The Kemp's ridley sea turtle, commonly known as the Atlantic ridley sea turtle, is the most

uncommon and imperilled marine turtle species in the world. There are just two species of it
left in the world today. Although the actual longevity of Kemp's ridley sea turtles is unknown,
they are thought to be long-lived as they mature at around the age of 13 and have an
expected lifespan of at least 30 years, just like other sea turtles. One of the most unusual
synchronised nesting behaviours in the natural world is shown by Kemp's ridleys. The
threatened Kemp's ridley turtle was on the verge of going extinct in the 1960s. Thanks to
strict protection laws which protected their nesting beaches in Mexico and reduced
accidental capture in fishing gear, the species has begun a slow, but steady comeback from
a previous low of only 200 nesting individuals in the 1980’s, to an estimated 7,000 - 9,000
individuals today.These are the smallest of the seven sea turtle species, weighing between
75-100 pounds (35 - 45 kg) and measuring approximately 2 feet (.6 m) in length. Kemp's
ridley turtle feeds on mollusk, crustacean, jellyfish,fish, algae or seaweed, and sea urchins.
Juveniles primarily feed on crabs. This species of turtle is called Kemp's ridley because
Richard Moore Kemp (1825-1908) of Key West was the first to send a specimen to Samuel
Garman at Harvard, but the origin of the name "ridley" itself is unknown. Prior to the term
being popularly used (for both species in the genus), L. kempii at least was known as the
"bastard turtle".

This is the only species that nests primarily during the day. They also nest in mass
similar to their relative the olive ridley (also known as an arribada). They possess a triangular
shaped heads with hooked beaks and strong jaws. They inhabit nearshore habitats where
they forage for their favorite prey, crabs. Kemp's ridley turtle feeds on mollusks
crustacean, jellyfish,fish, algae or seaweed, and sea urchins. The peculiar breeding
behaviours of Kemp's ridley turtles are possibly their best-known characteristic. An arribada,
which literally translates to "arrival" in Spanish, is a grouping of female Kemp's ridley turtles
that occurs all at once. In Tamaulipas, Mexico, over 95 percent of Kemp's ridley nesting
occurs. The best time to nest is between May and July, and females may lay up to three
batches of 100 eggs, each of which needs 50–60 days to hatch. Unfortunately, the Kemp's
ridley turtle's distinctive nesting behaviours also encourage threats to the population. It is
common knowledge that predators like foxes, weasels, raccoons, dogs, and even people
devour unprotected eggs on beaches. As they make their way to the sea, newly hatched
hatchlings run the risk of being taken by predators.

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles have dark colors as hatchlings, which helps them hide
from predators. As they age, their plastron becomes a pale cream or yellow-green color.
Their dorsal side and carapace become gray-green.That makes them blend into the deep
water from above and the light of the surface from below.The turtle’s triangular head ends in
a distinctive beak. They have front flippers, each with one claw, and the back flippers can
have one or two. Their bodies are streamlined and their carapaces almost round when
viewed from above.Male Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles don’t go back to shore after they hatch,
spending their entire lives at sea.Besides,The temperature of the eggs is what determines if
the hatchlings will be male or female. The warmer the nest, the more female turtles will
hatch. Colder nests hatch more male turtles.Texas is the only state where Kemp’s Ridley
Sea Turtles are native. South Padre Island is a significant nesting ground for these
endangered animals.