divepix - Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

Aspect:	Oval flying saucer-like carapace, with relatively rough dark upper plates. The carapace is bordered by a number of smaller plates forming a relatively rough edge.
Population:	Now abundant, after near extinction in the early 1990s. Given the size of one of the specimens seen on some of the pictures below, they now seem to breed around Ilets Pigeon.
Notable feature:	Compared to the Green turtle, it has a very hawk-like upper beak, hence its name. See top left picture below for subtle differences with Green Turtle
Environment:	Usually found in open waters, down to 40 metres, often close to the botton in search of food (sponges are a favourite) but also close to rocky shores.
Behaviour:	Always an imperssive sight. Will suddenly soar to the surface to take a deep breath and dive straight back down to where it started, either to finish a meal or simply go back to sleep, often wedging itself under a rock ledge.