- Home
- What We Do
Hawksbill turtle
-
Common Name
Hawksbill turtle; Tortue caret, Tortue imbriquée, Tortue à bec faucon, Tortue à écailles (Fr); Tortuga carey (Sp)
-
Scientific Name
Eretmochelys imbricata
-
Population
Approx. 8,000 nesting females
-
Status
IUCN: Critically Endangered A2bd CITES: Appendix I CMS listing: Appendix I and II
-
Length
Less than 1 m in length
-
Weight
40-60 kg
Downloads
A disturbingly large amount of trade in hawksbills continues
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.Related Links
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 turtles. 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 RegionBenguela Current, Humboldt Current, Agulhas Current, Gulf of California, Galápagos 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.
Distribution Map
To see a Distribution map of the Hawksbill turtle species, click here.
Why is this species important?
Marine turtles fulfill important roles in marine ecosystemsHawksbill 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.
