Which sea turtle species is critically endangered and has a hawk-like beak?

The hawksbill sea turtle is the critically endangered sea turtle known for its sharp, hawk-like beak. Its scientific name is Eretmochelys imbricata, and it is the only living species in the genus Eretmochelys.

The curved beak helps hawksbills reach food from crevices in coral reefs. Their diet includes sponges, which many other marine animals avoid because of their abrasive or toxic compounds. Hawksbills spend much of their time in warm, shallow coastal waters, especially lagoons and reef systems, although they also travel through the open ocean.

People often confuse hawksbills with green turtles or loggerheads because all are marine turtles with flipper-like limbs and hard shells. The hawksbill’s distinctive beak and overlapping shell plates are useful clues. Its shell was historically used to make tortoiseshell ornaments, combs, and jewelry.

The species faces threats from accidental capture in fishing gear, illegal trade, coastal development, pollution, and the destruction of nesting beaches. The IUCN upgraded its classification from Endangered to Critically Endangered in 1996.