(Natator depressus)

The flatback turtle is unusual in that its carapace is almost completely flattened. Unlike other turtle species, the hatchlings do not swim out into the open ocean when they first enter the sea, but stay close inshore and inhabit coastal lagoons.

How big? Flatbacks grow to over 1 metre in overall length and can weigh up to 90 kg.

What's on the menu? Little is known about the flatback's diet but it is believed to feed on molluscs, jellyfish and other soft-bodies sea creatures.

Where do they live? Flatbacks are restricted to the waters of northern and northwest Australia and New Guinea's Gulf of Papua. They nest only in Australia, primarily on the coast of Queensland.

Endangered? Flatbacks are well protected in Australia and are currently listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as data deficient because their is insufficient data available to determine their conservation status. Flatbacks are known to occasionally become trapped and drown in Australian prawn trawling nets.

Because flatbacks are not listed as endangered, MCS does not yet offer support for the conservation of this species through Adopt-a-Turtle. If you want to find out more about the other endangered species of marine turtles and how you can help them, why not Adopt-a-Turtle?