Protecting an emerging Hawskbill turtle nesting population in Indonesia
Conservation focus:
Hawksbill turtle
Scientific name:
Eretmochelys imbricata
Scientific classification:
Reptiles, testudines, cheloniidae
IUCN status:
EDGE status:
CR (Critically Endangered)
Rank 28
Threatened evolutionary history:
18
Conservation priority by EDGE rank / ecosystem
Why it matters
Of the seven species of sea turtles - an old clade of evolutionarily distinct reptiles - 3 are Vulnerable, 2 (including the Hawksbill turtle) are Critically Endangered, and one is Data Deficient. Despite considerable conservation efforts and significant conservation success, which lead to the downlisting of some species in the IUCN classification, all sea turtles keep facing significant threats from human interference.
Our contribution helps establish protection for a newly emerging nesting site in the Derawan Archipelago in East Kalimantan. It is expected that such a new, protected nesting site will significantly grow the still low numbers of the local population of this Critically Endangered species.
Project fast facts
Focal species' population trend
Decreasing
Local conservation attention
High
Range / Project area
Ecological role
The Hawksbill Turtle plays a key ecological role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems by feeding on sponges, preventing their overgrowth and supporting coral diversity. This function enhances reef resilience, benefiting thousands of associated marine species within the Coral Triangle of Southeast Asia.
Threats
The primary threat to this species is the poaching of eggs and adults. Its population has declined by about 80 percent in the past 100–135 years.
In Indonesia, the species has been heavily exploited for its beautifully patterned, semi-transparent scutes, which form the turtle's carapace. These scutes are processed into 'turtleshell' products such as jewellery, fans, hair accessories, combs, eyeglass frames, and decorative items. Despite international trade bans, these products are still openly sold on online platforms, sustaining demand and continued hunting.
The international trade of tortoiseshell resulted in the killing of approximately 9 million hawksbills (range 4.6 to 9.8 million) from 1844-1992.
Furthermore, illegal egg collection remains a major threat in Indonesia, driven by black-market demand for consumption. In addition, changes to the coastline, temperature shifts driven by climate change and habitat disturbance may influence nesting behaviour, but these dynamics are poorly understood due to a lack of targeted data and monitoring.
Grant
First awarded:
CHF 5000
8 May 2026
Rank 28
Programme owner
Turtle Foundation
Programme contact
Hiltrud Cordes
Project location
Southeast Asia, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Biduk Biduk, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Addressing the need: Project goals
Establish a targeted monitoring and protection system for Hawksbill turtles in the Derawan Archipelago in Indonesia
Monitor and tag nesting females, relocate nests to a hatchery, measure hatching success.
Conservation actions
Protection of critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles from poaching. Generate
robust data to inform future conservation strategies.
When patrols detect sea turtle nests, the eggs are brought to a safe hatchery.
Hatchlings congregate in the hatchery, driven by their urge to reach the ocean fast
This species is critically endangered throughout its global range, and strongly dependent on undisturbed nesting beaches.
When patrols detect sea turtle nests, the eggs are brought to a safe hatchery.