Habitat and Range Leather-backs are found along the East Coast with common nesting on Florida beaches. Found worldwide with the largest north and south range of all the sea turtle species. They may be found in the north as far as Alaska and as far south as the southern tip of Africa.They will swim these thousands of miles and against fast currents.
Predators and Enemies Most of its predators are large animals including sharks. As babies even out of water they will face many threats. Out of water there are shorebirds, coyotes, dogs, raccoons,crabs and large gulls. Once in the water they face sharks, requiem, and various large fish. And lastly one of the most sad threats...man. We set out nets and they get stuck, drown and die. Also, we dig up beaches and take eggs for food. It is sad that we are one of the reasons that they are critically endangered
Threats/Defense Mechanisms The leather-back turtle's shell is soft so it’s only threats are from large predators ...and man. One of the threats they face are plastics floating in the water. They eat it thinking it is jellyfish or other food but it eventually will lead to death. Also artificial lighting from light houses and boats is a big problem. It discourages adult females from nesting and instead they nest in a worse spot. Another threat is long line and trawl. Otherwise known as Commercial fishing.150,000 turtles of all species are killed in shrimp trawls.50,000 Leather-backs captured, injured or killed by long lines. The last one is a threat to all sea creatures... Oil spills into the ocean. Killing so many.