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Hawksbill Turtle
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[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is common to the Caribbean, where I found this one, diving the site "Playa Funchi" in the Washington Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire.
From the site http://www.turtles.org/hawksd.htm:
"The hawksbill is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. It is also listed as endangered throughout its range by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. An exhaustive review of the worldwide conservation status concluded that the hawksbill is suspected or known to be declining in 38 of 65 geopolitical units where information is available.
Severe declines were noted in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean region. It is sobering to consider that current nesting levels may be far lower than previously estimated. Despite protective legislation, international trade in hawksbill shells and subsistence use of meat and eggs continue unabated in many countries and pose a significant threat to the survival of the species in the region.
The most recent status review of the hawksbill in the United States recognized that numerous threats still exist despite a decade of protection.
Description
The following combination of characteristics distinguishes the hawksbill from other marine turtles:
two pairs of prefrontal scales
thick, posteriorly overlapping scutes on the carapace
four pairs of costal scutes (the anteriormost not in contact with the nuchal scute)
two claws on each flipper
a beak-like mouth, hence the name.
Additionally, on land the hawksbill has an alternating gait, unlike the leatherback and green sea turtles.
The carapace is heart-shaped in the youngest turtles and becomes more elongated as the turtle matures. The sides and rear portions of the carapace are sharply serrated in all but very old animals. The epidermal scutes that overlay the bones are the tortoiseshell so prized by commerce."
You can find more in the site, if you want.
Regards,
Zeca |
elefantino, Muscovado has marked this note useful Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
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Discussions |
Thread | Thread Starter |
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Updated |
To saguzar: buceo | zeca |
1 |
02-01 23:04 |
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- pvs
(14464) - [2007-02-01 2:21]
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Hi Jose,
A nice capture of this turtle,I like the colors,crop and framing,well done and TFS
Paul
Hola Jose,
Great macro shot, sharp and nice details
Aethetic image
Great shot.
Ben Lakitan
Hello really detailed and well composed.
Andrea
Hello Jose, well done on this big turtle, perfect details very crisp nicly composed and capture photo excllent work
TFS Kyle
- fchede
(562) - [2007-02-01 17:58]
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Belíssima Foto como sempre Zeca! Que tartaruga linda...gostei muito do fundo totalmente dark! Que nitidez nos olhos da bichinha...impressionante.
Hola Zeca, Bonito retrato de esta tortuga marina, buenos detalles. La sacaste en un acuario o buceando?
Saludos
Hernán
- tjasa
(602) - [2007-02-14 16:46]
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Hy Zeca!
Very interesting and beautiful photo. Great details. I like this blue line in eye and other colours are accented (hope this is the right word- my dictionary choose it :)
Thanks for all your critics and points, it`s been a while since I was here the last time. Have a nice day!
Tjaša
Hi Zeca,
Great turtle shot with superior quality, artistically done. BRAVO! tfs
Czaldy