Turtles and Zakynthos are mutual attraction. About me and not only Sea turtle mediterranean sea

Sea turtle named ... "caretta-caretta"

The huge big-headed loggerhead sea turtle, also known as the Caretta Caretta, is on the list of endangered species and therefore is carefully protected by the national laws of Greece. Where you can take a look at a rare animal, get to know it and even adopt it, ZagraNitsa will tell

Turtles with their heads out

The weight of a caretta-caretta can reach 160 kg (for comparison: domestic turtles weigh no more than 100–300 g). She is “heady” because she does not hide her head under the shell, as her close relatives do. Instead of paws, sea turtles have flippers, and now they are already hiding in the "house", like an aircraft landing gear. There are about 800 loggerheads left in the world, so the giant tortoises were listed in the Red Book.

turtle island

You can meet the carriage on the island of Zakynthos (or, as the Hellenes call it, Zakynthos). This place of 407 km² is the southernmost and warmest of the Greek islands.

It takes more than five hours (324 km) to get here by car from Athens. Buses run from the capital of Greece on weekdays. By plane, of course, faster, so if you do not mind 50 euros (ticket price in low season), go to international Airport Athens. An hour of flying - and you are on Zakynthos.

However, tourists are not embarrassed by any long road, no price - the spectacle is worth it! The island is fabulous beautiful nature: mountains covered with pine trees, olive and orchards and, of course, a clear, pure sea of ​​azure color. In addition, Zakynthos is indented with bays, so you can always retire here. Why not heaven?!

The coast of Zakynthos has the status of a national park. Caretta turtles are at ease here: they boldly come ashore to lay their eggs. On the island, you will see fenced-in areas with signs: "Caution, Protected Caretta Nest". Yes, the Greeks care about loggerheads!

Can you iron?

Just do not think that rare turtles walk in herds along the coast. Most likely to see them on the high seas. To do this, sign up for an excursion on a boat with a transparent bottom. The ticket price for an adult is 30 euros, for a child it is half the price. Daredevils can dive into the water with scuba gear and swim with the turtle. Caretta-carettas are very friendly: do not be afraid - they will not bite.

If you want to save money, wander or swim along the coast. First, a big dark shadow will appear... With a little patience, you will see a beautiful carriage in front of you. Turtles come up quite often to get air, so seize the moment.

Don't want to adopt?

If, after stroking a huge turtle, you suddenly feel tender feelings for it, there is a special offer for you. Caretta can be adopted, so to speak. Of course, they will not be allowed to take the turtle home, but taking an adult or newborn turtle under your financial custody is easy! To do this, you need to contact the Archelon Turtle Help Center, which is located in the Glyfada region in southern Athens.

For example, taking care of a turtle that has not yet hatched, actually an egg, will cost 30 euros per month. You will definitely be informed when the baby is born and leaves the nest, and then they will tell you how he got to the sea. Plus, they will give a personal certificate and memorable little things to be proud and remember that there is more one caretta turtle in the world.

"Adoption" of an adult is 20 euros more expensive. And if you want to sponsor an entire nest or sponsor an injured loggerhead, get ready to shell out 80 euros. The center assures: no fraud! You can visit your ward at least every day. If you are inspired, fill out the form on

The huge sea turtles Caretta-Caretta are already a legend in the Turkish Mediterranean. Sculptures of giant turtles, standing in an embrace, greet guests at the entrance to Belek. During boat trips, guides will certainly promise tourists that they will see turtles alive, and some beaches close after seven in the evening because of these legendary reptiles. But the most important period is autumn, when the tiny Carettas have to overcome the most dangerous path in their life.

Half past six in the morning, but very warm. The sea is gentle, the air is warm, although it is already autumn. We came to Cirali knowing that the Caretta Caretta turtles are hatching here, and now is the season. You just need to run to the beach in the morning and carefully look at the people walking by. But the sea quickly distracted us. And here, literally 25 meters from us, there is a clear “it”, and we are in chest-deep water. In general, they took us by surprise, but we are behind the cameras - and run. And there already some guys write in a special notebook how many pieces from which hole and at what time they got out.

The people of various colors lined up in two lines and cheered up with the welcoming cries of the kids, of which there were four. Uncles shout at onlookers so that they don’t inadvertently interfere. They drove me away when I was standing half a meter to the side of the turtle track - you never know, maybe the kid wants to turn?

There were four supervisors. And what? Responsible work! One makes notes, the other - with an important blamba on his chest, like the main one. He controls all the movements of the supervisors in relation to the turtles. Another one raises and lowers, and, if necessary, takes away the wire frames that are no longer needed, which are installed above the masonry, while the baby is still in the sand, into a common pile. And he also carries a bucket in which they put completely hopeless, weak turtles. And the fourth, apparently, so for the company.

