Beautiful sea turtle works hard to get its meal in the crevice
Hawksbill sea turtles are the most beautiful of all sea turtles. Their ornate shells are decorated with green, brown, and golden markings, making them a true to delight to see on the reef. But their beauty was nearly their downfall as the demand for their shells brought them perilously close to extinction. Hunted to make brush handles and jewelry boxes, the number of hawksbill sea turtles plummeted in the last two centuries. Although they are making a comeback, they are still listed as critically endangered.
Strict laws now prohibit the use or exportation of turtle shells like these. Conservation efforts and education have also helped to ease the pressure on these beautiful animals. They are carnivores because they eat sponges, which are also animals, and they eat coral. But the hawksbill helps keep algae at bay on the reef, which helps with the health of the coral. Their absence would leave a hole in the ecosystem that would have detrimental effects on the ocean.
This magnificent turtle is a large one, and likely to be at least 50 years old. Some turtles live more than 100 years but the true longevity of hawksbills is unknown. They have many predators in the early years, including crabs, birds, and fish. But once they reach maturity at about 20 years of age, their shells act as sufficient protection from all but large sharks and orcas. Habitat loss and fishing nets also continue to be a serious threat for the turtles.
This large female was busy trying to get at a yellow sponge that had grown in the crevice under some coral. Determined, the turtle broke off chunks of coral and rubble to get at the tasty meal beneath. The videographer spotted the turtle from quite a distance. Hoping to get a close look without disturbing the turtle, he made a very slow and cautious approach. The turtle kept an eye on the scuba diver at first, but soon realized that the clumsy human meant her no harm. She carried on eating without reaction. Usually, hawksbills are shy and reclusive. They will not allow a close approach under most circumstances. Even among their own species, they are not social animals and they will only gather together to mate.
This beautiful animal was a joy to see so close up. This is a dive that the scuba diver will not soon forget.
-
1:14
WildCreatures
12 days ago $0.76 earnedSanctuary guest has dream close up encounter with sloth
4.03K5 -
LIVE
The Amber May Show
3 hours agoReAwaken America Tour Detroit, MI - DAY 2 | Join General Flynn, Eric Trump, Kash Patel, Mayor Giuliani & Team America + Request Tickets for October 18-19 Selma, NC At: TimeToFreeAmerica.com
2,234 watching -
12:23
Freakin' Reviews
18 hours agoRice Robot Review: One-Touch Rice Cooker? | As Seen on TV
5.56K19 -
5:45
Game Developer
22 hours agoHow To Become A Game Dev (While Working A Full Time Job)
10.2K8 -
4:16
ryanhoguepassiveincome
1 day agoElevate Amazon Ads brand content with your Brand Store
12.1K4 -
16:19
RealReaper
18 hours agoThe Acolyte Is Unwatchable
11.2K30 -
11:29
Ethical Preparedness
13 hours ago2 EASY Ways: Make Insect Bite & Sting Medicine - Medical Prepping for SHTF - Natural Medicine
21.9K4 -
15:52
JoBlo Horror Originals
1 day agoThe Watchers Review: Shyamalans Sure Do Love Their Twists
16.8K2 -
31:49
MichaelBisping
1 day agoBISPING & ANIK: Is Conor McGregor INJURED?! | Who Could Replace Him? | What's next for Poirier?
13.1K6 -
16:00
Space Ice
19 hours ago'Resident Evil: Retribution' Is So Bad It's Like Looking Into A Mirror - Worst Movie Ever
14.9K15