Leatherbacks are large black turtles with white dots all over the body, flippers and head. They have a lighter underbelly with a pink colouration on the underthroat and chin. Their front flippers can reach 2.5m. Other sea turtle species rarely visit UK waters, but are distinct from leatherbacks as they have a hard shell and are green/brown in colour. Leatherbacks lack a hard shell and have leathery skin covering their backs. This giant of the sea turtle world travels alone, only coming together with other turtles to breed. They lay their eggs on beaches and leave them unsupervised, leaving the baby turtles to make their way to the sea alone once they hatch. These unique animals are specially adapted to be able to cope with colder seas, which means they are able to dive to great depths in order to hunt deep sea jellyfish. They have an incredible (and slightly gruesome) way of making sure they never lose a meal – they have downward facing spines inside their throat that stops prey getting out! Unfortunately, the leatherback turtle can get confused and accidentally eat plastic bags or balloons as they look like jellyfish. These plastic items then get stuck in their throats and can cause serious health problems for the turtle. A quick glance at... Turtles How to spot: Leatherbacks Fast Facts Unlike other sea turtles, leatherback turtles don’t mind the cold! This means they can dive to great depths where the water is a lot colder to get first pick of all the deep sea jellyfish. Leatherback turtles don't have a hard, bony shell like other sea turtles, instead their backs are covered by the thick, leathery layer of skin that gives them their name. The conservation status for Leatherbacks is set at Vulnerable, with many populations critically endangered and at risk of extinction. In the UK, they are a Priority Species under the UK Post- 2010 Biodiversity Framework. Report your leatherback turtle sightings to your local Wildlife Trust. If you spot a leatherback turtle at sea, maintain a distance of 100m. If the turtle approaches you, maintain a constant speed and allow them to interact on their own terms and leave at will. Sea turtles don't come ashore on UK beaches like they do on their tropical nesting beaches, so a turtle on a UK beach is in trouble. If you find a stranded turtle (dead or alive), please report it to the relevant authority. How can you help? Report Leatherback Turtle sightings ANSWER: IS ALL Choosing sustainably sourced fish. Volunteer at local beach cleans Say no to balloon releases and plastic bags Quick Quiz What can you do NOW to help protect Leatherback turtles? A B C