June 1, 2008-June 7, 2008
Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) is a species of sea turtle categorized by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) as critically endangered. Its name was taken from Richard Kemp, the first to send in a specimen of the species to Samuel Garman of Harvard University. It is also known as heartbreak turtle
Being the smallest sea turtle species in the world, Kemp’s ridley grows at a length of only less than a meter and an average weight of 45 kilograms. It has a triangular-shaped head with a somewhat hooked beak used to grab and break up crabs which are its common diet.
Kemp’s ridleys were once commonly found in Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. But due to habitat loss, pollution and entanglement in fishing, they are now common in conservation areas. So far, countries such as Mexico and the United States are on their move to increase the number of Kemp’s ridleys once again. One of their preservation mechanisms is the introduction of TED (Turtle Excluder Device).
Top 3 Kemp’s Ridley Snapshots
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