Flatback Turtle ()

The Flatback Turtle.

Though we don't know for certain, the flatback turtle is probably the least threatened sea turtle with an annual nesting population of up to 10,000.  It can be found near Indonesia and Papua New Guinea but only breeds on the north and northeastern coasts of Australia.  Just like its name suggests, this turtle has a flat shell that has slightly overturned edges covered by a thin layer of skin, olive gray color and greasy to the touch.  Its shell can measure up to 1 meter, (39 inches),  wide and females can weigh up to 90 kilograms, (200 pounds).  It also has an olive gray head and flippers.

Since the flatback turtle is a carnivore its diet includes such things as fish, sea cucumbers, prawns, jellyfish and sometimes it will eat algae.  During the day they can be seen catching rays on top of water with sometimes birds perched on them.

Breeding season is between November and December.  They mate in the water near the beach and the female will come onto the beach to lay her eggs in the sand.  When she does this she must be careful of crocodiles that are waiting for the right moment to strike.  Once she has laid her eggs, usually around 50 at a time, they are covered with sand.  After a period of 47 to 58 days the eggs hatch and the baby turtles head for the sea.  They will stay in shallow waters until they are older and then will head for the open sea.  Not much is known on their diet when they are young.

Aboriginal communities used to hunt the flatback turtle for its meat.

Further Information on the Flatback Turtle:

Bibliography:

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatback_Turtle
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/930.shtml
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/key_issues/conservation/threatened_species/turtles/flatback_turtles.html
http://www.worldwildlife.org/turtles/species/ft.cfm
http://www.abc.net.au/nature/island/ep3/locals/6.htm