The Kemp's ridley sea turtle is a listed species in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Find detailed information on the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, its threats, and what Massachusetts is doing to conserve this animal in its official factsheet.
Fast facts
Common name: Kemp's ridley sea turtle
Scientific name: Lepidochelys kempii
Range in MA: Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound
Conservation status: Endangered (MESA), Endangered (US ESA)
Fun fact: Kemp's ridleys are the most commonly sighted sea turtle in Massachusetts.
Similar-looking species: Olive ridley sea turtles
Identification tip: Kemp's ridleys have a triangular head with a pointed beak and a circular shell
Description
Kemp’s ridley is the smallest species of sea turtle in the world with adults weighing up to 100lbs. Kemp’s ridley have an olive-gray or reddish-brown carapace (upper shell) and the plastron (lower shell) is lighter in color. In young individuals, the carapace is distinctly circular, being nearly equal in width and length. Young turtles also have prominent ridges on the shell. They have paddle-like front flippers and each front flipper has a single claw, while their rear flippers possess two claws. Their heads are small and triangular, featuring a hooked beak and two pairs of prefrontal scales above and between the eyes.