Read About Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a turtle that is found in coral reefs in several parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and the Indian oceans. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle - Facts

  1. Description:

    Hawksbill Sea Turtle is one of the turtles that are considered endangered and is found in tropical and sub tropical waters of Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
  2. Varieties:

    The Hawksbill Sea Turtle belongs to the Eretmochelys genus and there are no sub species for this turtle.
  3. History:

    The Hawksbill Turtle population is constantly reducing. These turtles are considered as an endangered species and are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act.
  4. Physical Traits:

    These turtles are one of the smaller turtles and they can grow up to 2 to 3 feet. Its weight can be around 270 pounds.
  5. Other Defining Characteristics:

    The turtle gets its name from the shape of its nose that is shaped like a hawk's beak.
  6. Habitat:

    Hawksbill Turtles are usually found near coral reefs and caves.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle - Concerns

  1. Benefits:

    They are very beautiful to look at and they are famous for their carapace which is called as the tortoise shell.
  2. Liabilities:

    These turtles are considered as endangered species and they are not supposed to be handled without permission. They cannot be adopted as pets and cannot be kept in captivity. Handling or harassing the turtles can result in paying heavy fines and imprisonment.
  3. Health Issues:

    A common disease that occurs in turtles like the Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles is fibropapillomatosis.
  4. Specific Care Needs:

    The public can take certain precautions to prevent the rapid reduction in the population of this species. People should avoid going to beaches where these turtles have their nests. Littering the beaches with garbage and plastic should be avoided. The public should be educated about the status of this species and the laws concerning about protecting this turtle.
  5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

    Children are usually attracted by small animals and might try to handle them. Make sure you are supervising your children as handling or harassing these turtles is illegal.
  6. Special Household Needs:

    These turtles are not household pets so you wont need any special household items.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle - How to Choose

  1. What to Look for:

    You can identify these turtles by the unique hawk beak like shape of their nose.
  2. Supplies:

    You wont need any supplies as these turtles cannot be adopted as pets or kept in captivity.
  3. Expense:

    You cannot buy these turtles as selling them is illegal.