Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Status: needs expert review. A science reviewer should confirm the current IUCN assessment before approval. The hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a Critically Endangered reef-dwelling sea turtle, long targeted for its patterned shell. Because of its status and the tortoiseshell trade, this page keeps strictly to regional granularity for any location.

At a glance

Field	Value	Source
Scientific name	Eretmochelys imbricata	NOAA Fisheries
Guild	turtle	—
IUCN status	Critically Endangered (global; 2008 assessment)	IUCN Red List
US ESA status	Endangered	NOAA Fisheries
International trade	CITES Appendix I	CITES
Population trend	Decreasing (global)	IUCN Red List
Range	Tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, especially coral-reef habitat	NOAA Fisheries

Identification

The hawksbill is named for its narrow, hawk-like beak, which it uses to reach prey in reef crevices (NOAA Fisheries). Its carapace is strikingly mottled in amber, orange, red, yellow, black, and brown, with serrated rear edges and overlapping scutes; there are four scales between the eyes and four scutes along each side of the carapace (NOAA Fisheries). Adults are about 2–3.5 feet long and weigh roughly 100–150 pounds at maturity; hatchlings are only 2–3 inches and mostly brown (NOAA Fisheries).

Ecology and behavior

Hawksbills are closely tied to coral reefs and feed primarily on sponges, though they also take algae, corals, mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins, small fish, and jellyfish (NOAA Fisheries). This sponge-feeding helps shape reef community structure. Lifespan is estimated at 50 years or more, though it is not precisely known (NOAA Fisheries). As with all sea turtles, females return to nest in the region where they hatched; specific behavioral claims should be cited to published research and confirmed in review.

Conservation status and threats

The IUCN Red List assesses the hawksbill globally as Critically Endangered (2008 assessment) with a decreasing population trend, reflecting a global decline of roughly 80% or more over three generations (IUCN Red List). In the United States it is listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act and is on CITES Appendix I (NOAA Fisheries; CITES). NOAA Fisheries identifies leading threats as illegal harvest for "tortoise shell" and eggs, bycatch in gillnet and hook-and-line gear, habitat loss from coastal development and climate change, vessel strikes, marine debris ingestion, and predation of eggs and hatchlings by introduced species. Report figures as the cited authorities state them; a reviewer should confirm specifics.

How to observe responsibly

This page does not provide approach guidance. Follow a reviewed observation guide and local regulations, which set minimum distances and nesting-season protections. Never disturb nesting females, hatchlings, or nests, and never use lights on nesting beaches — artificial light disorients hatchlings (ETHICS.md; NOAA Fisheries). As a Critically Endangered species targeted by the tortoiseshell trade, the hawksbill is especially sensitive: this page publishes no precise nesting beaches or reef aggregation sites, only regional granularity. Never buy tortoiseshell products. Choose operators that keep their distance and never handle turtles.

How you can help

• Refuse to buy "tortoiseshell" jewelry, combs, or curios — demand drives the illegal trade.
• Log sightings to a recognized citizen-science platform (see the iNaturalist dataset card).
• Support reef protection and bycatch-reduction work through credible organizations such as the Olive Ridley Project.
• On nesting coasts, support lights-out and beach-protection programs.