How to Identify Flatback Sea Turtles

The flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus) is named for its carapace, which is more flattened than those of other sea turtles. This species has a limited distribution compared to other sea turtles and is only found off the coast of eastern, northern and western Australia. The flatback sea turtle has not been well-studied and is conservation status is undetermined. Here's how to identify flat back sea turtles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Observe the smooth, waxy carapace of the flatback sea turtle. It is elliptical with upturned edges and is easily damaged because of its thinness. The top of the carapace is a green-gray or yellow-gray and the plastron is usually pale yellow

2. Look at the size of the flatback turtle. It is a medium-sized sea turtle with a body that measures up to 1 m and weighs up to 90 kg. The carapace itself can be up to 125 cm long.

3. Examine the other defining physical characteristics of the flatback sea turtle. It has one pair of prefrontal scales and four pairs of scutes on the carapace.

4. Learn the habitat of the flatback sea turtle. Unlike other sea turtles, it prefers turbid, inshore waters where it finds its preferred diet of algae, fish and marine invertebrates.

5. Study the egg-laying habits of flatback sea turtles. They only lay eggs in northern Australia from Exmouth to Mon Repos with four major nesting sites. The flatback lays fewer and larger eggs than the other species.

Resources

• Learn more about identifying flatback sea turtles.