Flatback
The flatback is the least studied of the sea turtles and has one of the smallest geographic ranges. The only endemic sea turtle species, flatbacks nest solely along the northern coast of Australia, and live solely on the continental shelf between Australia, southern Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Scientific name : Natator depressus
Status : Data Deficient (Status Unknown)
Distribution :
* Nesting only on northern coast of Australia
* All life stages occur on continental shelf north of Australian continent.
Size :
ADULTS
Length 85-90 cm
Mass up to 100 kg
HATCHLINGS
Length approximately 45 mm
Mass approximately 40 gr
Diet : For all life stages, mostly benthic invertebrates (crabs, other crustaceans, and mollusks) and sometimes jellies
Reproduction :
* Reproduce every 2-4 years
* Lay 2-3 clutches of eggs per season
* Lay 50-70 eggs per clutch
* Billiard ball size eggs weigh 70-80 grams
* Incubation period approximately 60 days long
Facts :
For a long time, flatbacks were thought to be a type of green turtle, but were finally described as a separate species in 1988
Flatbacks have the largest eggs and hatchlings relative to their adult body size of all sea turtles