a hard shell. Instead, their shells are covered in a tough, leathery skin that helps them dive to great depths.
Leatherback sea turtles are also unique in that they are able to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to survive in colder waters than other sea turtle species.
These turtles are champion long-distance swimmers and undertake some of the longest migrations of any animal on earth, traveling over 10,000 miles (16,000 km) in a single year.
Leatherback sea turtles have a unique diet, feeding almost exclusively on jellyfish. They are able to eat jellyfish that are highly venomous to other animals due to a specialized digestive system that is able to break down the toxins.
The sex of Leatherback sea turtle hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the sand in which the eggs are laid. Warmer sand temperatures produce more females, while cooler temperatures produce more males.
Despite their size and strength, Leatherback sea turtles are still vulnerable to human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. They are currently listed as an endangered species.
Conservation efforts for Leatherback sea turtles include protecting nesting beaches, reducing bycatch in fishing gear, and establishing marine protected areas.
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