Did you know that the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is the very first reptile to exhibit biofluorescence? Yes!
Scientists discovered Hawksbill Sea Turtles can absorb blue light on its’ surface and reemit different colors of light, mostly green, orange, and red. However, special filters on the camera are needed to see these amazing lights.
Bioluminescence is known to help the species communicate with each other, are off predators and attract prey.
Sea Turtles are considered to be very important in keeping the ocean healthy. They graze on the seagrass which helps stabilize the ocean floor from erosion. Healthy seagrasses provide shelter and food for many marine life in the ocean.
The sea turtles also help controlling the jellyfish population.
The conservation of sea turtle’s nesting sites attracts many tourist which helps the coastal community’s economy.
Unfortunately, the Hawksbill Sea Turtles are one of the critically endangered species. Aside form their natural predators bth on the beach and in the sea, some people harvest the sea turtle’s eggs and kill them for a living.
Reading about the Hawksbill Sea Turtles made me reflect.
Humans don’t need to have bioluminescence to reflect light. We just need to do what is right so that others can see the light through our actions.
Poem written by Salvacion Roselle Reyes.
Photo credit: Adobe Creative Clouds.