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Flatback Turtle

Introducing the flatback turtle

Common Name: Flatback; Chelonée à dos plat, tortue marine à dos plat (Fr); Tortuga franca oriental (Sp)

Scientific Name: Natator depressus

Habitat: Tropical upwelling

Location: Central Indo-Pacific

Population: Approx. 10,000 nesting females

Background

Not much is known about the flatback, a distinctive species with a limited range off the northern shores of Australia. Unknown numbers are reported to be caught as bycatch of fishing vessels.

Physical Description

The flatback has a flat body and smooth carapace with upturned edges. It is also recognized by a single pair of prefrontal scales at the front of the head, and four pairs of costal scutes on the carapace.

Size
Adults flatbacks can weigh up to 200 pounds and reach up to 40 inches in length.

Color
The carapace (shell) of this turtle is yellow-grey or a green-grey, while the plastron (underside) is usually pale yellow.

Habitat

Major habitat type
Tropical upwelling

Biogeographic realm
Australasia

Range States
Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea

Geographical Location
Central Indo-Pacific

Ecological Region
Southern Australian Marine, Western Australia Marine, Great Barrier Reef