Lepidochelys kempii (Kemp's Ridley Turtle)
Kemp's Ridley turtle is one of the smaller marine turtles usually found in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Iindividuals are occasionally washed-up on beaches in the UK and there is one record for a Kemp's Ridley Turtle found on a beach on Benbecula in 2008.
Additional Information
Marine Conservation Society
Bern Convention Appendix 2
Convention on Migratory Species, Appendix 1
EU Habitats Directive Annex 4
Scottish Biodiversity List of species of principal importance for biodiversity conservation
The Kemp's Ridley is the smallest of the sea turtles, with the carapace (shell) rarely exceeding 74 cm long. The carapace of adult Kemp's Ridley is broad and light gray-olive in color. Head is large with strongly ridged and powerful jaws. The carapace usually has five pairs of scales (costal scutes).
Identifying features
Up to 74 cm in length and weigh around 45 kg.
Light grey-olive colour shell.
Large head with strong powerful jaws.
Usually five pairs of scales (costal scutes).
Rebecca Harris 2007. Lepidochelys kempii. Kemp's Ridley turtle.