Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) found dead in Cabo Frio A leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), considered the largest species of sea turtle in the world, was found at Praia do Unamar, in Cabo Frio, in the Lakes Region. After activation, the BW Institute (IBW) team collected the animal's biometric and biological data, in addition to the necropsy on site, following the technical protocols of the Campos and Espírito Santo Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BC/ES). The service was carried out on Tuesday (28) by professionals from the BW Institute, the institution responsible for implementing the PMP-BC/ES in the Lagos Region and North Fluminense. ? Follow the g1 Região dos Lagos channel on WhatsApp. The action is part of the marine fauna monitoring and rehabilitation activities carried out by the entity since 2020. According to the veterinary coordinator and vice-president of the BW Institute, Paula Baldassin, the data obtained during the service helps to expand knowledge about the threats faced by endangered marine species. According to her, the information collected also contributes to conservation actions and the identification of possible impacts on marine fauna. The leatherback turtle has predominantly oceanic habits, spending most of its life in the open sea and carrying out long migrations between feeding and breeding areas. In Brazil, the species' main known spawning site is located on the northern coast of Espírito Santo. Classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species faces threats such as accidental capture in fishing activities, ingestion of solid waste, especially plastic, collisions with vessels, degradation of coastal habitats and the impacts of climate change. The BW Institute advises that, when finding weakened or dead sea turtles, penguins or other seabirds on the sand strip, the population should avoid any type of manipulation and contact the specialized team by calling 0800 991 4800. Leatherback turtle found dead on a sand strip on the beach in Cabo Frio Instituto IBW