Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 12
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
| Dermochelys coriacea | |
| Leatherback turtle | Tortue luth |
| Atlantic and Pacific Oceans | |
| Extent and Area information | ||
| · extent of occurrence (km²) | large | |
| · specify trend (decline, stable, increasing, unknown) | decline | |
| · are there extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (> 1 order of magnitude)? | no | |
| · area of occupancy (km²) | large | |
| · specify trend (decline, stable, increasing, unknown) | unknown | |
| · are there extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (> 1 order magnitude)? | no | |
| · number of extant locations | - | |
| · specify trend in # locations (decline, stable, increasing, unknown) | unknown | |
| · are there extreme fluctuations in # locations (>1 order of magnitude)? | no | |
| · habitat trend: specify declining, stable, increasing or unknown trend in area, extent or quality of habitat | declining | |
| Population information | ||
| · generation time (average age of parents in the population) (indicate years, months, days, etc.) | <30 years | |
| · number of mature individuals (capable of reproduction) in the Canadian population (or, specify a range of plausible values) | unknown | |
| · total population trend: specify declining, stable, increasing or unknown trend in number of mature individuals | declining | |
| · if decline, % decline over the last/next 10 years or 3 generations, whichever is greater (or specify if for shorter time period) | >70% | |
| · are there extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals (> 1 order of magnitude)? | no | |
| · is the total population severely fragmented (most individuals found within small and relatively isolated (geographically or otherwise) populations between which there is little exchange, i.e., < 1 successful migrant / year)? | n/a | |
| · list each population and the number of mature individuals in each | n/a | |
| · specify trend in number of populations (decline, stable, increasing, unknown) | n/a | |
| · are there extreme fluctuations in number of populations (>1 order of magnitude)? | no | |
| Threats (actual or imminent threats to populations or habitats) |
-loss of habitat -pollution (e.g. pesticides) -urban or agricultural development |
| Rescue Effect (immigration from an outside source) | |
| · does species exist elsewhere (in Canada or outside)? | yes |
| · status of the outside population(s)? | declining |
| · is immigration known or possible? | yes |
| · would immigrants be adapted to survive here? | yes, but not breed |
| · is there sufficient habitat for immigrants here? | yes |
| Quantitative Analysis |
Ron Brooks, March 2001