Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus)

Flatbacks are the only sea turtles not represented in the western hemisphere. They nest on select beaches in northern Australia and forage in the waters on the north, northwest and northeast edges of the Australian continent.

Species Description

Adult Weight: Up to 90 kgs (200 lbs)
Adult Size: 1 m (3.25 ft)
Appearance:  Olive greenish carapace with flat contour
Diet: Jellyfish, sea cucumbers and other soft-bodied invertebrates

Habitat

Geographic Range: Subtropical coastal zones on the north, northeast and northwest fringes of Australia stretching up to the waters off southern Papua New Guinea.

Marine Habitat Use: Flatbacks nest solely on the coast of Australia.

Hatchlings appear to remain in and prefer silty, nearshore waters instead of dispersing out into the open ocean. Adults primarily inhabit coastal waters, with the exception of venturing to Papua New Guinea to forage.

Conservation

Scientists considered flatbacks to be a subspecies of green turtle until the species received separate recognition in 1988. Flatbacks are the only population of sea turtles listed as data deficient by the IUCN. Further research is needed to identify specific threats to flatbacks, determine the status of the species and develop species-specific conservation priorities. Flatback nesting beaches are monitored, but flatbacks are captured as fisheries bycatch.

Fun Fact

Saltwater crocodiles prey on flatbacks (Crikey!)