Lepidochelys kempii — Overview

Atlantic Ridley, Kemp’s Ridley Seaturtle learn more about names for this taxon

IUCN threat status:

Critically Endangered (CR)

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Description

Kemp's ridley turtle is the most severely endangered marine turtle in the world; in the 1980s only a few hundred females were observed nesting, although the population is now showing signs of recovery (3). It is also one of the smallest turtles, with adults weighing less than 45 kilograms (4). Kemp's ridley turtle differs from the olive ridley by its parrot-like beak and flatter, almost completely round carapace (3). Hatchlings are grey-black all over, whilst adults have a lighter grey-olive carapace and are creamy-white underneath (4).

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Source: ARKive

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