32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
It was July 1993 when ARCHELON researchers first encountered a young Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) on Kalo Nero Beach. Thirty-two years later, in the summer of 2025, the same turtle – now an “experienced” mother – returned to the same place to lay her eggs, breaking every previous record in the area.
“When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay,” report ARCHELON researchers.
The turtle with the code P4849 is now a living symbol of longevity. Since its first observation in '93, it has been recorded in 10 intermediate reproductive periods (every 2-7 years) in Kyparissia Bay, having made a total of 18 confirmed nests. It is very possible that she has also laid eggs in other years or has created additional nests that we simply did not detect.
“It’s mind-boggling to think that this turtle has been swimming in the Mediterranean Sea since before the use of mobile phones was even widespread, surviving thousands of dangers, only to return, each time, to where it was born,” says ARCHELON Volunteer Officer, Fryni Papanikolaou.
Although the absolute record for reproductive life belongs to a turtle that lays eggs in Zakynthos (37 years), this turtle proves that Greek beaches are critical life sanctuaries. Scientists estimate that the reproductive life of these creatures can exceed 40 years, something that the microchip technology (PIT tags) used by ARCHELON is expected to confirm in the coming years.
Mature female turtles with multi-year and repeated nesting are the foundation for the conservation of the population. Their protection is of crucial importance, as they ensure the natural renewal and long-term survival of the species in the Greek seas.
Be part of something bigger
Behind each of these recordings are the volunteers who spent the night on the sand. Turtle nesting monitoring in Kyparissia Bay is carried out by volunteers, under the supervision and guidance of experienced ARCHELON field researchers.
With volunteer applications for 2026 already open, ARCHELON invites those who want to experience the magic of nature up close, actively protecting sea turtles, to participate in the field projects. Become a volunteer and you might be the one who finds the next turtle that breaks the record for reproductive longevity!
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