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**Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) - global pelagic species (declining)
Status: Vulnerable / Critically endangered in some subpopulations.
Range / Countries: Pantropical oceans -nesting beaches in tropics (including Sri Lankan waters).
Habitat: Pelagic open ocean & coastal nesting beaches.
Diet: Mainly jellyfish and gelatinous plankton.
Lifespan: 30-50+ years.
Reproduction: Females return to natal beaches to nest; long-distance migration.
Ecological role: Predator of jellyfish; helps regulate pelagic food webs.
Main threats: Bycatch, ingestion of plastics, beach disturbance and egg harvesting, climate-change impacting nesting beaches.
Conservation notes: Protect nesting beaches, reduce plastic pollution and fisheries bycatch (circle hooks, safe gear) to improve survival.