Endangered Species Zoo
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HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE ( )
DESCRIPTION:The hawksbill Sea Turtle is a medium/small turtle with an oval shell and small head. The shell is mainly brown, with splashes of yellow and orange. the adult hawksbill is around 30 to35 inches in length and weigh on average 95 to 160 pounds.HABITAT: The general habitat for the hawksbill turtle is around the tropical waters of the world, especially rocky areas or reefs. Nesting takes place on isolated islands, and sometimes Florida and the West Indies.
DIET:The hawksbill feeds on invertebrates, fish, algae, mangrove, sponges and other sea creatures.
REPRODUCTION:The nesting season usually occurs sometime during the summer, it varies with the location. The females lay an average of 160 eggs in one batch. Although she only nests every two to three years, she repeats her laying every two weeks, several times during the season. The incubation period for the hawksbills eggs is around two months, and they take three to four years to reach full maturity.POPULATION:Not known.THREATS TO SURVIVAL:The hawksbill needs fairly undisturbed beaches for nesting, and with the 'development' of so many sea-side areas, the number of prime nesting CITES is diminishing. Bright illuminated beaches disturb the hawksbills nocturnal nesting activities. Man kills hawksbill turtles for their valuable shell, eggs (which are a delicacy) leather and oil, which is used in the cosmetic industry. Marine debris such as raw sewerage, plastic bags and balloons contribute towards the decline in the hawksbill population.
CONSERVATION:Listed under the CITES treaty, suggestions have been made to protect beaches where the hawksbill is known to nest, and to completely ban the international trade of tortoise shells. |
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