This page is part of our sea turtles series. The kemp’s sea turtle is the least among sea turtles with an average of 80cm long and weigh 45kg; they could be mistaken for some bigger turtles that have the same resemblance. The nesting season for these turtles is April to August. They are also the only species that usually nest during the day. The skull is similar to that of the olive ridley. Before reaching maturity, young Kemp’s ridley sea turtles make their way further out to sea. Despite narrowly avoiding extinction, the species remains under severe threat. The species has even been spotted off the coasts of both Ireland and England, on the other side of the Atlantic. [23] Kemp's ridley turtle was first listed under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1970[24] on December 2, 1970, and subsequently under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. Kemp's ridley sea turtle[3] (Lepidochelys kempii), also called the Atlantic ridley sea turtle, is the rarest species of sea turtle and is critically endangered. Because the biggest danger to the population of Kemp's ridley sea turtles is shrimp trawls, the device is attached to the shrimp trawl. Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is from the kingdom of Animalia, from the family of Cheloniidae and from the genus of Lepidochelys. [22] Females nest two or three times during a season, keeping 10 to 20 days between nestings. The name kemp’s was take after the man Richard Kemp who facilitated the study of turtles, though the origin of the name ridley was not ascertained perhaps the name was gotten from olive ridley since they both have comparable nesting behavior. Join the thousands of Active Wild subscribers who receive free wildlife and science news & info direct to their inboxes! The largest specimens reach lengths of up to 75 cm (30 in.). Kemp's Ridley Recovery: How Far Have We Come, and Where Are We Headed? 10. Juvenile turtles tend to live in floating sargassum seaweed beds for their first years. Do you have additional facts about the kemp’s ridley sea turtle? Kemp’s ridley sea turtle mainly forages on the sea bed. One mechanism used to protect turtles from fishing nets is the turtle excluder device (TED).

[11], The distribution of Lepidochelys kempii is somewhat usual compared to most reptiles, varying significantly among adults and juveniles as well as males and females. This post provides interesting and fun facts about a type of sea turtle called the kemp’s ridley sea turtle. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The turtles are popular in Mexico, as boot material and food.[28]. Kemp's ridley turtle is the smallest of the sea turtles, with adults reaching a maximum of 75 cm (30 in) in carapace length and weighing a maximum of 50 kg (110 lb).

But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. They drift in fields of floating sargassum seaweed for several years before returning to coastal waters. The main threats to the species are habitat loss caused by coastal development and fishing nets. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It has been discovered that the flesh contains chelonitoxin which could cause different kinds of diseases with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning sensation of lips, tongue and mouth; chest problem, skin rash, and death. [8] Typical of sea turtles, it has a dorsoventrally depressed body with specially adapted flipper-like front limbs and a beak. [16]:101 p. Several reports from the African coast from Morocco to Cameroon involve unverified specimens and may include misidentified Lepidochelys olivacea. Like all sea turtles, the Kemp’s ridley has a pair of powerful front flippers with which it propels itself through the water. News and facts about animals, natural history and science. Fritts, T. H., W. Hoffman, and M. A. McGehee.

Am using this in school my teacher loves it she read it every time we have a animal. 11.

Fish, algae and seaweed also make up part of its diet. Thanks! Nests are constructed from the high water mark to the dunes. The kemp’s ridley sea turtle has a triangularly shaped head. They mate offshore. On this page you’ll find out all about the life cycle of this amazing marine reptile.