endangered animals

Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Cheloniidae Species: Eretmochelys imbricata Current Status: The hawksbills are listed in Delaware Department of Natural Resources as an S. An S stands for an extremely rare but it is unknown to how rare it is. They have been on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources since 1973 Species Range: Hawksbills are found in primarily warm shallow coastal waters of Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These turtles live in different habitats during different stages of their life cycle. For the most part of their lives they live in the ocean, but, they are born on the beach and when they are a few days old they make their way to live on coral reefs. Diet: Their diet consists of sponges (an animal that lives in the sea) as well as grass and other plants from the bottom of the ocean. They will not eat all the plants because their jaw is not sharp enough to tear them. Sometimes they will eat dead remains of other creatures. Reproductive Cycle: Hawksbills breed the same way as other turtle, mating in shallow water near nesting beaches. This is the only time the adult turtles come out of the water. After the turtles mate the females then dig nests in the sand and lay their eggs there. In addition, these turtles lay about 140 eggs at one time and they are 44mm in diameter. Also, they take about 60 days to hatch. The sex is determination depends on the temperature. Once all the eggs have been laid the turtles then return to the water until next year when it is time to mate again. Interesting Facts: Did you know that Hawksbill is one of the two poisonous sea turtle? Their skin is very toxic, which can cause a serious illness if eaten. In additions, these turtles can live thirty to fifty years. Why are Hawksbills are Threatened: The reason that these turtles are threatened is that people find their shells attractive. People liked to make jewelry out of their shells. Also, humans in several other countries are eating their eggs. Furthermore, their habitat is being destroyed. Humans are destroying the coral reefs, which are homes to these turtles. In addition, oil spills also are destroying the turtle's homes. What Can We Do? We need to decrease the number of eggs that are being stolen by humans and other predators. Some countries have created nature reserves to breed the turtles to protect the eggs. If we do not protect them now it may be to late to save them form extinction. Works Cited	Dutch
"Encyclopedia Britannica online" - http://www.ed.com "Reptiles & Amphibians" - http://www.eNature.com
Written by: Hope	(geschreven door)