Flatback Sea Turtle

“The flatback is Australia’s own sea turtle — the only sea turtle that nests nowhere but on our shores.”

Flatback Sea Turtle – The Turtle That Nests Only in Australia

The flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus) is one of seven species of sea turtle in the world and the only one that nests only in Australia. It spends its life on the Australian continental shelf and in nearby waters of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Learn about the unique features, behaviour and threats facing the flatback turtle, and how conservation efforts help protect this Vulnerable species.

Conservation status: Vulnerable in Australia; Data Deficient globally (IUCN)

Quick Facts About the Flatback Turtle

• Scientific name: Natator depressus
• Also known as: flatback turtle
• Found in: shallow, soft-bottomed waters of the Australian continental shelf; feeding grounds also reach Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
• Diet: soft-bodied animals such as soft corals, sea pens, sea cucumbers and jellyfish
• Size: shell up to about 1 m; nesting females on the reef average about 94 cm
• Nesting: only in Australia, November to February; on the Great Barrier Reef mainly Peak, Wild Duck, Curtis and Facing Islands in the south, and at Mon Repos near Bundaberg
• Best chance of sighting: nesting beaches in season; rarely seen on outer reef snorkelling trips

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Genus: Natator
• Species: Natator depressus
• Conservation status: Vulnerable in Australia (EPBC Act and Queensland Nature Conservation Act). Data Deficient globally (IUCN)

Introduction

The flatback turtle is a unique species of the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It has distinct features and behaviours that set it apart from other sea turtles. It faces a number of threats, including accidental capture in fishing nets, nest predation and coastal development.

Habitat and Distribution

• Found in the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
• Prefers shallow, soft-bottomed and often murky inshore waters on the continental shelf.
• Comes ashore only to lay eggs on sandy beaches, and nests only in Australia, including on islands of the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Physical Characteristics

The flatback has a flattened, low-domed shell with upturned edges and an olive-grey colour. Its shell grows to about 1 metre long.

Behaviour and Diet

Flatbacks are carnivores, feeding on soft-bodied animals such as soft corals, sea pens, sea cucumbers and jellyfish.

Females nest from November to February. The temperature of the sand decides whether hatchlings are male or female.

Threats and Conservation

The flatback is listed as Vulnerable in Australia under national and Queensland law. Globally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as Data Deficient, because there is not enough information to assess it.

It faces several threats, including accidental capture in fishing nets, nest predation by feral pigs, coastal development and marine debris.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the flatback turtle, including the following:

1. Protected areas: Marine protected areas have been established to safeguard their habitats. These areas restrict human activities that could harm the turtles and their environments, such as fishing and development.
2. Nesting beach conservation: Conservation efforts include beach clean-ups, erosion control and monitoring to keep nesting beaches safe and healthy.
3. Public education and awareness: Educating the public about protecting their habitats is essential, including raising awareness of the threats these turtles face and how to reduce human impacts on their habitats.
4. Research and monitoring: Research and monitoring help us understand their population and behaviour, including tracking their migration, studying their feeding habits and monitoring the health of their habitats.

By working together on these efforts, we can help protect the flatback for future generations.

Keep exploring

• Sea Turtles of the Great Barrier Reef
• Turtle Nesting Season
• Turtle Hatchlings
• Green Sea Turtle
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Related Species

Other sea turtles found on the Great Barrier Reef include the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle and the hawksbill turtle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The flatback is a unique Australian turtle listed as Vulnerable and facing a number of threats. By supporting conservation efforts, reducing our impact on its habitats and raising awareness, we can help ensure its survival. Let’s work together to keep our oceans healthy for the incredible animals that call them home.