How many leatherbacks are there left in the world?

The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest sea turtle species and is found in all oceans. It is classified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The global population of leatherbacks is estimated to be between 20,000 and 30,000 individuals, with the largest nesting populations found in Gabon, Costa Rica, and Malaysia. However, leatherback populations have declined significantly over the past several decades due to a variety of threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and bycatch in fishing gear.