Hawksbill turtle

A disturbingly large amount of trade in hawksbills continues

Common Name		Hawksbill turtle; Tortue caret, Tortue imbriquée, Tortue à bec faucon, Tortue à écailles (Fr); Tortuga carey (Sp)
Scientific Name		Eretmochelys imbricata
Status		IUCN:Critically Endangered (CR A1bd) CITES: Appendix I CMS listing: Appendix I and II
Population		Approx. 8,000 nesting females

Background

This information has been reviewed.

Like other marine turtles, hawksbills are threatened by the loss of nesting and feeding habitats, excessive egg-collection, fishery-related mortality, pollution, and coastal development. Despite their protection under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), as well as under many national laws, there is still a disturbingly large amount of trade in hawksbills products, and this probably constitutes the major threat to the species.

Physical Description

The shell is thin, flexible and highly coloured with elaborate patterns. The carapace of the hawksbill is unusual amongst the marine turtles as the scutes (the hard, bony plates that constitute the shell) are overlapping. These are often streaked and marbled with amber, yellow or brown, most evident when the shell material is worked and polished. This species is the sole source of commercial "tortoise shell". As the English name suggests, the hawksbill has a narrow pointed beak reminiscent of a bird of prey.

In the past, the hawksbill was thought be less migratory than the other species of marine turtle. However, more recent work involving satellite telemetry has revealed that the species does make long distance migrations. It is likely they use completely different areas for feeding and breeding.

Size
Usually less than 1 m in length, weighing 40-60 kg.

Colour
The scutes (scales of the shell) are often streaked and marbled with amber, yellow or brown.

Habitat

Ecological Region
Benguela Current, Humboldt Current, Agulhas Current, Gulf of California, Galàpagos Marine, Canary Current, Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, Bismarck-Solomon Seas, Banda-Flores Sea, Palau Marine, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, East African Marine, West Madagascar Marine, Mesoamerican Caribbean Reef, Greater Antillean Marine, Southern Caribbean Sea, Northeast Brazil Shelf Marine.

Why is this species important?

Hawksbill turtles also feed on invertebrates, with a predilection for sponges. When they dislodge pieces from the surface of the coral, this provides access to opportunistic reef fish to feed.