Natator

Natator is a genus of sea turtles in the family Cheloniidae. It is currently represented by a single living species, Natator depressus, commonly known as the flatback sea turtle. The genus is distinguished by its relatively flat, smooth carapace compared with other sea turtles.

Natator depressus is native to tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, with most sightings around northern Australia and nearby regions such as southern New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. It favors shallow, coastal habitats, including seagrass beds and coral lagoons, where it forages and rests. Adults tend to be relatively sedentary compared with some other sea turtles, while juveniles may travel short distances between feeding areas.

In terms of appearance, the flatback sea turtle has a flattened carapace with a muted gray to olive coloration. The limbs and head are similarly understated in color. Size typically reaches about one meter in length, and the species is known for its relatively small plastron and rounded shell compared with other sea turtles.

Diet is diverse and shifts with life stage; adults commonly feed on seagrasses and invertebrates, while juveniles may consume a broader range of benthic organisms. Reproduction occurs on sandy beaches, with females coming ashore to lay eggs during warm seasons. Clutch sizes are sizeable, and incubation generally lasts around 50 to 70 days depending on temperature and conditions.

Conservation status places Natator depressus as vulnerable in many assessments, due to threats such as coastal development, bycatch in fisheries, and climate change impacting nesting habitat and hatchling survival. Protection of nesting beaches, bycatch reduction, and habitat conservation are central to ongoing efforts.