i. imbricata and E. i. bissa, respectively. Contact us today. A highly endangered sea turtle species called the Hawksbill has finally returned to Brazil's now-deserted beaches, according to The Guardian. There are about 23,000 nesting females left of this species. It is easily identifiable due to its pointed beak, and the saw-like grooves on the rear edge of its carapace (shell).. Let’s find out more about this distinctive marine reptile … The World Health Organisation (WHO) cautions against the consumption of hawksbill turtle meat. For thousands of years, civilizations have sought out the hawksbill sea turtles for their ornate shells, which can be used as decoration, for jewelry and for other small items. Hawksbill sea turtles have been established as a keystone species. Not particularly large compared to other sea turtles, hawksbills grow up to about 45 inches in shell length and 150 pounds in weight. Loggerhead and hawksbill turtles are particularly vulnerable. Erosion can leave little space for nesting female sea turtles to lay their eggs. Captivity may also reduce muscle development and increase the risk of disease transmittance. Endangered hawksbill turtle shell trade is much bigger than scientists ever suspected. Information About Sea Turtles: Threats from Illegal Shell Trade The Problem: Hawksbill sea turtles, recognized for their beautiful gold and brown shells, have been hunted for centuries to create jewelry and other luxury items. An increase in global temperature and associated coral bleaching events could have a devastating impact both on coral reefs and on hawksbill populations. For thousands of years, Hawksbill turtles have been prized for their beautiful carapace. Nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered. The hawksbill's appearance is similar to that of other marine turtles. Why Rhinos Are Disappearing And What You Can Do About It {Interview With Conservationist} - […] 6 Ways To Help The Critically Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle […] Submit a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Hawksbill sea turtle facts, pictures and information. Hawksbills feed predominantly on toxin-containing sponges, which, if consumed, can result in neurotoxicity, kidney disease, liver cancer, developmental defects in unborn children, and even death. What is the hawksbill turtle? About 100 of them have been spotted hatching slightly north of Pernambuco in Paulista, on beaches which locals have been forbidden to … Like other sea turtles, hawksbills are threatened by the loss of nesting and feeding habitats, excessive egg collection, fishery-related mortality, pollution, and coastal development. Sea turtles play an important role in maintaining a balanced food chain and healthy ecology in the ocean. Reproduction: Female Hawksbill Turtles, between the age of 30 to 50, will usually mate every 2 to 3 years. The Hawksbill Turtle is among the most endangered species in the world and belongs to the critically endangered group. Diet Hawksbill turtles are mainly carnivorous and use their narrow beaks to extract invertebrate prey from crevices on the reef. It is easily identifiable due to its pointed beak, and the saw-like grooves on the rear edge of its carapace (shell).. Let’s find out more about this distinctive marine reptile … Public interest in hawksbills and other sea turtle species is at an all-time high and the demand for ecotourism is growing exponentially. The sighting Sea Turtle Threats. The main reason for the Hawksbill Turtle being this close to extinction is human's… Hawksbill sea turtles are possibly the most beautiful of all the sea turtles. The main diet of hawksbill includes sponges, shrimps, and anemones. Sea turtles are a group of turtles that inhabit the oceans of the world. They were hunted for hundreds of years in huge numbers for the “tortoise shell” that was used in many types of jewelry and trinkets. In addition, hawksbill turtle eggs are harvested for human consumption, with many cultures believing the eggs have aphrodisiac qualities. Hawksbill sea turtle meat is also considered a delicacy in many cultures, but especially in many East Asian countries. Harvesting hawksbill turtles for their shell nearly drove the population to extinction. Accidental capture in fishing nets and by fishing lines (bycatch) is a huge threat to all sea turtles worldwide. As a result, these turtles are now listed as critically endangered. The critically endangered hawksbill turtle faces many threats; here we explore just a few. This allows the hawksbill sea turtle to be very mobile, and to be able to feast on sponges and within coral reefs. Hawksbill turtles are particulary threatened by wildlife trade. They take shelter under drifting algal mats, however recruit to coastal foraging areas once they reach approximately 20-25cm in length. Why Are Sea Turtles Endangered? Bonaire is the home to three of the world’s six endangered or critically endangered species of marine turtles: the hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtle. Adult hawksbill sea turtles typically range from 70-90 centimeters in length and weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 kilograms. My chart represents the levels of extinction, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is critically endangered. Shells to be critically endangered hawksbills, as well as all other sea turtles are is!, they 're also critically endangered and narrow creeks and passes gear is every! Central Atlantic and Indo-Pacific subspecies—E, rocky areas, lagoons, and coral reefs and on hooks, called bycatch. 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