Lepidochelys olivacea
Other names: Lora, Carpintera, Pacific Ridley, olive ridley
· Class: Reptilia
· Order: Testudines
· SubOrder: Cryptodira
· Family: Cheloniidae
· Genus: Lepidochelys
Facts
- Smallest species of sea turtle
- Lightly built
- Average weight just over 100 lb.
- Carapace length of only 27 inches
- High-domed shell
- 5 pairs of costal scutes, with occurances of up to 6 to 9 divisions per side.
- Large head
- Margin smooth
- Dark olive green carapace/yellowish under side
Though listed by the US Endangered Species Act, populations in the Atlantic Ocean seem to countiune to dwindle, while the populations found in areas around the Pacific Ocean seem to be on the rise.
External Links
http://home.earthlink.net/~itec5/Testudinata/Lepidochelys_olivacea.html[1]
http://www.orf.org/turtles_oliveridley.html[2]