Flatback turtle - Threats

Small size, small range, potentially big risks

Flatbacks are threatened by predation by foxes, feral dogs and pigs, the occurence of green turtle fibropapillomatosis, habitat quality deterioration, and accidental mortality by prawn trawling and coastal gill nets. Its restricted range means that the flatback is extremely vulnerable to habitat loss, especially of breeding sites, but the most serious threat appears to be incidental catch by fishing vessels operating in the area.