The Hawksbill Turtle

The Hawksbill Turtle is a critically endangered species worldwide. They are one of a few creatures able to eat high silica animals, such as sea sponges, which are highly toxic to humans. It has adapted to swimming in the open ocean and their unique shells change color depending on the water temperature. The Pacific sub-species Eretmochelys imbricata bissa, is especially rare because their flesh are treated as a delicacy in China and Japan.

But not in the Maldives. The Maldivian government has gone out of its way to protect one of nature's precious creatures. Even before the Hawksbill Turtles were declared critically endangered by the IUCN, the Maldives placed a 10 year ban on capturing and harvesting in 1995. Even with the ban, the Hawksbill population did not meet the legal requirement for a sustainable population. On January 2006, the Maldives continued the ban for another 10 years, as well as banning the collection of turtle eggs in certain regions.

Baa Atoll is a natural habitat for these creatures and is mostly found in the reefs located inside or inner side of the reefs. This atoll is well-known for its richness in marine diversity and is a natural habitat not just for the Hawksbill Turtle, but is also a rare mating site for the endangered Whale Shark and spot manta rays between the months July and October. With its teeming life and seamless beauty, it's no wonder why Maldives is being considered to be one of the seven new Wonders of Nature.

Because of the protection given by the government, the Maldives is one in a very few countries where you can view the Hawksbill Turtle in its natural habitat. Resorts like the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Soneva Fushi creates awareness among travelers through guided snorkeling and diving excursions with Marine Biologists to these natural habitats of the Hawksbill Turtle. Diva Maldives, recently voted by TripAdvisors readers as the most romantic experience in the Maldives is located just a short boat ride from these dive sites. To see one of nature's wonders, choose unwind® for a personal nature vacation.

Joshua Dick - Contributing Writer