Habitat
Hawksbill Turtles are frequently found near rocky and coral reefs (most commonly in the Pacific); however they live in different environments to suit them at different stages during their life.
Post-hatchlings take shelter in weedlines around convergence zones; unfortunately this leads to many types of floating debris such as styrofoam, tar balls and plastic bits being found in the stomachs of youngsters.
When the turtles have a carapace around the length of 20-25cm, they return to the coastal waters. Coral reefs are the perfect environment for juvenile and adult turtles. Ledges and caves of reef systems provide these turtles with shelter for resting at any
point of the day and night. Hawksbills can be found around rocky outcrops and high-energy shoals as they are perfect places to find sponges (the turtle’s dietary preference).
However, because of the unique size of the hawksbill turtles, they can cross fringing reefs which are inaccessible for other species of turtle. Hawksbills are known, however, for inhabiting the same resting spot night after night.
Global Warming has been causing negative effects on coral reefs, like causing a higher risk of coral diseases. Unfortunately, Hawksbill turtles rely on coral reefs for food, because of the dramatic reduction of healthy coral in reefs, there has also been a dramatic reduce in the number of hawksbill turtles.
Also, critical habitat was designated in 1998 for hawksbill turtles in coastal waters surrounding Mona and Monito Islands, Puerto Rico.
Post-hatchlings take shelter in weedlines around convergence zones; unfortunately this leads to many types of floating debris such as styrofoam, tar balls and plastic bits being found in the stomachs of youngsters.
When the turtles have a carapace around the length of 20-25cm, they return to the coastal waters. Coral reefs are the perfect environment for juvenile and adult turtles. Ledges and caves of reef systems provide these turtles with shelter for resting at any
point of the day and night. Hawksbills can be found around rocky outcrops and high-energy shoals as they are perfect places to find sponges (the turtle’s dietary preference).
However, because of the unique size of the hawksbill turtles, they can cross fringing reefs which are inaccessible for other species of turtle. Hawksbills are known, however, for inhabiting the same resting spot night after night.
Global Warming has been causing negative effects on coral reefs, like causing a higher risk of coral diseases. Unfortunately, Hawksbill turtles rely on coral reefs for food, because of the dramatic reduction of healthy coral in reefs, there has also been a dramatic reduce in the number of hawksbill turtles.
Also, critical habitat was designated in 1998 for hawksbill turtles in coastal waters surrounding Mona and Monito Islands, Puerto Rico.