Kemp's Ridley Turtle
Kemp's Ridley Turtle
Lepidochelys kempii
Protected Status
ESA Endangered
Throughout Its Range
CITES Appendix I
Throughout Its Range
Quick Facts
Weight
100 pounds
Lifespan
Unknown
Length
2 to 2.3 feet
Threats
Entanglement,
Marine debris,
Disease,
Chemical pollution,
Noise,
Habitat degradation and loss
Location
New England/Mid-Atlantic,
Southeast
About the Species
Adult Kemp's ridleys are considered the smallest marine turtle in the world. In addition, they are the only sea turtle species that nests predominantly during daylight hours. Their nesting behavior is called "arribada" nesting, where large groups gather and come ashore and nest all at once.
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving and protecting Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study and protect this species.
ESA Endangered
- Throughout Its Range
CITES Appendix I
- Throughout Its Range
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Reptilia | Order | Testudines | Family | Cheloniidae | Genus | Lepidochelys | Species | kempii |
|---|
