Endangered Animal Species: Hawksbill Turtle

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Species Description:

    The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is classified as critically endangered. They are named for their narrow, pointed beak. They have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their shells that are in high demand for being used to make jewelry. They are also the only species of sea turtle that can survive on a diet primarily made up of sponges.

Species Habitat and Range:

    Hawkbills are found throughout tropical oceans world-wide. As hatchlings, they begin their lives in the open sea for up to five years until they migrate to coastal feeding grounds, such as coral reefs, where they live out the rest of their lives. Coral reefs offer them a food source, as well as shelter for protection when resting. 

Species Role (Niche) in Ecosystem:

    Hawkbills feed on sponges, sea anemones, and jellyfish. By feeding on these organisms, they provide better access for reef fish to feed. They are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds. 

Cause of Decline:

    Like most Sea Turtles, Hawkbills face threats such as loss of nesting and feeding habitats, excessive egg collection, pollution, coastal development, and fishing related incidents. Although they are a protected species, they still face a large amount of illegal trade, particularly for their shells, which are made into jewelry. 

Why We Should Care:

    Along with the important task of helping to maintain the health of coral reefs (as mentioned above), their absence would be detrimental to their ecosystem. For instance, they keep prey populations in check. They also are large contributors to local economies. Tourists travel to destinations where these Sea Turtles are abundant to admire the turtles, which is a vital source of income for these areas. 

Current Conservation Efforts: 

    According to the WWF, there are a number of conservation efforts in effect, such as:

• Eliminating Bycatch
• Encourages and works with fisheries to switch to turtle-safe circle hooks rather than the typical "J" hook
• Advocates for special turtle excluder devices in nettings
• Work with fishermen to save turtles that have been caught in fishing gear
• Protecting Sea Turtle Habitat
• Works to establish marine protected areas to ensure a safe place for Sea Turtles to nest, feed, and migrate safely
• Encourage governments to strengthen legislation and provide funding for sea turtle protection
• Addressing Wildlife Trade
• Work with communities to reduce turtle harvesting and local trade
• Train and equip local rangers to protect turtles from poaching and patrol nesting beaches

Role of Geography in Conservation:

    Through the use of satellite tracking, conservation efforts can be better prepared for based on the newfound knowledge of important feeding and nesting grounds. As well as learn about their migration patterns and anticipate where they may come into contact with fisheries and their gear. Satellite tracking offers a way to follow sea turtles in a safe way.

Plea for Help:

• Reduce Ocean Trash
• Reduce plastic use
• Refrain from releasing balloons
• Participate in coastal clean-up events
• Protect Sea Turtle Habitat
• Keep nesting beaches free of debris
• Reduce plastic use
• Keep your Distance
• When boating, watch out for Sea Turtles
• Don't feed or touch Sea Turtles
• Don't disturb Sea Turtle nests
• Report Marine Life in Distress
• If you see a Sea Turtle in distress, contact professionals for help
• Adopt a Sea Turtle
• This supports global conservation efforts