The Flatback sea turtle is named for its flattened shell, which has a lower dome compared to other sea turtles. Its carapace is olive-gray with pale brown or yellow borders, and it has a cream-colored plastron. Female flatback turtles are typically larger than males and have longer tails.

​

Flatback turtles are native to the Australian continental shelf, where they inhabit sandy beaches and shallow coastal seas. They can be found in grassy areas, bays, lagoons, estuaries, and any location with a soft sea bed. These turtles are forage predators, feeding on a wide range of soft-bodied prey, including jellyfish, sea cucumbers, shrimp, and other invertebrates. While they predominantly feed on animal matter, they may occasionally consume seagrasses.

​

Flatback turtles reproduce every two to three years, laying approximately 50 eggs per clutch. These eggs are notably larger and more numerous compared to those of other sea turtles. Despite their relatively stable population, flatback sea turtles face several threats, including habitat loss, the wildlife trade, egg and meat harvesting, bycatch, pollution, and the impacts of climate