Threatened Species - The Hawksbill Turtle

                                   Image via WikipediaBy Gareth Westhead

There are approximately 8,000 nesting females left in the wild, which highlights the threat these special marine animals face. They are a very important species in the marine environment because their feeding activities disturb the surface of coral allowing reef fish to feed. However, like other turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata or "Hawksbill turtle" face threats from a number of sources.

Major Threats

Despite protection from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) there is still a worryingly high degree of trade in products derived from the Hawksbill turtle. There is still high demand for Hawksbill shell, which is often carved into hair clips and other jewelry items. Hawksbill eggs and meat are seen as a delicacy in some cultures and this harvesting has played a major part in the decline of the species.

The most serious marine threat to the Hawksbill turtle is commercial fishing, turtles often get tangled in fishing nets which cause all manner of injury and in many cases result in the turtle drowning as it is unable to escape. Other threats exist in the shape of marine debris, which turtles often mistake for food. Once ingested this material is not only toxic but it can also prevent the turtles receiving adequate nutrition and leads to a slow agonising death.

This is by no means an extensive list of the threats faced by Hawksbill turtles but the above are probably the main threats: In order to save this wonderful species from extinction greater co-operation is needed to halt the illegal trade, clean up our oceans and ensure safe sustainable fishing methods are used. If the decline of the species continues there will be disastrous consequences in the not too distant future.

You can help preserve the future for the hawksbill turtle. Adopt a turtle and help make a real difference to the future of this majestic animal.

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