Iztuzu Beach in the Ortaca district of the south-western province of Mugla is the main breeding ground of endangered loggerhead sea turtles. The beach is becoming vibrant as spawning season has started, and new breeding nests are emerging.
A female loggerhead sea turtle can build between three to five nests every two weeks. The breeding season continues until mid-July. Suleyman Ekici, a volunteer at the Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (DEKAMER), said that regular monitoring of loggerhead sea turtles continue each year. He said that baby loggerhead sea turtles are born until the end of September.
The centre’s staff are protecting the nests with special cages and the breeding area of sea turtles in Iztuzu Beach has been taken under the government’s protection. Visitors who would like to see these nests; the centre has a viewing area. Last year, more than 20,000 baby loggerhead sea turtles were released into the sea.
Source: Daily Sabah
