Sources
http://www.esasuccess.org/caribbean.shtml#thumb
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricatause) use different habitats at different stages of their life
cycle [1]. Post-hatchling hawksbills occupy pelagic environments, taking shelter in weedlines that
accumulate at convergence zones [1]. They reenter coastal waters when they reach approximately 20
to 25 centimeters carapace length [1]. Coral reefs are used as resident foraging habitat by juveniles,
subadults and adults [1]. Along the eastern shores of continents where coral reefs are absent,
hawksbills are known to inhabit mangrove-fringed bays and estuaries [1]. They feed primarily on
sponges [1, 2]. Female hawksbills nest on low- and high-energy beaches of tropical oceans.
Throughout their range, hawksbills typically nest at low densities with aggregations consisting of a few
dozen, or at most a few hundred individuals [1]. Nests have been found on both insular and mainland
beaches where nests are typically placed under vegetation [1]. Migratory patterns of hawksbills are
not well known, although a reproductive migration is thought to take place [1, 2].
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/marine_turtles/hawksbill_turtle/index.cfm
Despite their protection under CITES, as well as under many national laws, there is still a large amount
of trade in hawksbills products, and this probably constitutes the major threat to the species.
Hawksbills declined globally by over 80% during the last century.
There are difficulties in accurately assessing population size, but a recent estimate of adult nesting
females of 8,000+ has been made. There are only 5 populations worldwide with more than 1,000
females nesting annually. There is evidence that a nesting colony on Milman Island in Queensland,
Australia is the largest hawksbill population in the world.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/h/hawksbill-sea-turtle/
Like other sea turtles, hawksbills make incredible migrations in order to move from feeding sites to
nesting grounds, normally on tropical beaches. Mating occurs every two to three years and
normally takes place in shallow waters close to the shore. The nesting procedure begins when the
turtles leave the sea to choose an area to lay their eggs. A pit is dug in the sand, filled with eggs,
and then covered. At this stage, the turtles retreat to the sea, leaving the eggs, which will hatch in
about 60 days. The most dangerous time of their lives comes when hatchlings make the journey
from their nests to the sea. Crabs and flocks of gulls voraciously prey on the young turtles during
this short scamper.
Like many sea turtles, hawksbills are a critically endangered species due mostly to human impact.
Hawksbill eggs are still eaten around the world despite the turtle’s international protected status,
and they are often killed for their flesh and their stunning shells. These graceful sea turtles are
also threatened by accidental capture in fishing nets.