Habitat condition and nesting behavior of Hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata, population at Kimar Island Beach, Belitung District of Indonesia

Abstract

Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) which is categorized as endangered species is known from many aspects related to the habitat condition and nesting behavior. The current paper describes nesting activity, habitat condition and time period of nesting of the turtles nesting at Kimar Island Beach, Belitung District of Indonesia. The results of observation during a period of March – May 2007 revealed that: (i) the nesting season of hawksbill turtle in Kimar Island coincided with west monsoon to transition period during March-May 2007; (ii) the natural beach in Kimar Island is suitable for hawksbill nesting; (iii) there were six main phases for the turtle in the nesting process; and (iv) nesting was observed in about 95% of 146 individuals landed at the beaches and 5% did not lay eggs.