Marine turtle nesting at Patara, Turkey, in 2000

The reproduction of the sea turtle population at Patara in southern Turkey was investigated in 2000. Two Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests were identified, which is the first record for the area, and the westernmost nesting site in the Mediterranean. 85 Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) nests were found, but hatchlings emerged from only 19 of them. Beach erosion and the covering of nests by shifting sand dunes was responsible for the loss of 54% of all nests. Although 72% of all emergences occurred on the eastern half of the beach and 74% of all clutches were laid there, there was no significant difference found in nesting success between both beach sections, which differ markedly in structure and human impact.