Hawksbill Sea Turtle Skull

$115.00

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. Their global distribution is limited to tropical and subtropical marine & estuary ecosystems.

Description

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Skull Replica measures 7.1 inches. Hawksbill Sea Turtle Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in the USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle or Eretmochelys imbricata is a Critically Endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys. The species has a worldwide distribution, with Atlantic and Indo-Pacific.

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle or Eretmochelys imbricata appearance is similar to that of other marine turtles. In general, it has a flattened body shape, a protective carapace, and flipper-like limbs, adapted for swimming in the open ocean.

Several characteristics of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle distinguish it from other sea turtle species. Its elongated, tapered head ends in a beak-like mouth (from which its common name is derived), and its beak is more sharply pronounced and hooked than others. The Hawksbill’s forelimbs have two visible claws on each flipper.

One of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle or Eretmochelys imbricata more easily distinguished characteristics is the pattern of thick scutes that make up its carapace.

While its carapace has five central scutes and four pairs of lateral scutes like several members of its family, E. imbricata’s posterior scutes overlap in such a way as to give the rear margin of its carapace a serrated look, similar to the edge of a saw or a steak knife.

The turtle’s carapace has been known to reach almost 3 feet in length. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle appears to frequently employ its sturdy shell to insert its body into tight spaces in reefs.

Crawling with an alternating gait, Hawksbill turtle tracks left in the sand are asymmetrical. In contrast, the Green sea turtle and the Leatherback turtle have a more symmetrical gait.

Due to its consumption of venomous cnidarians, Hawksbill Sea Turtle flesh can become toxic. The Hawksbill sea turtle has been shown to be bio-fluorescent and is the first reptile recorded with this characteristic.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Facts:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Superfamily: Chelonioidea
Family: Cheloniidae
Subfamily: Cheloniinae
Genus: Eretmochelys
Species: E. imbricata
Binomial name: Eretmochelys imbricata
Conservation status: Critically endangered

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Additional information

Weight 3 lbs
Dimensions 7.1 in
World Sea Turtle Day - June 17th

World Sea Turtle Day, June 16th, is a celebrated to honor and highlight the importance of sea turtles. These creatures are magnificent in their own way. Not only are sea turtles beautiful animals, but they also show incredible perseverance and resiliency – after all, they have been nesting on beaches for millions of years. So of course they deserve their own day dedicated to their awesomeness!

World Sea Turtle Day would not be rightfully celebrated without mentioning, Dr. Archie Carr, Sea Turtle Conservancy’s founder and “father of sea turtle biology.” World Sea Turtle Day is celebrated the same day as Dr. Carr’s birthday, June 16th. Dr. Carr will forever be remembered for the enhancement of the sea turtle conservation movement and the legacy he has left behind.