Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea): COSEWIC assessment

Assessment Summary - May 2001 Common name Leatherback turtle Scientific name Status Endangered Reason for designation The leatherback turtle is undergoing a severe global decline (> 70 % in 15 years). In Canadian waters, incidental capture in fishing gear is a major cause of mortality. A long lifespan, very high rates of egg and hatchling mortality, and a late age of maturity makes this species unusually vulnerable to even small increases in rates of mortality of adults and older juveniles. Occurrence Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean Status history Designated Endangered in April 1981. Status re-examined and confirmed in May 2001.

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