Population and nesting ecology of the Green Turtle,Chelonia mydas, and the Loggerhead Turtle,Caretta caretta, in northern Cyprus

Abstract The reproductive ecology of marine turtles in northern Cyprus, during the nesting seasons of 1992–1995, is described. Nesting was monitored on 88 beaches. Caretta caretta was found to be more widely distributed, nesting on 84 beaches, compared to the 56 on which Chelonia mydas nested. Up to 461 C. mydas and 519 C. caretta nests were recorded in any one season. These may constitute up to 30% and 10% of the estimated Mediterranean nesting populations of these species, respectively. Data are presented regarding spatial and temporal distribution of nesting, reproductive parameters, fate of nests and threats faced. The main threats to these populations were found to be: potential beach development for recreational use, sand extraction, incidental catch in fisheries, pollution and nest depredation by foxes and feral dogs.