We are thrilled to share that one of our volunteers spotted the first turtle nest of the season last week at Lady’s Mile beach!
We hope nesting will continue in the area, as uncontrolled human presence and activities pose a direct threat to the species.
In Cyprus, we are fortunate to host two species of sea turtles: the Chelonia mydas (green turtle) and the Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle), which choose our island as a nesting ground. Female turtles, once they reach maturity, will return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs. This process requires a significant amount of energy, and any disturbance can force the turtle to abandon its nesting attempt.
When the eggs hatch, the baby turtles will climb to the surface of the sand and instinctively head toward the sea, guided by the reflection of the moon and the stars on the water. Sadly, only 1-2 out of every 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood.
From the moment they are born, turtles face many threats throughout their lives, most of which are human-induced, including:
- The alteration or destruction of their nesting beaches due to construction or activities such as restaurants, cafes, beach bars, or driving on the beach.
- Disturbance during the nesting season, including bright lights, human presence, and harassment both on the beach and in the sea.
- Direct or indirect destruction of nests from various beach activities like umbrellas, sunbeds, heavy structures, and unleashed dogs.
- Pollution, especially plastics, both in and out of the water.
- Ghost nets, which remain in the sea and often trap turtles (as reptiles, turtles breathe air and need to surface regularly. Getting trapped underwater for too long can cause them to drown).
- Increased boat traffic, especially from speedboats (propeller strikes can cause severe injuries such as amputations and even death).
We do not refer to natural predators here, as they are part of the food chain and do not have a significant negative impact on turtle populations.
It’s in our hands to protect them!
When visiting a sea turtle nesting beach, such as Lara (North and South), Toxeftra, Lady’s Mile, etc., it’s important to follow these basic guidelines:
- Do not disturb, move, or damage the protective cages around the nests.
- Do not bring dogs to the beach, especially unleashed.
- Do not camp or light fires on the beach.
- Avoid being on the beach after 7 PM and before 7 AM.
- Do not host beach parties on nesting beaches.
- Do not leave trash behind.
- Do not drive on the beach.
- Do not approach, chase, touch, or feed turtles.
- Choose not to participate in any activity that could potentially harm or stress the turtles.
