Hawksbill Turtles

The hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, rarely strays north from the tropics where it lives near coral reefs. Hawksbill turtles have a distinct, hawk-like beak. Adults range in size from 0.8-1.0 meters (30-36 inches) shell length and weigh 45-90 kilograms (100-200 pounds). The hawksbill turtle is a shy tropical reef dwelling species that feeds primarily on sponges.

This turtle is not often killed for food, but it is hunted extensively for its shell. The marbled plastic-like scutes, which cover its shell, are removed and become the source of "tortoise shell". Japan, the leading user of "tortoise shell," has recently banned its import.

In addition to continuing demand for the hawksbill's shell, it is hunted for other products including leather, oil, perfume, and cosmetics.

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Materials published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and text from the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary written by John A. Crawford were used to create this page about hawksbill turtles.