Common Name: Hawksbill Turtle
Scientific Name:Eretmochelys imbricata
Description:With a similar appearance to other sea turtles the Hawksbill can be distinguished by it's elongated head that ends with a hooked beak that gives it it's name. Measuring in at up to a meter and weighing 80 kg on average, the Hawksbill Turtle can also be distinguished by two claws on each flipper.
Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Cheloniidae
Genus: Eretmochelys
Maximum Size: 100cm
Habitat & Range: Although found primarily around coral reef, Hawksbill Turtles have a wide migratory pattern and can be found as far north as Canada and England and as far south as South Africa and New Zealand. Nesting sites are found throughout tropical waters.
Diet: Sponges make up 70-95% of the diet of the otherwise Omnivorous Hawksbill Turtle. The Hawksbill is also known to eat Algae, Jellyfish, and Anenomes.
Lifespan: Thought to reach maturity at 30 years of age, Hawksbills are believed to live from 30-50 years.
Predators: The Hawksbill Turtle's main predators are sharks and humans.
Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Sources:
IUCN Red List (2008, May 19) Red List
Hawksbill Turtle (2008, May 19) WWF
Species Fact Sheet : Hawksbill Sea Turtle (2008, May 19) Caribbean Conservation Corporation & Sea Turtle Survival League
Hawksbill Turtle (2008, May 19) Wikipedia
