*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: No subspecies recognized.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Coastal Parishes.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Leatherback Sea Turtles are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G2 (Imperiled).
Federal Conservation Status: The Leatherback Sea Turtle is a federally endagered species.
Louisiana Conservation Status: Leatherback Sea Turtles have a ranking of SNA (not applicable). In Louisiana, Leatherback Sea Turtles have a State Protection Status of ‘prohibited’, meaning possession or harvest of this species is illegal.
*** If you live in the range of this species in Louisiana and believe you may have observed this species please let me know (take a picture if possible), as there may be more unknown populations in the state.***
Author's Remarks: I have never observed this species in the wild. It is a very rare visitor to Louisiana’s coast.
