Dermochelys

Dermochelys is a genus of large sea turtles in the family Dermochelyidae. It contains the sole living species Dermochelys coriacea, the leatherback sea turtle, and several extinct species described from fossil remains.

Taxonomy and anatomy: The genus Dermochelys was established by John Edward Gray in 1831. Dermochelys coriacea is the type species. Unlike other sea turtles, the leatherback has a carapace formed by tough, flexible skin with embedded osteoderms, and lacks the horny scutes characteristic of most turtles. The shell is leathery rather than bony, and the forelimbs are long and paddle-like, adapted for long-distance oceanic swimming.

Description and biology: Leatherbacks can reach lengths near 2 meters and weigh up to about 900 kilograms. They are dark-colored on the dorsum with lighter blotches, and have a tapered body with a relatively small head. Their diet is dominated by gelatinous prey such as jellyfish, though they will consume other soft-bodied organisms. Leatherbacks undertake extensive migrations between tropical nesting beaches and feeding areas in temperate and sometimes polar seas, and are capable of deep and prolonged dives.

Distribution, life cycle, and ecology: Dermochelys coriacea has a cosmopolitan distribution, found in all oceans and typically occupying open-water habitats outside of breeding seasons. Nests are laid on sandy beaches in tropical and subtropical regions; females lay multiple clutches per season, with nests containing roughly 80–100 eggs. Hatchlings emerge after incubation and face high mortality from predators and environmental factors.

Conservation: The leatherback is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with threats including bycatch in fisheries, habitat loss, climate change, and ingestion of marine plastics. Conservation programs and international protections aim to reduce mortality and support population recovery.

Etymology and related taxa: Dermochelys derives from Greek derma (“skin”) and khelys (“turtle”). See also Dermochelyidae and the leatherback sea turtle.