Ridley sea turtle

Ridley sea turtle
Researchers collect Kemp's ridley sea turtle eggs.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Testudines
Family:	Cheloniidae
Genus:	Lepidochelys Fitzinger, 1843
Species
Lepidochelys kempii Lepidochelys olivacea

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.

Anatomy

Adult ridley sea turtles grow to a length of 20-28 in (51–71 cm). They have a weight of 80-110 lb (36–50 kg). They feed on crabs, fish, cephalopods, clams, and some marine vegetation.

Etymology and taxonomic history

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]

Conservation

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.

References

See also

• NY State Website - endangered species

v t e Turtle family Cheloniidae Genus Species of the subfamily Carettinae Caretta Loggerhead sea turtle Lepidochelys Kemp's ridley sea turtle Olive ridley sea turtle Genus Species of the subfamily Cheloniinae Chelonia Green sea turtle Eretmochelys Hawksbill sea turtle Natator Flatback sea turtle Phylogenetic arrangement based on turtles of the world 2012 update: annotated checklist. Extinct turtles not included.