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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
© Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area (GBRMPA)
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
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
Related Information
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