The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest pelagic turtle in the world with individuals sometimes reaching more than six feet long and weighing as much as 1,400 pounds. The species is found in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans and is one of the most migratory species. Even though their distribution is very wide, the numbers of Leatherback Sea Turtles have decreased during the last century.
Almond Beach is in Guyana and is part of the 75 miles stretch of beach and mudflats referred to as Shell Beach. This is the nesting ground for four of the world’s eight endangered species of marine turtles. From March through August of each year, Leatherback, Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) can be found on this mile-long stretch of coast. Fortunately, all four of those species are protected in Guyana by the Fisheries Act of 2002 and Protected Areas Act of 2011. In addition to the sea turtle species, an unheralded variety of biodiversity species living in the protected area includes jaguars, sloths, harpy eagles, and red ibis.