Flatback turtle

Introducing the flatback turtle

Common Name		Flatback; Chelonée à dos plat, tortue marine à dos plat (Fr); Tortuga franca oriental (Sp)
Scientific Name		Natator depressus
Habitat		Tropical upwelling
Location		Central Indo-Pacific
Status		IUCN: DD (Data Deficient)
Population		Approx. 10,000 nesting females

Background

This information has been reviewed.

Not much is known about the flatback, a distinctive species with a limited range off the northern shores of Australia. Unknown numbers are reported to be caught as bycatch of fishing vessels.

Physical Description

The flatback has a flat body and smooth carapace with upturned edges. It is also recognized by a single pair of prefrontal scales at the front of the head, and four pairs of costal scutes on the carapace.

Size
Adults flatbacks may reach 90 kg and up to 1m in length.

Colour
The carapace (shell) of this turtle is yellow-grey or a green-grey, while the plastron (underside) is usually pale yellow.

Habitat

Major habitat type
Tropical upwelling

Biogeographic realm
Australasia

Range States
Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea

Geographical Location
Central Indo-Pacific

Ecological Region
Southern Australian Marine, Western Australia Marine, Great Barrier Reef