SEA TURTLE SPECIES – Australian Flatbacks

SEA TURTLE SPECIES – Australian Flatbacks, Natator depressus

Photo Credit: Mission Blue

As its name suggests, the Australian flatback is only found in Australian waters. An adult flatback weighs up to about 200 pounds and can reach up to approximately 3 feet in length.

Australian flatbacks nest primarily on Northern Australian beaches.

TURTELY COOL AUSTRALIAN FLATBACK FACTS

Preyed upon by crocodiles as adults
They are omnivores, eating anything from sea cucumbers, to seaweed, to fish
Named for its flat carapace (shell)

The Australian flatback is listed as Vulnerable under the Australian Commonwealth’s Endangered Species Protection Act. However, the species is listed as data deficient by the IUCN Red List.