Hawksbill turtle coming at you
This hawksbill turtle had no fear of me as it nearly bowled me over while wandering thru the coral reef. They are such prehistoric looking creatures, gentle, graceful and worthy of our protection and respect. Taken at Pelican Beach Resort.
The hawksbill turtle gets its common name from the shape of its curved, pointed beak, which resembles that of a bird of prey. They use this beak to feed on sponges and other invertebrates growing on coral reefs.
Sea turtles have played vital roles in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans for more than a 100 million years. They maintain healthy sea grass beds and coral reefs which provide critical habitats for other marine life and help to balance delicate marine food webs.
Photograph by Tony Rath
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