Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
For the first time, a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) nest has been recorded on the island of Rhodes, indicating a potential expansion of the species' breeding range in the Mediterranean. The discovery was made by ARCHELON in June 2024 during surveys on the island's beaches within the framework of a sustainable tourism project, funded by the TUI Care Foundation.
The nest was located in Apolakkia Bay, on the western coast of Rhodes. On June 22, tracks of an adult green turtle were found leading to a nest containing 86 eggs, 78 of which successfully hatched.
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas, potentially due to rising sea temperatures linked to climate change.
"The discovery of green turtle nests in Rhodes is an important step in understanding sea turtle breeding patterns," said biologist Kostas Teneketzis, responsible for the survey. "This reinforces the need for ongoing monitoring and protection of turtle habitats."
In addition, during the surveys the ARCHELON team, together with researchers from Rhodes Aquarium - Hydrobiological Station of HCMR and other local volunteers recorded seven loggerhead turtle nests on the same beach, which is located in a NATURA 2000 site.
Monitoring and protection efforts will continue to fully understand this emerging breeding trend and contribute to the conservation of sea turtles.
Read more in the scientific publication
Online Presentation of Results 2024
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