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Hawksbill turtles are found throughout tropical areas and in all of the world's oceans such as Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Hawksbill Turtles are omnivorous they will eat mollusks, marine algae crustaceans, sea urchins, fish, and jellyfish. These harmless turtles’ population has deteriorated by 80% over the last century. The Hawksbill Turtles are critically endangered and are facing a high risk of extinction. Many sea turtles, including the Hawksbill Turtle, are a critically endangered species due to a number of problems but mostly human impact. Some impacts include nesting and feeding habitats, excessive egg collection, fishery-related mortality, pollution, coastal development, and they are most threatened by wild life trade. This is due to the turtles’ meats and shells that have been used for tourist trade. Even though their hard shells protect them from predators, they still fall prey to large fish, sharks, crocodiles, octopuses, and us humans.
Once born, the Hawksbill Turtles must partake in the most dangerous part of their life - when hatchlings make their way from nests to sea. Both crabs and flocks of gulls insatiably prey on the hatchlings. The Hawksbill eggs are eaten around the world despite the human impact regardless of the turtles’ international protected status. They are most often killed for their beautiful shells and their flesh. They are also in danger because of accidental capture in fish nets. Sea turtles need to reach the surface to breathe, and therefore many drown, once caught. As fishing activities expands, this threat is more of a problem. You may be wondering why this sea turtle needs to be protected, and needs to live. The Hawksbill Turtles help keep the coral reefs healthy, they remove prey such as sponges from the reefs surface. They provide better access for reef fish to eat and survive. In addition, they have cultural significance and create tourism value. For example, local residents in the Coral Triangle rely on the Hawksbill Turtles for income.
Once born, the Hawksbill Turtles must partake in the most dangerous part of their life - when hatchlings make their way from nests to sea. Both crabs and flocks of gulls insatiably prey on the hatchlings. The Hawksbill eggs are eaten around the world despite the human impact regardless of the turtles’ international protected status. They are most often killed for their beautiful shells and their flesh. They are also in danger because of accidental capture in fish nets. Sea turtles need to reach the surface to breathe, and therefore many drown, once caught. As fishing activities expands, this threat is more of a problem. You may be wondering why this sea turtle needs to be protected, and needs to live. The Hawksbill Turtles help keep the coral reefs healthy, they remove prey such as sponges from the reefs surface. They provide better access for reef fish to eat and survive. In addition, they have cultural significance and create tourism value. For example, local residents in the Coral Triangle rely on the Hawksbill Turtles for income.