Hawksbill turtle are the most beautiful sea turtles with extraordinary shell texture and beautiful body. The name Hawksbill originated due to its beak like mouth structure. They are found in shallow costal water where they could find sponges, coral reefs and lagoons.

It was in the year 1766 that it was officially discovered to the world and then was biologically named as Eretmochelys imbricate.

This beautiful sea turtle has been marked as endangered species because of the ruthless human activities like polluting the water and modern fishing activities which have been a major threat for these marine animals.

Anatomy

Hawksbill turtle are small to medium sized sea turtles which have a distinctive small head with a narrow beak. They have elongated oval shell which dark brown or black in colour. They flippers have claws which are yellowish with irregular shaped black spots all over.

On an average an adult Hawksbill turtle can grow upto 1meter and weighs upto 80kg. The characteristics that differentiate Hawksbill turtle with other turtles is its tapered had with beak like mouth. Their carapace is covered with scales called scutes.

Habitat

They are mainly found in tropical reefs of Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. This particular sea turtle is associated with warm tropical waters.

Diet

They eat squid, sponges, anemones and shrimps. Its special beak like moth structure helps in getting food from crevices in coral reefs.

Sometimes unknowingly these turtles consume sponges and small animals which might be harmful to them. But its body fat breaks down the poison from the consumed food and prevents the turtle from falling ill. The meat of such turtles is definitely a threat for its consumers.

Reproduction

Hawksbill turtle are solitary in nature and meet up with others only for mating. The females usually does its nesting in the place where they were hatched. The mating happens in between early April to November month.

The female reaches the surface of the water and digs up in the beach side to nest the eggs. It can lay 3 to 6 clutches per season with two weeks interval between. The average incubation period is 60 days. After the incubation period a small 2-inch hatchling emerge as group.

Unlike any other sea turtles the Hawksbill turtle nests in low densities on distributed small beaches.

Threat

Hawksbill turtle’s biggest liability is its shell. Its shell has been traded for making jewellery accessories and hair decorations. The government has banned the international trade of these turtles to save it from being extinct.

Degradation in the coral reef community and destruction of habitat by invariable human activities has led to huge habitat loss. Marine pollution, oil spills and global warming has made its survival very arduous.