In General

The Hawksbill Turtle has a distinctive parrot-like beak. It is olive-grey in colour and its adult shell or carapace is about 0.8 metres long.

This turtle has almost been hunted to extinction for its shell, which is prized for jewellery and ornaments. Avoid anything made from endangered wildlife, there is simply no excuse for the trade in these types of products. If you see them for sale, make your feelings known.

Diet

Sponges, seagrass, soft coral and shellfish.

Habitat

Coral reefs, rocky outcrops and seagrass beds.

Breeding

Breeding, although occuring year round mainly occurs November to February. A female reaches sexual maturity about 30 to 35 years of age and breeds every 2 to 5 years. A female will lay up to 210 eggs (av. 120), about 80% will hatch and only about 2% will survive to breeding age.

Conservation status

Vulnerable