The unusual beak type of mouth distinguishes the Hawksbill Sea Turtle from other turtles. Also different are the claws on their flipper-like arms. Not much is known about the entire lifespan of Eretmochelys imbricata, however, they are an endangered species.

These turtles mate on a bi-annual basis. Clutches of eggs are laid by the female in a nesting hole they clear and then cover with sand. It is two months before the small turtles hatch at night and make their way into the water. Those that are unable to get to sea when the dawn comes may be fodder for a variety of seabirds and other types of predators.

Adult Hawksbill’s prefer living in lush coral reefs and can be found in lagoons as well, all over the world. Sea sponges make up most of their diet but they also eat sea anemones, jellyfish and algae. It is thought Hawksbills can live from 30 to 50 years.

Text source: Wikipedia under Creative Commons licence.

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