Dermochelyidae

Psephophorus NT small

Protostega gigas

Erpétologie générale, ou, Histoire naturelle complète des reptiles (Dermochelys coriacea)

Erpétologie générale, ou, Histoire naturelle complète des reptiles (Chelonia mydas)

Dermochelyidae is a family of turtles that represents a unique lineage within the marine environment. The family is composed of a single extant genus, Dermochelys, and the only living species within this genus is the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). This family is distinguished from other sea turtle families by several unique characteristics, including its lack of a bony shell. Instead, the leatherback turtle has a carapace covered by skin and oily flesh. Dermochelyidae, with its ancient lineage, traces back to the Cretaceous period, making it one of the oldest sea turtle families.

Description

Members of the Dermochelyidae family, specifically the leatherback sea turtle, are known for their large size, with some individuals reaching up to 2 meters in length and weighing as much as 700 kilograms. Their carapace is unique among sea turtles because it is not hard and bony but is instead covered by a layer of tough, rubbery skin and flexible, longitudinal ridges. This adaptation allows them to dive to great depths, exceeding 1000 meters, in search of their jellyfish prey.

Distribution and Habitat

The leatherback sea turtle, the sole representative of the Dermochelyidae family, has the most extensive distribution among all sea turtles. It can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, ranging from the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to the tropical and subtropical seas. This wide distribution is facilitated by their unique physiology that allows them to regulate their body temperature and survive in colder waters.

Diet

Leatherback turtles primarily feed on jellyfish and other soft-bodied marine organisms. This diet is somewhat unusual among sea turtles, most of which are herbivorous or omnivorous. The leatherback's feeding habits help control jellyfish populations, which can become problematic in certain conditions.

Conservation Status

The leatherback sea turtle is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with some populations considered critically endangered. Threats to their survival include bycatch in fishing gear, marine pollution, coastal development affecting nesting beaches, and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting nesting beaches, reducing bycatch, and international cooperation to ensure the survival of this ancient marine turtle family.

Evolutionary History

The Dermochelyidae family has a long evolutionary history, with fossil records dating back to the Cretaceous period. This makes them one of the oldest sea turtle families still in existence. Over millions of years, they have adapted to a marine lifestyle, with physiological and anatomical adaptations that allow them to thrive in a wide range of oceanic environments.

See Also

• Sea Turtle
• Marine Biology
• Conservation Biology