Australian Flatback Sea Turtle

Native to the continental shelf of Australia, the flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus) is an endangered marine reptile that is most often seen in the northern regions of the country's coasts. Waters from Western Australia's Pilbara area to Queensland's Capricorn part of the Great Barrier Reef are home to this sea turtle species, which is unique among sea turtles owing to its small geographic distribution. Depending on the features of the maritime environment and the accessibility of nesting locations, it has certain habitat preferences.

The flatback sea turtle's pattern of movement is more confined than that of other sea turtles, which engage in vast migrations across seas. Juveniles stay in shallow coastal waters after hatching, staying away from the open ocean. In keeping with their penchant for foraging on soft-bottomed surfaces like sandy or muddy areas, this activity helps to reduce their exposure to predators. Jellyfish, sea cucumbers, and different mollusks make up the majority of their food, and these ecosystems sustain a diverse array of invertebrates.