Hawksbill sea turtle Leatherback sea turtle Kemp's Ridley sea turtle All five species except for the Loggerhead are federally designated endangered species, the loggerhead sea turtle is considered threatened. Sadly, i n Singapore and the Philippines, 32,000-105,000 stuffed Hawksbills are sold annually. 11. The head is small in comparison to the other sea turtles and the biting edge of the lower jaw is serrated. The Hawksbill’s shell is multicolored, and its color varies depending on if it’s in warmer or colder water. Here you’ll find facts, common questions, and general info about all kinds of wildlife and exotic pets. The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. Hawksbill Facts & Tidbits “Tortoiseshell” actually refers to hawksbill shells and in many places, their shells are used to make jewelry and other trinkets. Hawksbill turtles are omnivorous and enjoy feeding on sponges along the coastline where they are also closer to the beaches where they nest. Unlike many sea turtles that swarm the beaches in droves when it’s egg-laying season, the Hawksbill prefers to nest in low densities on small, scattered beaches. It’s unsure whether this is from their unique diet or from bioluminescent microorganisms living on their shell, but either way, what a sight to see on the coral reef. Six of them (the hawksbill, green, flatback, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, and olive ridley turtles) have shells made up of hard scutes, while the aptly-named leatherback turtle is in the Family Dermochelyidae and has a leathery carapace made up of connective tissue. Hawksbill sea turtles are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and vegetables or other non-meat species, such as algae. Leatherbacks are the Largest Sea Turtle. Their narrow pointed beak is a specialized feeding tool, much like that of a bird of prey. They have a lifespan from 30-50 years! It is characterized by a … However, they still fall, Sea turtles have been swimming in the oceans for much longer than humans have been on the planet earth. Hawksbill sea turtles are small turtles with beak-like mouths that live in the warm, tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They weigh 100-200 pounds as an adult! Fun Facts: 1. The largest colony in the world nests on the Milman Island in Queensland, Australia. It is the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys. These turtles have seen population declines over the … The turtle’s diet is mostly sea sponges, and they can eat sponges that are very toxic to other organisms. Despite mostly eating sponges where the competition is low, they’re also known to eat sea anemones, mollusks, and jellyfish. These reptiles have existed for the, Sadly, this beautiful creature is the most endangered species of turtle and is the 4. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle has a very distinctive narrow head and a sharp, bird-like beak that helps it to reach into cracks and crevices of coral reefs to look for food. They’ve been a fundamental link in the ecosystem far longer than humans have even been on Earth. Fun Facts about the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Log in, By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. 5. Throughout the world they’re considered to be Critically Endangered and at risk of extinction. Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are amongst the smallest of the seven species of sea turtles. The beautiful Hawksbill shell is tough and effectively protects them from predators. There are other interesting characteristics to be learnt about the Hawksbill; below are 22 amazing facts about the hawksbill that are really fun to behold: 1. It is around 45 inches in length and 150 pounds in weight. Even though they have this ability if they really need it, they still prefer to surface every 15 to 30 minutes. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildlifeinformer_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',111,'0','0']));When the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is first born, their upper shell appears to be heart-shaped. There are seven species of sea turtles. They can become longer that 6 feet! Crabs and gulls are common predators who prey on the young turtles during this short scamper. It elongates as they mature into the more recognizable oval. Considered by many to be the most beautiful of sea turtles for their colorful shells, the hawksbill is found in tropical waters around the world. The tomium is prominent with its curving and sharp beak. Hawksbill turtles will also feed on algae, jellyfish, and sea anemones. They spend their time in It is scientifically known as Eretmochelys imbricate. Tap to unmute. 3. Any advice found on this site should NOT be taken over that of a professional. Save The Hawksbill Sea Turtles! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. i. imbricata and E. i. bissa, respectively. They leave the coral itself alone while foraging for the sponges that make up its diet. These sponges are toxic to other animals but not the Hawksbill, which means very little competition for them. They are primarily a tropical herbivorous species. The head of a hawksbill turtle is tapered and it is shaped like a curved beak. It’s traded internationally to be used in things such as jewelry and other decorative items. 4. The eggs will remain buried for around 60 days until they hatch. The trade of this turtle shell is illegal in an effort to conserve the population. Each nest contains approximately 140 eggs, although some nests may contain over 200. The scientific name for the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle is Eretmochelys imbricate. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle. This sea reptile has a life span of around 30 to 50 years. The hawksbill sea turtle is known for its hawk-like beak. Adult hawksbills reach approximately 70-90cm in length and typically weigh between 45 and 70kg. The female turtle reproduces every 3 years between the ages of 30-50 years old, laying up to 200 eggs per nest! Those sponges, if kept unchecked, have the capability to suffocate coral and overgrow whole reefs. They’re found in tropical waters around the world, and are some of the most popular attractions at aquariums. On the beach, hatchlings must escape … In their search for sponges, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle will often break off pieces of the coral reef itself with its beak. For more information please contact: Southeast Sea Turtle Coordinator U.S. The broad head and powerful jaws are characteristics of the Loggerheads, hence their name. This allows other fish to gain access to areas they otherwise would be unable to fit into. Thankfully, enjoying their company during a dive is a frequent pleasure. 1. Some of our website features may not function as a result. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is listed as Endangered within the United States due to habitat reduction and adults being captured for illegal animal trading or eating plastic thinking it’s a jellyfish. In colder water it takes on a darker color, believed to absorb more heat, and in warmer water, it lightens to a gentle amber color. Its shape and length allows the turtle to reach into small cracks in the coral reef to extract sponges and other invertebrate. Pros and Cons, 25 Examples of Amphibians (With Pictures), 12 Types of Marsupials (Facts, Pictures, Examples), 19 Examples of Herbivores (With Pictures). Hawksbill Sea Turtle Facts at a Glance Other Name (s): Hawksbill Scientific name: Eretmochelys imbricata Type of Animal: Reptile, Sea Turtle Animal Family: Cheloniidae Where Found: Tropical and subtropical waters around the world Average Length: 1 m (3 ft.) Average Weight: 80 kg (180 lb.) 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