The number of two species of Mediterranean tortoises (loggerhead and green turtle) has increased in the last thirty years. However, in Cyprus, recoveries are occurring at different rates. This is the conclusion reached by new research from the University of Exeter (UK).
To conduct the study, the researchers counted nests from 28 beaches. Thus, they found that green turtle nests have increased by 162% from 1993 to 2019, while loggerhead nests increased by 46%.
The team of researchers, from the University of Exeter (United Kingdom), the Society for the Protection of Turtles and the University of the Eastern Mediterranean considers that the difference is probably due to the higher mortality rates among loggerheads of all ages .
Several decades ago, turtles were hunted in this region (Cyprus) for their meat. However, it is now banned throughout the Mediterranean. This, together with the conservation of nesting beaches, has allowed turtle populations to recover, although scientists consider that it is necessary to protect the sea and the species that inhabit it more.
Threats they face
While this is quite encouraging news, loggerhead turtles face more threats than loggerhead turtles. This species moves through fishing grounds (sea areas where fishermen tend to set their nets) during the nesting season, while green turtles remain close to the beach. On the other hand, green turtles mainly feed on seagrasses, so they are less likely to be hunted as they spend most of their lives in protected habitats.
Furthermore, the research concluded that loggerhead turtle reproduction rates are stable. This could indicate that the species is not actually recovering due to the death of turtles (of all ages) rather than a lack of hatchlings. Thus, according to Damla Beton, a researcher at the Society for the Protection of Turtles, previous studies have concluded that many adult loggerhead turtles die when they visit Cyprus to breed.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the movements of this species and the threats they face in order to take conservation measures. Furthermore, despite the recovery of green turtles, their total population in the Mediterranean is estimated at only 3 400 adults, while their main reproductive areas are restricted in many areas.
