Hawksbill Sea Turtle Jewelry

Many thousands were killed and some still are to make tortoise shell combs mirrors jewelry and other items.

Hawksbill sea turtle jewelry.

Beginning of a dialog window including tabbed navigation to register an account or sign in to an existing account. The greatest threat to hawksbill sea turtle is the harvesting for their prized shell often referred to as tortoise shell in some countries the shell is still used to make hair ornaments jewelry and other decorative items. But in central america and southeast asia many countries still illegally sell tortoiseshell products that are made from the shell of the endangered hawksbill sea turtle nicaragua is the main offender in central america but there have been reports of hawksbill turtle shell products for sale in tropical countries around the world. The hawksbill sea turtle is a small agile turtle with an oval shaped body.

They are known for their beautiful brown shell mottled with dark and light spots and streaks which was once commonly used to make tortoiseshell jewelry. Hawksbill sea turtles are one of the most beautiful and important species in the ocean. A new study examines the scale of the trade in endangered hawksbill sea turtle shells over the span of nearly 150 years. Their diet consists mainly of sponges that live on coral reefs.

Hawksbill turtles are found throughout the tropical waters of the atlantic pacific and indian oceans. Both registration and sign in support using google and facebook. The reptile has powerful toothless jaws and a raptorlike beak which earned the hawksbill its name. This beak is perfectly suited for crushing biting and tearing food.

This practice is illegal but still occurs in some countries. Photograph by david doubilet nat geo image. Photograph by david doubilet nat geo image collection animals wildlife watch. They help coral reefs thrive by eating sponges and are a thrill for divers and snorkelers to see in the wild.

The beautiful ornate shell of the hawksbill sea turtle has been its downfall. In most countries tortoiseshell is now made from plastic. Today loss of coral reef habitat around the world is the primary threat to hawksbill turtles. The hawksbill sea turtle is a small to medium sized turtle with shell lengths up to 36 inches.

Endangered hawksbill sea turtles are illegal to trade internationally but japan s thriving domestic trade is hampering the recovery of the species. But they have been hunted to the edge of extinction for their colorful shell.