ClimateAugust 16, 2026
leatherback
LETH-er-bak
Definition
The largest species of sea turtle, known for its lack of a hard shell and its massive size.
Etymology
The term is a compound of 'leather' and 'back,' referring to the species' unique carapace, which is covered in leathery skin rather than the hard, bony plates found on other sea turtles.
In the news
In the article, the leatherback is mentioned as one of the massive sea turtle species that conservationists aim to protect, noting a specific instance where a fishing line was hooked on one.
Florida sets record for sea turtle nests but Trump move could stall recovery
Read the full article ↗The Guardian