Marine species conservation

Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Marine turtles in Australia

Conservation status

National: Endangered
EPBC Act Status and Documents - Lepidochelys olivacea - Olive Ridley turtle

Marine turtles are also protected under state and Northern Territory legislation. Please refer to the relevant state/Northern Territory Department website for further information.

Distribution and habitats

The olive ridley turtle has a worldwide tropical and subtropical distribution, including northern Australia.

Olive ridley turtles typically occur in shallow soft-bottomed habitats of protected waters. In Australia, they occur along the coast from southern Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, northwards to Torres Strait, and across to the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in Western Australia.

Breeding areas and nesting seasons

No large rookeries of olive ridley turtles have been recorded in Australia.

An estimate of the nesting population for Australia is 1000-5000 females annually, with most nesting in north west Arnhem Land.

In Northern Australia nesting occurs all year round, although most nesting occurs during the dry season from April to June. Hatchlings emerge from the nests about two months after laying.

Diet

The olive ridley turtle is carnivorous, feeding mostly on shellfish and small crabs.

Olive Ridley turtle carapace

Resources

EPBC Act

EPBC species lists, permits and application forms:

International agreements