HAWKSBILL TURTLE

The CITES conference 2013 has been going on in Thailand this past few week where the candidates from different countries gathered together to discuss the issue of whether or not endangered species should be protected. Some find its important to keep these species, while others disagree most likely because whether or not they protect these endangered species, it would not affect their lifestyles in anyway.

Ertmochelys Imbricata, or well known as the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is one of the species that is considered as endangered. They are found in warm sea water and undergoes long distance migrations despite their environment condition. They stand out from other sea turtles with their sharp and curving beak and their saw-like shell. Hawksbills are usually found near coral reefs at feed on sea sponges (high toxic). It takes around 20-40 years to mature therefore its growing and reproductive rate is considered as very gradual.

According to scientists, the hawksbill population has declined for over 80% during the last century.

Hawksbill Turtle is the only species that exists from its genus; Ertnochelys, today and they are considered as a critically endangered animal that has to be conserved due to human impacts. Human, illegally, captures Hawksbill turtles to make jewelry and hunt for their eggs, meats and shells. Despite the pollutions by man, and climate change triggers and destroys their habitat. Hawksbills are very vulnerable to the coral reefs. Once that habitat are being affected from various factors, Hawksbills are also affected by it making them currently the world’s most endanger marine ecosystems.

As for the WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), they plan to save the hawksbill and other sea turtle species around the world by focusing on the protection of their habitats and their community since it is almost impossible to maintain or reduce the amount of pollution made without people’s will. With the hand from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), they declared that it is illegal to import or export turtle products, or to kill, harass or hunt for any sea turtles, especially for the hawksbills sea turtle.