New sporadic nesting sites of Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) on the western Antalya coast, Türkiye

Abstract

Greece and Türkiye hold the most important nesting populations of marine turtles in the Mediterranean. In Turkey, the nesting population encompasses 21 beaches across the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, with 15 identified as crucial nesting sites for Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta). However, sporadic nesting also occurs beyond these beaches. To evaluate the significance of these sporadic nests for the overall population, a comprehensive survey was conducted along a 200 km coastline in the western Antalya province over two years. This effort led to the identification of three sporadic nesting sites. A total of 112 adult female Loggerhead Turtle emergences were recorded on these beaches, resulting in 54 instances of egg-laying. Although sporadic nesting is estimated to contribute only 1-2% to Türkiye’s total nests annually, these nesting areas serve as crucial reservoirs of turtles, vital for adapting to changing environmental conditions. The discovery of these sporadic nesting sites is credited to enhanced monitoring and conservation endeavors in Türkiye.

Keywords:

• Sea turtles
• nesting beaches
• nesting success
• hatching success

Acknowledgements

This study was a part of the first author’s PhD thesis. Permission for fieldwork and for handling and sampling of the turtles was granted by the Animal Ethics Committee of Pamukkale University and the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. Furthermore, we would like to thank anonymous volunteers who informed us about the nesting and hatching of Loggerhead Turtle, and guarding the nests during the breeding seasons.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Pamukkale University Scientific Research Projects Unit-BAP (Project No: 2023FEBE012).