Kemp's Ridley Turtles
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
Embedded Files
Pink
Pink
Kemp's Ridley Turtle
Kemp's Ridley Turtle
Conservation status: Critically Endangered Encyclopedia of Life
Mass: 89 lbs (Adult) Encyclopedia of Life
Scientific name: Lepidochelys kempii
Higher classification: Ridley sea turtles
Kemp's ridley sea turtle, also called the Atlantic ridley sea turtle, is the rarest species of sea turtle and is the world's most endangered species of sea turtles. It is one of two living species in the genus Lepidochelys. Wikipedia
Kemp's ridley sea turtle, also called the Atlantic ridley sea turtle, is the rarest species of sea turtle and is the world's most endangered species of sea turtles. It is one of two living species in the genus Lepidochelys. Wikipedia
Why are they important?
Why are they important?
Kemp's ridleys are the most seriously endangered of all sea turtles. Their unique behavior, limited geographic range, and the deficiency of data specific to this species' physiology, life history, foraging range, and biology make this species very important to scientists.
What can we do?
What can we do?
What Can You Do to Protect Sea Turtle Habitat?
What Can You Do to Protect Sea Turtle Habitat?
Reduce marine debris that may entangle or be accidentally eaten by sea turtles.
Participate in coastal clean-ups and reduce plastic use to keep our beaches and ocean clean. Trash in the ocean can harm sea turtles and other creatures that live there.
Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Refrain from releasing balloons, they'll likely end up in the ocean where sea turtles can mistake them for prey and consume them.
Keep nesting beaches dark and safe for sea turtles. Turn off, shield, or redirect lights visible from the beach. Lights disorient hatchling sea turtles and discourage nesting females from coming onto the beach to lay their eggs.
Do not disturb nesting turtles, nests, or hatchlings. Attend organized sea turtle watches that know how to safely observe nesting sea turtles.
Remove recreational beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, boats at night so sea turtles are not turned away.
Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before you leave the beach. They can become obstacles for nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/what-can-you-do-save-sea-turtles
Facts and Tidbits
Facts and Tidbits
KEMP’S RIDLEY FACTS & TIDBITS
KEMP’S RIDLEY FACTS & TIDBITS
This is the only species that nests primarily during the day. They also nest in mass similar to their relative the olive ridley (also known as an arribada).
They possess a triangular shaped heads with hooked beaks and strong jaws. They inhabit nearshore habitats where they forage for their favorite prey, crabs. They also eat fish, jellies, shrimp, and a variety of molluscs. Learn more about their diet.
They are considered Critically Endangered around the world by the IUCN Red List and listed as Endangered in the US.
Kemp’s ridleys reach sexual maturity between 10-15 years of age which is significantly younger than most of the other species.
Their scientific name is Lepidochelys kempii.
Page updated
Report abuse