Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Zoology in the Middle East, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Long-term survey data are essential for evaluating the future status of sea turtle populations. At Akyatan Beach, both Green (Chelonia mydays) and Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) nest; however, the Loggerhead population is comparatively smaller. Over 12 years, the average number of nest was 18±9 (range = 9–44). Nest density averaged 0.81 nests per km (range = 0.41–2.0), and nest numbers showed a positive but non-significant increasing trend (r2=0.31, p=0.058). From 203 fully counted nests, the mean clutch size was 73±22.9 eggs. Overall hatching success was 22.0%, with 85.7% of hatchlings reaching the sea. When nests destroyed by predators such as Golden Jackals (Canis aureus) and Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) were excluded, hatching success increased to 59.2±38.3%. The mean incubation period across seasons was 48.6±2.5 days and showed a significant decreasing trend over the 12-year period (r2=0.21, p=0.003). This reduction in incubation duration is likely related to increasing sand temperatures that accelerate embryonic development. Our findings highlight the reproductive performance of Loggerheads in Akyatan Beach and the critical role of conservation efforts for this population.