ridleys

Ridleys are two species of sea turtles in the genus Lepidochelys: Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). The common name ridley for Kemp's ridley derives from Richard Kemp, who first described the species; olive ridley gets its name from the olive hue of its carapace. Together, they are the smallest and most pelagic of the sea turtles, with distinct geographic ranges and nesting patterns.

Kemp's ridley ranges mainly in the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic, with a historic nesting stronghold at Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Olive ridley is widespread in tropical and subtropical oceans, including the Pacific, Indian, and parts of the Atlantic, with major nesting beaches in Mexico, Central America, India, and parts of the Pacific. Both species undertake long migrations and can travel thousands of kilometers between feeding and nesting sites.

Biology and ecology: adults typically reach about 60–75 cm in carapace length and weigh around 40–50 kg, though sizes vary by region. Olive ridley carapaces are usually olive-brown, while Kemp's ridleys are more gray-green. Females nest on sandy beaches, often laying multiple clutches per season; incubation lasts roughly 50–60 days, with temperature affecting the sex of hatchlings. Diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as crabs and mollusks, with fish and other small prey opportunistically consumed.

Conservation and threats: Kemp's ridley is listed as Critically Endangered, and olive ridley as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include bycatch in fisheries, habitat loss and coastal development, pollution, and climate change altering sex ratios and nesting success. Conservation actions focus on protecting nesting beaches, reducing bycatch (through gear changes and regulations), and targeted programs like head-start releases for Kemp's ridley, along with international cooperation and habitat protection.