The smallest and one of the most critically endangered sea turtle species in the world. These turtles possess a uniquely round carapace that is olive-green in color, complemented by a plastron (underside) that ranges from white to yellowish. Their hooked beaks are perfectly designed for catching prey, and their relatively large eyes enhance their hunting ability in the murky waters of their coastal habitats.
Kemp’s Ridleys favor shallow waters and are primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the North American Atlantic coast. However, their migratory patterns are extensive, and they have been known to travel across the Atlantic Ocean, occasionally being spotted as far afield as Europe and Africa. Their diet is varied and mainly consists of crabs, which are abundant in their preferred coastal habitats, but they will also consume fish, mollusks, jellyfish, and occasionally seaweed.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle behavior is their synchronized nesting, known as arribada, a Spanish term meaning “arrival.” During these events, thousands of female turtles converge on beaches, such as the one in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, in broad daylight to lay their eggs. This mass nesting strategy is thought to overwhelm predators, giving each individual egg a better chance of survival.
Despite the fascination and importance of this species, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles face a multitude of threats. They are highly susceptible to the impacts of human activities, including entanglement in fishing gear, coastal development that encroaches on nesting sites, marine pollution, and climate change, which affects sand temperature and, consequently, hatchling sex ratios.
Distribution
Atlantic Ocean
Gulf of Mexico
Mediterranean Sea
Bermuda
Canada
France
Ireland
Mexico
Portugal
United Kingdom
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
