Natural History: Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

The South Carolina Aquarium contains many species of reptiles and amphibians; some of which are not always on display such as the individuals in the sea turtle hospital. Most sea turtles that are brought to the hospital are treated for problems such as infection, temperature shock, shark bites, and boat strikes. They are treated at the facility by veterinarians until they are healthy enough to be reintroduced to their habitats.

There are several species of sea turtles that are being rehabilitated in the hospital including green turtles, loggerheads, and the smallest as well as the most endangered species, the Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii). It is currently estimated that the population of breeding females is roughly 1000 left. Their critical endangerment is due to the over-harvesting of eggs and loss of their nesting beaches over the last century. Estimates show that in 1947 over 40,000 females nested, compared to about 5,000 in 1968 and substantial decline in following years. At the few beaches where there is generally constant nesting, observations are showing that out of the three to four beaches, only one or two is active each year.

Life History:

·         -Usually Kemp’s Ridley reaches sexual maturity between the ages of 11 and 35.

·         -Females nest usually nest from April to July, and they generally only lay their eggs at night. Individuals can occupy entire beaches during their nesting period.

·         -It takes about two months for hatchling to emerge from their eggs and head towards the ocean. They are able to navigate to the ocean by looking at the light that reflects from the water, but artificial lights can send the hatchlings in the wrong direction.

·         -Some studies have shown that it is likely for turtles reaching maturity will return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs, but these studies are not totally conclusive.

In very recent years surveying is showing a slight increase in the population of turtles worldwide. This is mainly due to the implementation of turtle excluder devices in trawling, as well as the government protection of this species in Mexico and the United States.

Of all the individuals in the sea turtle hospital, half of which are Kemp’s Ridleys. Usually the turtles are kept in the hospital for seven to eight months; hopefully after which they will be able to safely return to their natural habitat.