Marine Turtles
Flatback Turtle
Scientific Name: Natator depressus
Habitat: tropical waters
Location: the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting the two
Population: Approximately 10,000 nesting females
Habitat: tropical waters
Location: the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting the two
Population: Approximately 10,000 nesting females
© Great Barrier Reef Marine Protected Area (GBRMPA)
Background
Not much is known about the flatback turtle population because it lives in such remote waters. It is known that flatback turtles are often harmed by fishing vessels that accidentally catch them in their nets.
Physical Description
Flatback turtles have a flat body and a smooth, yellow-grey or green-grey shell with upturned edges. Adults weight up to 200 pounds and reach up to 40 inches in length.
