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Flatback turtle
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Common Name
Flatback; Chelonée à dos plat, tortue marine à dos plat (Fr); Tortuga franca oriental (Sp)
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Scientific Name
Natator depressus
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Population
Approx. 10,000 nesting females
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Status
IUCN: Data Deficient CITES: Appendix I
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Habitat
Tropical upwelling
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Weight
About 90 kg
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Length
Up to 1 m
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Background
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.Downloads
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 typeTropical 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