Quick answer
Hawksbills have hawk-like beaks for reaching sponges in coral crevices, weighing about 80 kg and living 50 years. Their scutes were hunted for tortoiseshell jewellery — now illegal — listed Critically Endangered with populations down over 80%.
Key takeaway
Hawksbills have hawk-like beaks for reaching sponges in coral crevices, weighing about 80 kg and living 50 years. Their scutes were hunted for tortoiseshell jewellery — now illegal — listed Critically Endangered with populations down over 80%.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle overview
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a reptile listed here as Critically Endangered. Typical weight 45–90 kg (100–200 lb); smaller than loggerheads; lifespan around 30–50 years in the wild.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle ecology
Diet: Carnivore — sponges, jellyfish, algae, and anemones. Habitat: Tropical coral reefs worldwide. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild hawksbill sea turtles are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Critically Endangered. See the full Hawksbill Sea Turtle profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild hawksbill sea turtles.
Human interest and research
Hawksbill Sea Turtles feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Hawksbill Sea Turtle FAQs
What are key facts about hawksbill sea turtles?
Hawksbills have hawk-like beaks for reaching sponges in coral crevices, weighing about 80 kg and living 50 years. Their scutes were hunted for tortoiseshell jewellery — now illegal — listed Critically Endangered with populations down over 80%.
What is the scientific name of the hawksbill sea turtle?
Eretmochelys imbricata — used in research and conservation listings for hawksbill sea turtles.
What do hawksbill sea turtles eat?
Hawksbill Sea Turtles eat sponges, jellyfish, algae, and anemones, with seasonal and regional variation in Tropical coral reefs worldwide.
Where do hawksbill sea turtles live?
They are associated with Tropical coral reefs worldwide. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of hawksbill sea turtles?
Listed in our guides as Critically Endangered. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.