Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus)
Threatened Species Day fact sheet
Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2005
Download
About the fact sheet
The Flatback Turtle gets its name from its relatively flat, smooth shell – other marine turtles have a high domed shell. Flatback shells are wide with turned-up edges, covered by a thin fleshy skin and measure up to 1 metre long at adulthood. The colour is usually yellow-grey or olive-grey, with the underside a pale yellow. Flatbacks are a medium-sized marine turtle and can weigh up to 90 kilograms.
Hatchlings are olive-green with scutes (the plates on the shell) outlined in black. When they emerge they are usually larger than other marine turtle hatchlings and weigh around 43grams.
Before you download
Most publications are available as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window