Hawksbill [Eretmochelys]

Description

Eretmochelys includes the hawksbill sea turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, distinguished by its sharp, curving beak and beautifully patterned shell of overlapping scales. These turtles are found in tropical reefs of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Hawksbills are smaller than some other sea turtles, with adults typically reaching about 1 meter in length. They are highly specialized feeders, with sponges constituting a significant part of their diet, though they also consume jellyfish and other invertebrates. Hawksbill turtles play a crucial role in the health of coral reefs by controlling sponge populations. They are critically endangered, facing severe threats from illegal wildlife trade for their shells, habitat loss, and bycatch.

Species

Taxonomy