Scientific name: Dermochelys coriacea
Vern: leatherback turtle (En); lederschildpad (Du); tortue luth (Fr); tartaruga-de-couro (BrP); baula (Sp)
Local: aitkanti / reuzenschildpad (Sr)
Indig: alekany / arekany (Ka); kanamu (Lo)
Class: Reptiles
Order: Testudines
Family: Dermochelyidae
Notes:
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Aitkanti (Sranantongo, Suriname): Literally translates to “eight sides” or “eight edges,” a direct reference to the prominent longitudinal ridges running down its back (technically there are seven ridges, but the outer margins lend to the visual impression of eight distinct facets).
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Alekany or Arekany (Carib / Kali’na): The traditional Kali’na name used along the beaches of western Suriname and French Guiana (like Galibi and Awala-Yalimapo).
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Kanamu (Lokono / Arawak): The common term used by Arawak communities in the region.
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Tortue luth (French, French Guiana): Translates to “lute turtle,” comparing the distinct ridges and teardrop shape of the turtle’s shell to the classical stringed musical instrument.