Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle [Lepidochelys kempii]
Description
The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is the rarest species of sea turtle and is critically endangered. It is primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Kemp's Ridley turtles are known for their unique synchronized nesting during the daytime, known as 'arribadas'. Their diet mainly consists of crabs. They are identified by their broad, grayish green, circular shell and a white or yellowish plastron. They have a triangular-shaped head with a hooked beak.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Reptiles
Reptilia
|
| Order |
Sea Turtles
Testudines
|
| Family |
Green Sea Turtles
Cheloniidae
|
| Genus |
Olive Ridley
Lepidochelys
|