Hawksbill Turtle hatchlings released for World Wildlife Day

Hawksbill Turtle is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. Hawksbills get their name from their unique beak-like mouth, which resembles that of a hawk and is perfect for finding food sources in hard-to-reach cracks and crevices. They are the only species of sea turtle that can survive on a diet consisting mainly of sponges. Hawksbill turtles play a key role in the function of marine ecosystems.

 

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09 or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories, the Hawksbill Turtle species are considered endangered. Similarly, all wildlife in the Philippines are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.