The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a reef turtle named for its sharp, hooked beak, and it is the most threatened of the five sea turtles found in Sri Lanka. Its beautiful shell was for centuries the source of tortoiseshell, and that trade killed millions of animals. It nests here only occasionally, but it can be seen feeding on the island's coral reefs.
How do you identify a Hawksbill Turtle?
Look for the beak and the edge of the shell. The closest lookalike is the Green Turtle, which has a short, rounded snout and a smooth shell.
- Beak: narrow, sharp and curved, more hooked than on any other sea turtle.
- Shell: thick plates that overlap like roof tiles, richly patterned in amber and brown, with a saw-toothed rear edge.
- Flippers: two visible claws on each front flipper.
- Size: adults reach up to about 1 m and average about 80 kg. The heaviest on record weighed 127 kg.
What does the Hawksbill Turtle eat?
Sponges make up about 70 to 95% of its diet, and it is choosy about which ones it eats. The narrow beak lets it reach into cracks in the reef. It also eats algae, seagrass, molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates.
Why was the Hawksbill Turtle hunted?
Its shell was the source of tortoiseshell, used for combs, jewellery and inlay. One study estimated that about nine million Hawksbills were killed for the trade between 1844 and 1992. International trade is now banned under CITES, and Japan stopped importing the shells in 1994. Despite this, some illegal trade continues.
How do Hawksbill Turtles nest?
Females lay around 140 eggs in a clutch, and the eggs hatch after about 60 days. Hawksbills grow slowly: in the Indo-Pacific they may take 30 years or more to reach maturity, so losses take a very long time to recover.
Where can you see Hawksbill Turtles in Sri Lanka?
The reef is your best chance, as nesting is only occasional. Hawksbills have been recorded nesting at Kosgoda, Induruwa, Rekawa and Bundala.
- Pigeon Island: Hawksbill and Green Turtles are regularly seen on this east coast reef.
- Hikkaduwa: the reef here is an easy snorkel on the southwest coast, though sightings are never guaranteed.
To plan a visit, see our guides to turtle watching and the baby turtle release, or read about all the sea turtles of Sri Lanka.
Is the Hawksbill Turtle endangered?
Yes. The IUCN Red List has classed it as Critically Endangered since 1996, after an estimated 80% decline over the past 100 to 135 years. Beyond the old shell trade, it is threatened by fishing gear, the collection of its eggs, pollution and the loss of nesting beaches to coastal development. All sea turtles are protected by law in Sri Lanka.
How should you behave around Hawksbill Turtles?
- Keep your distance on the reef. Do not chase or touch a turtle, and take care not to touch the coral.
- Never buy tortoiseshell. Avoid any souvenir that may be made from it.
- Choose a responsible operator. Look for one that briefs guests on wildlife before they enter the water.
Sri Lanka's other sea turtles are the Green Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle.
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