Conservation Status and What It Means for Landowners
Federal Status: Endangered | State Status: Endangered
leatherback sea turtle is Federally endangered and state endangered in Texas. Landowners managing for this species should be aware of applicable legal protections and consult with TPWD regarding management activities that may affect the species or its habitat.
Habitat Requirements
leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is found in 16 Texas counties. This reptile depends on specific thermal environments, suitable substrate for nesting or burrowing, and reliable prey populations. Reptile conservation in Texas often requires managing vegetation structure, maintaining open basking areas, protecting nesting sites, and controlling invasive species that disrupt food webs.
Wildlife Management Plan Implications
Including leatherback sea turtle as a target species in your wildlife management plan demonstrates active management for a species of conservation concern in Texas. Your plan should document habitat conditions on your property, identify management practices that benefit this species, and establish monitoring protocols to track population trends over the 5-year plan period. Because this species carries conservation status, managing for it strengthens your plan and demonstrates the highest standard of land stewardship.
Texas Ecoregions
- Multiple Texas ecoregions
Texas County Distribution
16
of 254 Texas counties with documented occurrences
6% of Texas counties
Recommended Management Practices
These practices from the 7 pillars of wildlife management are most relevant to leatherback sea turtle conservation.
Habitat Control
Maintain suitable ground cover, basking areas, and thermal refugia
Predator Management
Control invasive species that threaten eggs, juveniles, or prey populations
Census
Visual encounter surveys during appropriate seasonal activity periods
Erosion Control
Maintain stable soils and vegetative cover to protect nesting and burrowing habitat
Include leatherback sea turtle in Your Wildlife Management Plan
Our interactive plan builder walks you through selecting target species, mapping your property, and meeting TPWD intensity standards for your ecoregion. Flat rate pricing, any Texas county.
Start Your Wildlife Management PlanFrequently Asked Questions
What does the conservation status of leatherback sea turtle mean for my property?
leatherback sea turtle is currently Federally endangered and state endangered. This means the species receives legal protection and managing for it in your wildlife plan demonstrates compliance with conservation priorities. Active management for listed species can also open the door to conservation incentive programs.
How do I survey for leatherback sea turtle on my property?
Survey methods depend on the species and habitat type. For leatherback sea turtle, consult your ecoregion's TPWD wildlife biologist for recommended survey protocols. Document all observations with date, location, habitat description, and photographs when possible. Include survey results in your annual wildlife management plan activities log.