| Ridley sea turtle | |
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| Researchers collect Kemp's ridley sea turtle eggs. |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Family: | Cheloniidae |
| Genus: | Lepidochelys Fitzinger, 1843 |
| Species | |
Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys) are a genus of sea turtles comprising two species: Kemp's ridley sea turtle and the olive ridley sea turtle.
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are currently on the New York and federal endangered species lists.
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Adult ridley sea turtles grow to a length of 20-28 inches (51–71 cm). They have a weight of 80-110 pounds (36–50 kg). They feed on crabs, fish, cephalopods, clams, and some marine vegetation.
The etymology of "ridley" is a subject of speculation. Prior to being known as ridleys, the French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède referred to the Lepidochelys species as "bastard turtles". Renowned sea turtle conservationist Archie Carr claimed that "ridley" was a common Floridan term.[1]
Both species of ridley are endangered. The Kemp's ridley sea turtle is mainly threatened by polluted waters and the fishing industry. Kemp's ridley is endangered throughout its range. Two major feeding grounds for Kemp's ridley are both near major areas of oil exploration and protection.
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