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Lepidochelys kempii
A small turtle with a wide shell and an unusual habit of nesting during daylight.
Meet this turtle
Kemp’s ridleys use the Gulf of Mexico and northwestern Atlantic. Young turtles may shelter in floating seaweed before moving to shallow coastal feeding areas. Crabs are a preferred food there. Like olive ridleys, females can nest in synchronized groups called arribadas.
Conservation in context
NOAA lists Kemp’s ridleys as endangered under U.S. law. Protecting nesting beaches and reducing fishing-gear capture both matter.
Global assessments and national legal listings answer different questions. For a dated global comparison, see the seven-species guide. Categories can change as assessments are updated.
Think like a scientist
Why does protecting a nesting beach alone not protect a turtle’s entire life?
Keep exploring
Check the source
NOAA Fisheries: Kemp’s ridley turtle. Source checked . This is an editorial source check, not independent scientific certification.