Republic of the Philippines

CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

BARILI CAMPUS
Cagay, Barili, Cebu City, Philippines
Website: http://www.ctu.edu.ph E-mail: cabarili@ctu.edu.ph
Phone: +6332 513-0641/ 516-1742

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SCIENCE,

BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION

DEPARTMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

Midterm Project

Endangered Species Profile

Name: Chadel Rose D. Gumandoy Course and Year: BSA-3 HORTICULTURE

1. Common Name:
Hawksbill Sea Turtle

2. Scientific Name:
Eretmochelys imbricata

3. Describe the animal’s habitat:

Hawksbills are found mainly throughout the world's tropical oceans, predominantly in
coral reefs. They feed mainly on sponges by using their narrow pointed beaks to extract
them from crevices on the reef, but also eat sea anemones and jellyfish.

4. List the animal’s principal sources of food.

Hawksbill turtles are omnivorous (feeding on both plants and other animals), but their
preferred food in many areas is sea sponges. They will also eat marine algae, corals,
mollusks, tunicates, crustaceans, sea urchins, small fish, and jellyfish.
 Republic of the Philippines
CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
BARILI CAMPUS
Cagay, Barili, Cebu City, Philippines
Website: http://www.ctu.edu.ph E-mail: cabarili@ctu.edu.ph
Phone: +6332 513-0641/ 516-1742

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SCIENCE,

BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION

5. List the animal’s principal enemies in the wild.

Hawksbill turtles, like all turtles, have a hard shell that discourages predators from trying
to eat them. Adult turtles are still consumed by humans, sharks, crocodiles, large fish,
and octopi. Terrestrial predators such as dogs, raccoons, rats, and humans commonly
rob nests.

6. What elements in the animal’s habitat are most important for its survival?
The ledges and caves of coral reefs provide shelter for resting hawksbills during the day
and at night. Beaches are paramount for healthy sea turtle populations since females
come to the shore to deposit their eggs into nests. Keep nesting beaches dark and safe
at night.

7. What factors are now threatening or endangering its survival?

Loss and Degradation of Nesting and Foraging Habitat
Direct Harvest of Turtles and Eggs
Poaching for their meat and shells
Predation of Eggs and Hatchlings
Ocean Pollution/Marine Debris
Bycatch in Fishing Gear
Climate Change
Vessel Strikes

8. What steps are being taken to protect and preserve the animal?
The major recovery actions for hawksbill turtles include:

Supporting research and conservation projects consistent with Recovery Plan priorities
Working with partners internationally to protect turtles in all life-stages
Protecting sea turtles on nesting beaches and in marine environments
Reducing bycatch in commercial, artisanal, and recreational fisheries
Reducing the effects of entanglement and ingestion of marine debris
Reducing vessel strikes in coastal habitats
Protecting nesting and foraging habitats

9. What are its chances of survival?

As a critically endangered species, the hawksbill sea turtle’s chances of future survival
are relatively limited. Hawksbill sea turtles’ low survival rates in the wild are caused by
natural predators and, recently, exacerbated by rising sea levels.
 Republic of the Philippines
CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
BARILI CAMPUS
Cagay, Barili, Cebu City, Philippines
Website: http://www.ctu.edu.ph E-mail: cabarili@ctu.edu.ph
Phone: +6332 513-0641/ 516-1742

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SCIENCE,

BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION
Sea turtles can live in seawater with no need for a freshwater source. They obtain
sufficient water from their diet and from metabolizing seawater. Like other marine
reptiles and seabirds, sea turtles have a salt gland to rid their bodies of excess salt. This
gland empties into the sea turtles' eyes.

10. What other steps could be taken to preserve this species?

Consulting with federal agencies to ensure their activities are not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of listed species
Eliminating the harassment of turtles on nesting beaches and foraging habitats through
education and enforcement
Eliminating the killing of turtles and the collection of their eggs
Protecting habitat and designating critical habitat
Rescue, disentanglement, and rehabilitation
Reducing bycatch

11. Why is it important to preserve this species?

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.
Green turtles grazing on seagrass is an important way to keep seagrass beds healthy.
They are important for coastal economies and native communities.
Hatchlings are an important source of food for many animals.
Turtles help control their prey.
Turtle nesting helps beaches.