Taxidermy Hawksbill Turtle
Latin: Eretmochelys imbricata
Size: Approx. 40.6cm x 40.6cm
Description: Victorian example of a taxidermy Hawksbill Turtle on original plaque. Circa 1890's
The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys. The hawksbill's appearance is similar to that of other marine turtles, having a generally flattened body shape, a protective carapace, and flipper-like arms, adapted for swimming in the open ocean. Hawksbill shells slightly change colors, depending on water temperature. While this turtle lives part of its life in the open ocean, it spends more time in shallow lagoons and coral reefs. Human fishing practices threaten populations with extinction. The World Conservation Union classifies the hawksbill as critically endangered, due to Hawksbill shells being the primary source of tortoiseshell material used for decorative purposes.