Hawksbill seaturtle

While young, their carapace is heart-shaped, and as they mature it extends. Their strikingly colored carapace has a notched edge and has overlapping scutes, or thick bony plates. Even though the diet consists mainly of the coral reef sponges, which are toxic to other animals caused by their spicules, Hawksbill Turtles are also omnivorous, or rather, they are opportunistic predators. Though they are one of the smaller subspecies of sea turtles, the Hawksbill Turtles are crucial for the overall health of the coral reefs. Their biggest natural enemies are the shark, the crocodile and octopuses, while humans are the greatest threat. The shell of the Hawksbill is highly sought after, and has been part of Eastern Asian culture for 300 years.