Posted by New Delhi: In the past few months, India has witnessed several new marine, wild and avian species for the first time. While winter showcased a glimpse of several avian species, the beginning of summer has spotted light on a critically endangered marine species. In a recent development, Chennai has witnessed the presence of a critically endangered Hawksbill turtle for the first time. The critically endangered species was spotted by a group of fishermen in Chennai’s Besant Nagar.
Is it common to witness Hawksbill turtles in India?
Although the Chennai beach has witnessed a few dead Hawksbill turtles wash ashore in the ocean currents in the past, it has witnessed a live Hawksbill turtle for the first time. The presence of a baby Hawksbill turtle has surprised the volunteers of the Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN), who identified the turtle species after fishermen posted pictures of the same in a WhatsApp group. Following the information, the volunteers also patrolled the entire beach for nest. However, they returned empty handed. The conservationists are still searching how the baby reached the beach.
In India, Hawksbill turtles are mainly found in the Andaman Islands, the Lakshadweep Islands and a few beaches in the Nicobar Islands such as Indira Point. Additionally, some turtles were spotted in Tamil Nadu at the Gulf of Mannar, which is rich in coral reefs, on some occasions.
What makes Hawksbill turtle highly-valuable in market?
The Hawksbill turtle has been named after their narrow, pointed beak, which resembles the sharp Hawk’s beak. Additionally, this species of turtle also has a unique pattern of overlapping scales on their shells that gives saw like view to the edge of their cover. The colourful scales and unique pattern over it make the turtle highly valuable in the market. Notably, they are sold as “tortoiseshell” in markets.
The home and food and nesting habits of Hawksbills
The tropical oceans, especially coral reefs, across the globe serve favourable home to Hawksbills. They primarily feed on sponges. They use their narrow, pointed beaks to extract them from crevices on the reef. Sometimes, they also prefer eating sea anemones and jellyfish.
Sea turtles, a group of reptiles that have existed on Earth and ventured into the seas for the last 100 million years, are a crucial link in marine ecosystems. They play a significant role in maintaining the health of sea grass beds and coral reefs.
With an average length ranging between 2.5 and 3 feet, the hawksbill considered as one of the smaller sea turtles. An adult Hawksbill can weigh between 46 and 70 kg.
Nesting between 3 and 6 times per season, the Hawksbills basically nest at a gap of 2 to 4 years. Due to a declining population, this special creature has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN red list.