Hawksbill Sea Turtle

This turtle is commonly known as "pawikan" in the Philippines.Its scientific name is Eretmochelys imbricata. It is called hawksbill turtle because it possesses distinct features with a mouth which has a resemblance to that of the bill of a bird. It also has a general bird-like appearance supported by its extended head and sharp facial look. It is seen all the way though the Philippine archipelago but mostly found in the bodies of water nearby Bicol region and the islands of Palawan, Samar and Mindoro. It doesn't usually go in the deep portions of water for it prefers to stay at coastlines where in there is an easy access to a huge number of sponges and to sandy nesting sites.The hawksbill tutle, a wonderful specie in the sea belongs to the group of creatures considered as at risk of extinction.It is included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I. Therefore, illegal trading of this kind of turtle is highly discouraged because it is nationally and internationally preserved and guarded by laws.