Sea turtles of Cyprus ⋆ KiprGuru

26 0 22.07.2024

Content

• Introduction
• Turtles of Cyprus
• Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle)
• Caretta caretta (Loggerhead)
• Where can I see turtles?

Turtles have long been the hallmark of Cyprus.Two rare species of sea turtles live here and leave offspring: the green turtle (lat. Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead or loggerhead turtle (Latin Caretta caretta). These turtles are listed as endangered animals. They were brought to the brink of extinction by their close proximity to humans: the destruction of their habitat by human buildings, as well as the emergence of tourism in turtle nesting areas.

Evgeny KiprGuru

Turtles of Cyprus

On March 23, 2000, the American Turtle Rescue Society publicly celebrated World Turtle Day for the first time. The main purpose of the holiday is to draw people’s attention to the problem of rapidly decreasing turtle populations. After all, it was man who became the main cause of death of these animals. By the way, expensive gourmet dishes are still prepared from turtles, scallops, jewelry and souvenirs are made from shells. Many animals die under the wheels of cars, due to pollution of the habitat.

Chelonia mydas (Green turtle). Green Bay (Protaras, Cyprus) @KiprGuru

However, Cyprus was one of the first in Europe to take very serious measures to restore populations of rare animals and preserve their habitat. Since 1971, turtles and their nests have been under state protection. Today, the Governments of the two countries, the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, have established and are financing environmental organizations. Turtle beaches are declared protected, hotels are not built there and umbrellas are not even dug in. During the breeding season of turtles, intensive monitoring of the beaches is carried out, special nets protect the precious masonry from tourists and small predators. Additional incubators are being created. “Night watches” are being organized to monitor new masonry.

Chelonia mydas (Green turtle). @KiprGuru

World Turtle Day is also celebrated in Cyprus: volunteers clean turtle beaches, hold information campaigns. Nature conservation sites are free to visit, but there are restrictions in order to avoid a large influx of tourists. By the way, those who wish can sign up for a group of volunteers who carry out day duty and night raids. Many sign up as volunteers with the main goal of seeing the miracle of the birth of little turtles. But not everyone succeeds in becoming such lucky people.

Chelonia mydas (Green turtle). @KiprGuru

Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle)

The green sea or soup turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a fairly large turtle with a shell length of 0.8 to 1.5 meters and a weight of 70 to 200 kg (rarely reaches 2 meters and weighs up to 400-500 kg). He spends the first years of his life at depth, feeding on jellyfish, shellfish, and crabs. As turtles age, they become vegetarians. Puberty begins at the age of 10.

Scientists have found out that turtles return to lay eggs in the same place where they were born, even if they need to travel a thousand kilometers to do this. The males set off with the females, but do not go ashore. Females come ashore at night, dig holes in the sand and lay from 50 to 200 eggs, bury them with sand. One turtle can make 2-5 clutches in a season. The incubation period lasts 1.5-2 months, the sex of the future turtles depends on the temperature. After hatching from eggs, the turtles tend to go to sea to hide from enemies, grow up and gain strength, and after many years they will return here again.
The delicious meat and eggs of the green turtle put it on the brink of extinction. Today, its use in food is not only prohibited in many countries, but also criminally punishable.

Chelonia mydas (Green turtle). @KiprGuru

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is slightly smaller, with a shell length of 0.8 to 1.2 meters and a weight of 60 to 150 kg. It feeds on shellfish and crustaceans, fish, jellyfish, sponges and algae. Puberty begins at the age of 10.

Turtles can travel 2-3 thousand kilometers to lay eggs. Males go with the females, mating takes place near the shore, then the females come ashore. Eggs are laid at night, in a sandy nest, 100-150 eggs in a clutch. The incubation period lasts 1.5-2 months, then the turtles hatch and rush to the sea.
Considering the meat of loggerheads to be tough and not very tasty, the man ate turtle eggs. Unlimited egg collection and brought the species to the brink of extinction. The turtle is listed in the Red Book as a vulnerable species, the collection and consumption of eggs is prohibited in most countries.

Where can I see turtles?

In Cyprus, you can easily see turtles (mostly Green turtles) even in the area of resort towns. They are often found in the area of Protaras beach and Ayia Napa. You can only see them in the water. The probability of encountering a turtle is much higher in the morning (from 7:00 to 8:00 am) and in the late afternoon (from 17:00 to 19:00).

If we talk about popular beaches, the most common turtles are on Green Bay, Konnos Bay, Nissi. On provincial beaches in Perner or Paralimni (near Protaras), the probability of seeing turtles is even higher.

Let’s focus on the most win-win option. We go to the Green Bay Bay — practically with a guarantee here you can swim with turtles early in the morning. Well, if you are not lucky and the turtles will not keep you company, it will still be interesting and beautiful — large flocks of fish feed here, there are several underwater sculptures and generally a beautiful bottom relief.

You will need a mask with a tube + fins or coral slippers. If you didn’t bring all this with you, it will be enough to buy some cheap ones at local shops. Then you will need to get from your hotel (you can take a city bus) or walk (if you live nearby) to this place (landmark — the Cavo Maris hotel is located nearby):

Then, we look for the entrance to the water we need. It is difficult to describe it — it is just a small platform on the rocks, from which it is convenient to go down into the water. It is better to look for this place by the label on the map:

Go into the water, swim about 25 meters away and you will see a small sculpture park at the bottom. You can take a loaf with you — feed the fish (just do not throw the package into the sea!). 

Turtles live in the nearby bay. Sometimes it’s quite difficult to notice them right away, sometimes you need to wait for them to arrive. Be patient and swim around the perimeter of the bay — you will see about the same as in my videos:

Underwater safari “Green Turtle” (my author’s journey) Safari “Green Turtle” – report video from 08/05/2022 (Cyprus)

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