Leatherback Turtles: World's Largest, Oldest, Thriving in Cold British Waters

• Leatherback turtles are the largest living species, frequently seen in cold British waters, especially off southern and western coasts.
• Unlike other turtles, they have thick, leathery skin instead of a hard shell, with white spots and wavy ridges for streamlining.
• Unique among reptiles, they can maintain their body temperature up to 18°C warmer than surrounding water, enabling survival in cold seas.
• The largest recorded Leatherback was 2.91 meters long, weighed 916 kg, and is believed to be over a century old.
• Their diet consists mainly of water-dwelling fish, consuming up to 73% of their body weight daily, often feeding deep underwater.