Hawksbill turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
Conservation status: Critical
Missing image
Hawksbill_turtle_doeppne-081.jpg
Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)


Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Testudines
Family:Cheloniidae
Genus:Eretmochelys
Species:E. imbricata
Binomial name
Eretmochelys imbricata
Linnaeus, 1766

The Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a sea turtle that is distinguished by the following characteristics.

It has also 4 pairs of frontal scutes and the epidermal scutes overlaying the bones build the turtle's shell. Additionally, it has 2 pairs of prefrontal scales.

Contents

1 Habitat and distribution
2 Feeding & diet
3 Status

Scutes

Its carapacial scutes are unusually thick. All hawksbill turtles except the very old ones have sharply serrated carapace at its sides and rear portion. The shell usually has an amber background patterned with irregular combination of light and dark streaks predominantly black and mottled brown colors radiating to the sides.

some figures

  • average carapace curve length = 87 centimeters
  • weight = can reach up to 80 kilograms
  • hatchling's weight = less than 1/2 ounce
  • hatchling's carapace length = 1-1/2 inches
Hawksbill turtle photographed in .
Enlarge
Hawksbill turtle photographed in Papua New Guinea.

Habitat and distribution

Coral reefs are the natural habitat for hawksbill turtles. Caves and ledges around coral reefs provide resting areas throughout the day and night. The are found predominantly in the tropical reefs of Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Some are found in southern Florida and Hawaii. Very little is known of the turtle's migration patterns.

Feeding & diet

The principal food of hawkbill turtles is sponge. They are considered omnivorous scavengers. Sea anemones and other invertebrates were also found in the stomach of some turtles.

Status

Endangered species. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, it is illegal to import or export turtle products, kill, capture or harass hawksbill turtles.de:Echte Karettschildkröte ja:タイマイ nl:Karetschildpad pl:Żółw szylkretowy

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