Hawksbill Sea Turtles

Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are small to medium sized turtles that inhabit shallow water reefs throughout the tropics.

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Their status as one of the most endangered marine turtle species is primarily attributed to human demand for their decorative shells.

Member states of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES, have banned trade in tortoiseshells. Recently they turned down a request by the Cuban government to resume limited trade.

The effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems, the Hawksbill traditional foraging ground, poses another potential long term threat to population stability.

© 2007. Patricia A. Michaels