Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are among our favorite marine animals and are the most frequently spotted sea turtles during scuba diving around Koh Tao.
Hawksbill turtles are amongst the smallest of the seven species of sea turtles. They measures between 76 and 89 cm and weighs an average of 40 to 69 kg and are easy to spot thanks to their pointed, beak-like mouth, which they use to pry open coral crevices and tear off chunks of sponges and other invertebrates. Their sharp beak also helps them fend off predators. They have a shell with a unique, mosaic-like pattern of overlapping scutes in shades of brown, gold, and orange, making each turtle’s shell one-of-a-kind. The carapace is heart-shaped with a serrated edge, and they have claws on their front flippers.
Behavior and Diet
Hawksbill turtles have fascinating behavior and a unique diet that sets them apart from other sea turtles. Solitary by nature, they often spend their time in coral reefs, using their sharp, bird-like beaks to reach into tight crevices and tear apart sponges. This specialized diet not only reduces competition for food but also helps maintain the balance of coral reefs by preventing sponge overgrowth. Hawksbills are also known for their resilience, eating venomous prey like jellyfish and toxic cnidarians that other marine life avoids. Remarkably, they are the first known reptiles to exhibit biofluorescence, absorbing light and re-emitting it in different colors, usually green or red. Though generally calm, they can be territorial about their feeding grounds. Their role in keeping reef ecosystems healthy makes their conservation even more critical.
Reproduction
Hawksbill turtles have a complex reproduction process. They reach sexual maturity at around 20 to 35 years old, after which they migrate long distances to return to their natal beaches - the very beaches where they were born - to lay eggs.
During nesting season, females come ashore at night to dig nests in the sand, where they lay clutches of around 100 to 150 eggs. This process can be repeated several times during the season, usually with two-week intervals between nesting. After about two months of incubation, the eggs hatch, and the hatchlings make their perilous journey to the sea, guided by the moonlight reflecting on the water.
Hawksbill turtles, like other sea turtles, face numerous threats during their reproductive cycle, including predation on eggs and hatchlings, as well as human impacts on nesting beaches. Their nesting behavior plays a vital role in maintaining their population, which is why protecting nesting sites is crucial for their survival.
Predators
Hawksbill turtles face numerous predators throughout their lives. As hatchlings, they are particularly vulnerable to seabirds, crabs, and fish during their perilous journey from the nest to the ocean. Many don't survive the trek.
Once they reach adulthood, their large size and tough shells protect them from most natural predators, but they are still at risk from sharks and large fish. However, their biggest threat comes from humans. Hawksbill turtles, the most endangered of the seven sea turtle species, have been hunted for their beautifully patterned shells, which are prized for jewelry and home decoration. Hawksbill eggs are also considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, and the turtles are hunted for their meat. In addition to these threats, hawksbills face dangers from ghost fishing, bycatch, plastic pollution, and marine debris, all of which have contributed to their critically endangered status.
Where to find The Hawksbill turtle on Koh Tao
Koh Tao offers several dive sites where you can have memorable encounters with Hawksbill turtles. Here are some of the top spots:
