
That’s because the fascinating creature only lives within the coastal waters of Australia and Papua New Guinea. Unfortunately, this also qualifies as a highly limited range of habitation. The wondrous Flatback Sea Turtle inhabits only one specific portion of the world. Source: Photographer: Alan Riverstone McCulloch Public Domain Image Flatback Sea Turtle Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology This shell also presents a mottled pattern consisting of shades of gray and olive green. This shell also has sharply upturned edges to it. The dome of the carapace has a distinctly flattened shape. Its shell is what most notably distinguishes it from related species, however.

Adults also attain an average weight of between 155 – 200 lb (70 – 90 kg). The average length of the carapace of the animal equals 30 – 38 in (76 – 96 cm). Otherwise, both genders of the truly fabulous Flatback Sea Turtle remain visually identical to the untrained observer. In addition, the males also typically develop a slightly shorter tail than the female. In its case, this results in mature females being slightly larger than their male counterparts. The animal also displays a moderate degree of the characteristic of sexual dimorphism. Nevertheless, sizes frequently vary quite significantly among individuals. On average, this species constitutes the third smallest of the seven. Regardless of its beauty, the Flatback Sea Turtle ranks as moderate-sized among the seven known types of marine turtle. Related Articles Loggerhead Sea Turtle Hawksbill Sea Turtle Leatherback Sea TurtleĬC License: Flatback Sea Turtle Physical Description As a result, if for no other reason, the magnificent reptile may be considered to be at some risk, due to the effects of climate change.

Firstly, it never strays far from the shore. This surprising statement holds true for several reasons. But, in some respects, it may actually be the least threatened of all known sea turtles.The country within whose borders the beautiful reptile lives presently lists the animal as Vulnerable. In contrast to its common name, the amazing reptile also bears the tongue-twisting scientific name of Natator tessellatus.The American herpetologist Samuel Garman became the first scientist to officially describe it, in 1880. The gorgeous creature with the common name of the Flatback Sea Turtle represents one of only seven known species of marine turtle.
