The "Flatback": Australia's own Sea Turtle

Of the seven turtle species worldwide, only one is faithful to a single country – the flatback (Natator depressus) and its country is Australia. The flatback nests only in Australia, from Mon Repos in southern Queensland, across the top of Australia to the Pilbara in the north west.

Turbo the Flatback Turtle Hatchling. Credit Hannah Seaward

As their name suggests, flatbacks have flattened bodies and their scutes, which make up their shell, are not as tough as those of the other hard-shelled turtle species.  Flatbacks prefer to nest on the open beaches on the mainland or continental islands, living and foraging in shallow coastal waters which they rely on to be healthy and natural for their survival. 

In Australia all marine turtles are listed as threatened species and in WA, flatback turtles are listed as ‘fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct’.  Australia is wholly responsible for this turtle species – if we don’t lead the world in turtle conservation, we will lose a true Australian!

Links: The Wilderness Society gets close up and personal with the NT flatbacks