Eretmochelys imbricata, commonly known as the hawksbill turtle, is a species of medium-sized sea turtle found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. This species is recognized for its beautiful, brightly colored shell and distinctive shape, which has made it a hunting target for centuries.
The hawksbill turtle can reach a shell length of approximately 60 to 90 centimeters and weigh between 45 and 70 kilograms. Its shell is oval in shape and is composed of overlapping plates that give it a scale-like appearance, a distinctive characteristic among sea turtles. Shell colors vary between shades of amber, brown and yellow, with complex patterns that make each turtle a unique individual.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Eretmochelys imbricata is its narrow, curved beak, similar to that of a hawk, which allows it to feed efficiently on sponges and other marine invertebrates that inhabit coral reefs. Its specialized diet includes primarily sponges, but it also consumes jellyfish, sea anemones, and other small marine organisms.
The hawksbill turtle is an agile and fast swimmer, adapted for life in coral reefs and coastal lagoons. During the breeding season, females return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, a behavior known as philopatry. They dig nests in the sand and lay between 100 and 200 eggs, which they incubate for about two months before the young emerge and head to the sea.
Despite its beauty and adaptability, the hawksbill turtle is critically endangered. Overhunting for their shell, which is used in the manufacture of decorative items and jewelry, along with habitat loss, pollution and bycatch in fishing nets, has dramatically reduced their populations around the world. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats, regulating hunting, and educating communities about the importance of this species to marine ecosystems.
Approximate measurements of the Hawksbill Turtle:
- Complete 1:10 Scale
- Length 108 mm
- Height 51mm
- Width 86mm
- Shell length 80 mm
- Complete 1:6 Scale
- Length 180 mm
- Height 86 mm
- Width 143 mm
- Shell length 133 mm
