Page 37 - TRINBAGO2023 MAGAZINE

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Mascot

Leatherback turtle

“COCOYEA”

Leatherback turtles are the largest turtles in the world. These turtles can grow up to 2.5m long, weigh as
much as 900kg and their lifespan is estimated to be fifty (50) years or more.

The oldest of all sea turtle species, leatherback turtles have been around for more than 150 million years! They
have survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and thrived until the last several decades when human beings’
careless actions have made them one of the most endangered sea turtles on earth.

Leatherback turtles can dive to depths of up to 1,200m, much deeper than any other marine turtle. They can
be found on the beaches of Grande Riviere, Matura, Fishing Pond, Tacarib, Paria, Madamas, Maracas and
Manzanilla in Trinidad and in Tobago on Turtle Beach and Black Rock.

The turtle nesting season is from March to August. The female leatherback turtle leaves the nest site once she
finishes laying her clutch. The male species never returns to land after its first few hours of life. As a major
jellyfish predator, leatherback turtles provide natural ecological control of jellyfish populations.

Several environmental NGO’s are utilising GPS coordinates, recording measurements of any distinguishing
scars, deformities, or markings, and tagging of turtles which helps in the migration pathways and enhances
conservation of the leatherback turtle.

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