Hawksbill Sea Turtle

About the Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Critical to reef health - they eat sponges that would otherwise smother coral. Their beautiful shells have been used for tortoiseshell jewelry for centuries, driving them to critically endangered status. International trade of their shells is banned by CITES but illegal trade persists. They are the only reptile known to biofluoresce - they glow red and green under blue light. They nest on tropical beaches worldwide. Their narrow pointed beak is perfectly adapted for prying sponges from reef crevices. They can live 50+ years. Population has declined 80% over the last century.