The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys. The species has a worldwide distribution, with Atlantic and Indo-Pacific subspecies.
The hawksbill’s appearance is similar to that of other marine turtles. In general, it has a flattened body shape, a protective carapace, and flipper-like limbs, adapted for swimming in the open ocean. E. imbricata is easily distinguished from other sea turtles by its sharp, curving beak with prominent tomium, and the saw-like appearance of its shell margins.
Hawksbill shells slightly change colours, depending on water temperature. While this turtle lives part of its life in the open ocean, it spends more time in shallow lagoons and coral reefs.
Stamp Releases
1971 Definitive Series – 4c Hawksbill Turtle
1971 Definitive Series (New Values) – 6c Hawksbill Turtle
1978 – 1976 Definitive Series (New Values II) – 25c Hawksbill Turtle
1971 – Dexter Press Inc (DT-74800-C Series – Type A)
