Global numbers are very difficult to estimate but it appears that the hawksbill turtle has suffered a drastic decline, probably by as much as 80 percent over the last century (1). Major threats to survival come from illegal trade in the turtle's prized shell, known as tortoiseshell, which has been sought for jewellery and ornaments for centuries. There is also a substantial market for eggs, meat and even stuffed juveniles as exotic gifts in some parts of the world (10). Additional pressure on the global population comes from harvests to support traditional customs, the loss of nesting sites, accidental entanglement in fishing lines and the deterioration of coral reef systems which act as feeding sites for these turtles (11).
A further threat to the hawksbill turtle is global climate change. Average global temperatures are predicted to increase by at least 2 degrees Celsius in the next 40 years due to climate change. An increase in the temperature of the sand used for nesting could have serious consequences for the hawksbill turtle, as gender of the hatchlings is determined by incubation temperature. The outcome of this is likely to be a skewed sex ratio, which could threaten the stability of hawksbill turtle populations in the future (1) (12) (13).
Ocean levels are thought to have risen at an average rate of 1.8 millimetres per year since 1961. Ocean levels are predicted to rise even more rapidly in the future, while increases in storm frequency and severity are also expected. This is likely to lead to increased beach erosion and degradation, which could wash away hawksbill turtle nests and decrease nesting habitat (1) (12) (13).
Changes in ocean currents are also expected due to climate change. This may affect juvenile hawksbill turtles in their migrations following hatching, as well as adults’ navigation (1) (12) (13).