Habitat / Behavior:  Hawksbill turtles live in clear, littoral waters of mainland and island shelves. Frequently individuals of several year classes are found together in the same feeding grounds. Studies of migration have revealed short as well as long distance movements betweeen nesting beach and nearest feeding ground (Marquez, 1990). In the Philippines, El Nido, Palawan and Lagunoy Gulf in the Bicol Region have been confirmed as developmental habitats for hawksbill. They prefer isolated islands to lay their eggs.
Diet: Primarily carnivorous by nature but it also eats coral, sponges, algae and tunicates as well as marine debris, crustaceqans and mollusks.
Threats: Exploitation of its durable carapace (tortoise-shell/bekko), which is used in the manufacture of jeweltry case, bangles, eyeglass frames etc.
Interesting Information: The hawksbill is the only known spongivore marine reptile.
Conservation Efforts/Measures: Fisheries Administrative Order No. 88 , Fisheries Administrative Order No. 36, Ministry of Natural Resources Memorandum Order No. 06, Ministry of Natural Resources Special Order No. 201, Ministry of Natural Resources  Administrative Order No. 33, Ministry of Natural Resources  Administrative Order No. 34, Ministry of Natural Resources  Administrative Order No. 08, Executive Order No. 542, Fisheries Administrative Order No. 76, Fisheries Administrative Order No. 36, DENR General Administrative Order No. 02, DENR General Administrative Order No. 36, DENR General Administrative Order No. 36 series 1991

Photograph Information:courtesy  of this website: http://www.4wch.com/lanka/wildlife/herps.htm