Flatback turtle migration and feeding ecology

North Queensland, Australia

Dr Adam Barnett / Christine Hof (WWF) /Dr Ian Bell / Dr Ellen Ariel / Dr Katya Abrantes / Eddie Smallwood (Gudjuda Aboriginal Reference Group)

Flatback turtles Natator depressus are endemic to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Unlike other species of marine turtles, this species does not have an oceanic phase in its life cycle and is therefore restricted to waters off the Australian/PNG continental shelf. However, despite having one of the most restricted ranges of any of the sea turtles, scientists still know little about flatback turtle ecology. In particular, there is considerable information on the migration patterns and pathways of other sea turtle species as they move between foraging grounds and nesting beaches, and for many of these species we have a good understanding of what and where they eat.