Kemp's ridley Facts
The scientific name of this turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is what species?
Kemp's ridley
What body of water do most Kemp's ridleys live in?
The Gulf of Mexico
About how long does it take for Kemp's ridley eggs to hatch?
45-60 days
What type of pollution is often mistaken for jellyfish by sea turtles?
Plastic bags
What condition affects sea turtles exposed to sudden cold water temperatures?
Cold-stunning
Why is a Kemp's ridley shell a tan color?
To help camouflage into the sand
Which U.S. state is one of the most important nesting areas for Kemp's ridleys?
Texas
The temperature of ___ tells the gender of a sea turtle?
Sand
Why are boat strikes dangerous for sea turtles?
They can seriously injure or kill them
What medical imaging tool helps us see the inside of a sea turtle?
X-rays
Kemp's ridleys are the ___ species of sea turtle?
smallest/rarest/most endangered
Why are seagrass beds and shallow coastal waters important to sea turtles?
They provide food and habitat
Why do hatchlings usually emerge from nests at night?
To avoid predators and heat
What happens when hatchlings crawl toward artificial light instead of the ocean?
They become disoriented
Why might a rescued turtle receive fluids or vitamins during rehabilitation?
To help with illness and dehydration
Kemp's ridleys have a strong hooked beak to pierce through what kind of animal?
Blue crab
What do sea turtles use Earth's magnetic field for?
Navigation/Migration
What natural light source does hatchlings use to find the ocean?
Moonlight
What fishing device was created to reduce accidental turtle capture?
TED/ Turtle Excluder Device
What type of injury can occur when turtles become entangled in fishing line?
Flipper injuries or amputations
What is the rare nesting behavior called when hundreds to thousands of Kemp's ridleys come ashore together?
Arribada
Why is Rancho Nuevo, Mexico important to Kemp's ridleys?
It is their primary nesting beach
What is the temporary "tooth" hatchlings use to break out of their eggs called?
Caruncle/Egg tooth
Why is the Kemp's ridley considered the most critically endangered?
Humans & Predators
What organization in South Texas is known for rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles?
Sea Turtle Inc