Back on terra firma here in Boston and preparing for my sea turtle lecture. I have been invited to give a lecture on leatherback sea turtles for the Aquarium Lecture Series.
For those of you who have never seen a leatherback sea turtle, they are truly amazing creatures. I liken them to dinosaurs of the sea due to their prehistoric appearance and gigantic size. I have been conducting a research study on leatherbacks for the past four years.
Pictured here are two different leatherbacks I worked with during my field work (click to enlarge). Note the prehistoric look of these giant reptiles. I'll be detailing the project during the lecture so I can't give away all the secrets here!
The leatherback is the largest sea turtle in the world. They can reach weights upwards of 1,500 - 2,000 pounds--try catching one of these at sea! There are multiple threats to leatherback sea turtles which, continue to put this species at risk. I'll also be talking about those threats on Monday night.
After leaving the nest as hatchlings, male leatherbacks never come ashore unless they are injured or wash ashore dead. Females, on the other hand, will come ashore during their adult years to nest.
Leatherbacks are very difficult to rehabilitate. The New England Aquarium is one of only a handful of institutions to attempt leatherback rehabilitation. .
- Connie
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I think most of we readers are outside commuting distance from the lectures. Can you guys stream them?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Tom
Sweetwater Sailor
Hi Tom, excellent point. We do not have that capability at this point. Tomorrow I'll put up some interesting facts and photos from the lecture for you.
ReplyDeletePlease feel free to ask questions about leatherbacks and I'll answer to the best of my ability.
Thanks,
Connie
i wish to know were the leather backs came from, and how was the behavioral adaptation has benn?
ReplyDeletearica