Hawksbill Sea Turtles

STATUS: Critically Endangered

ABOUT

The Hawksbill Turtle is famed for its vibrantly patterned shell, sold as 'tortoiseshell' in markets at high prices. Each shell has a unique pattern of colourful, overlapping scales which give a serrated-look to the edge of the shell.

These coral-loving turtles swim in tropical oceans across the world. They use their narrow, pointed beaks for foraging on sponges in the crevices of reefs and occasionally for eating jellyfish and anemones. The Sea Turtle provides a crucial link within the marine ecosystem, helping in the upkeep of the coral reefs and seagrass beds. These gracious animals are a living representation of all the reptiles which have existed and travelled our waters for the last 100 million years.

Sea Turtle shells are still highly sought after because of their beautifully coloured carapace plates which are turned into pieces of jewellery and ornaments. Many national laws have been brought in to protect the Sea Turtle. But even with protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, there seems little difference in the illegal trade in tortoiseshell.

We aim to spread awareness about the tragic decline of Hawksbill Sea Turtles worldwide and to help reverse this trend by donating part of our proceeds to a charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of Sea Turtles.