A giant turtle, also known as Leatherback Sea Turtle, was found dead on a beach of the city of Punta del Este in Uruguay. According to first details, the monster specimen was nearly two meters long and weighed over 150 pounds.
The body of the giant turtle was found in an advanced state of decomposition around Solanas, near the city of Punta del Este.
The turtle is a species known as Seven Keels (scientific name: Dermochelys coriacea). They are the largest living turtles in the world, reaching over 6 feet (2 meters) in length and 650-1,200 lbs. (295-544 kg) in weight. The largest specimen recorded weighed 2,016 lbs (916 kg). They do not have shells, but their backs are covered by a slate leathery skin with seven prominent keels.
Actually, Leatherback Sea Turtles are only found on beaches during reproduction. Otherwise, they live far from the coast. In Uruguay there is no report of Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting places.
It is actually thought that this giant specimen was killed by the strong marine currents of the last days.
