Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill turtles have beautiful, mottled shells. Because of their beautiful patterned shells, the shells are often sold in markets, valued highly. These turtles have pointed beaks which give them their name, the Hawksbill turtle. Hawksbills are critically endangered.

Hawksbill turtles live in tropical areas in the midst of coral reefs. They mostly eat sponges but also eat sea anemones and jellyfish.

According to WWF, "Hawksbills help maintain the health of coral reefs. As they remove prey such as sponges from the reef's surface, they provide better access for reef fish to feed.  They also have cultural significance and tourism value.  For example, for local residents in the Coral Triangle, the flow of visitors who come to admire turtles is a vital source of income."

Info and image from https://worldwildlife.org/species/hawksbill-turtle