Named for their pointed beak, hawksbills are the only sea turtles with a diet specialized on sponges — making them critical reef ecosystem engineers. Down at least 80% from historic populations.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys. The species has a global distribution that is largely limited to tropical and subtropical marine and estuary ecosystems.
Source: Wikipedia — Hawksbill sea turtle Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Sea turtle with serrated overlapping shell scales (giving hawksbill-like appearance) and beak-like jaw. Pale yellow-brown.
Similar species. Green Sea Turtle (smooth shell). Loggerhead (massive head, reddish shell).
Voice. Silent.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Sponges (primary), occasional jellyfish.
Behavior. Long-distance migrator. Loyal to natal beaches for nesting. Eats sponges that few other animals can.
§ Range
Tropical and subtropical seas worldwide; nests in Caribbean, Hawaii
§ Habitat
Coral reefs and rocky coastal areas
§ Threats
Tortoiseshell trade (their patterned shells), coral reef decline, climate-driven nest temperature shifts (skewing sex ratios), bycatch.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the hawksbill sea turtle is currently classified as Critically Endangered.
§ What helps
Never buy tortoiseshell products. Choose reef-safe sunscreen. Reduce single-use plastics.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Hawksbill sea turtle
- www.fisheries.noaa.gov — authoritative profile of Eretmochelys imbricata
- IUCN Red List · taxon 8005
- iNaturalist · taxon 39596
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Eretmochelys imbricata
§ Sources cited
- NOAA Fisheries
- Sea Turtle Conservancy
- USFWS
- IUCN Red List 2008
