Endangered species: the hawksbill turtle

There are approximately 8,000 nesting females left in the wild, highlighting the threat these special marine animals face. They are a very important species in the marine environment because their foraging activities disturb the coral surface allowing the reef fish to feed. However, like other turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata or “hawksbill turtle” face threats from various sources.

Major threats

Despite the protection of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), there is still a worryingly high degree of trade in products derived from the hawksbill turtle. There is still a high demand for tortoiseshell shell, which is often carved into hair clips and other jewelry. Hawksbill eggs and meat are considered a delicacy in some cultures and this harvesting has played an important role in the decline of the species.

The most serious marine threat to the hawksbill turtle is commercial fishing, turtles often become entangled in fishing nets causing all kinds of injuries and in many cases resulting in the turtle drowning as it cannot escape. There are other threats in the form of marine debris, which turtles often mistake for food. Once ingested, this material is not only toxic, it can also prevent turtles from receiving proper nutrition and leads to slow, agonizing death.

This is by no means an extensive list of threats hawksbill turtles face, but the above are probably the main threats: saving this wonderful species from extinction requires greater cooperation to stop illegal trade, clean up our oceans. and ensure that safe and sustainable fishing methods are used. If the decline of the species continues, there will be disastrous consequences in the not too distant future.