The cubs hatched on the set day must sit in the sand for another 26 hours, which is probably why supervisors so carefully feel the place of laying. The palm goes vertically into the sand in several places in turn. If “something suspicious”, they use their palms, horizontal movements, layers, to rake the sand to the sides. Probably, being afraid to injure the kids, who have already decided to get out on their own. If they don’t find anything, they all bury it again, make appropriate notes in their notebook and put a wire frame over the masonry - until the next time.

While the turtles are crawling towards the water (and it's funny, the closer to the water, the faster they run, they even jump, as if they feel), the supervisors are very busy important matter. They carefully dig up the masonry - their former home, - everyone checks if there is anything else left there, counts the peel, put it back and bury the masonry. And they don't go anywhere until the turtles swim away.

And even if the turtle, which itself is still the size of 3/4 cigarette packs, rolls over, falling off a pebble on the beach, it does not need help. A specially trained uncle helps her with some strange, but more in an efficient way. He does not turn her over, but puts a finger on his hand, helping to strain his weak muscles and turn over herself.

As soon as the baby finally and confidently swims away, the supervisors collect their little things and go to the next clutch. The whole crowd is behind them.

Irina IVANOVA

On a note:

Three of the seven species of sea turtles living today are regularly observed in the Mediterranean Sea: Caretta-Caretta (Caretta-Caretta), green (Chelonia Mydas) and leatherback (Dermochelys Coriacea). The most common species is Caretta Caretta, but green turtles are found only in the Eastern Mediterranean, where the water temperature is higher. Their main breeding grounds are on the beaches of the South-East coast of Turkey - Kazanli (Kazanlı), Akyatan (Akyatan) and Samandag (Samandağ).

Turtles Caretta-Caretta are included in the list of endangered species of our planet of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The point is that they for a long time considered a delicacy not only in Far East, but also in some European countries(for example, France and Italy). These marine reptiles feed mainly on plant foods. They live in colonies.

Caretta-Caretta lays eggs only once every two to three years. Turtles go to the sandy shore and, using their hind legs, dig several holes. Then, having chosen, in their opinion, the most suitable one, they lay eggs there. One turtle can dig up to 80-100 holes, but for the entire masonry it will choose only one.

This exhausting procedure for turtles lasts about 60 days (from May to July). From July to September, small turtles begin to appear. They say that males are hatched at a temperature of 28.5 ° C, but for women's warmth more is required - 32 °C.

The cubs, hatched on the appointed day, get out of the hole and, guided by the moon, head towards the sea, carried away by instinct. During the period when the little turtles hatch from eggs, it is forbidden to kindle a fire or light a light, because it can deceive the cubs and they will go astray. You need to get to the water before dawn. Latecomers die from the hot sun or become food for birds. Instinct again leads adults to the place where they were born. Having hatched in one place, they return there already in order to give life to a new generation.

In Turkey, there are 17 beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs, among them the most important are Patara, the Göksu River Delta (Göksu), Belek - all of them have the status of protected areas.

Interesting Facts:

Turtles Caretta-Caretta live on Earth already 95 million years

Adult turtles reach the size 115-150 cm

Weight - approx. 70-90 kg

Average life span - no more 70 years old

One turtle can dig up to 80-100 holes for laying eggs

Betyuyab on the protection of turtles

According to Bulent Buyukiit, general manager of Betyuyab, due to the rapid development of tourism in the region, now the protection of the endangered species of tortoise Caretta-Caretta is one of the most priority areas activities of the Belek Investors Union (Betuyab). Every year, from May to August, vigorous work is carried out on the coasts of the region: the installation of barriers, the observation of turtles. For this, the Union invites specialists from all over the world, as well as volunteers - students from Turkey.

The protection of the Caretta-Caretta turtles in Belek is complicated by the fact that all 55 hotels are located on the coast. It's the extra light and sound that scares away the turtles and they just don't go to the beach. However, about 70 baby turtles hatch on the coasts of Belek every year. To continue their kind, turtles choose such hotels in Belek as: Paloma Grida Village, MegaSaray, Xanadu, Kaya, Maritim Pine beach, Rixos, Club Voyage Belek Select, Spice, Arcadia, Magic World, Sun Zeynep, Attalia Village.

Photos for the article

A species of sea turtle is regularly observed: Caretta-Caretta (Caretta-Caretta), Caretta-Caretta turtles are on the list of endangered animals. The fact is that for a long time they were considered a delicacy not only in the Far East, but also in some European countries (for example, France and Italy).
These marine reptiles have been living on Earth for 95 million years. Adult turtles reach a size of 115-150 cm, while their weight is about 70-90 kg.....
Caretta-Caretta lays eggs only once every two to three years. Turtles go out onto the sand and, using their hind legs, dig several holes, then, choosing, in their opinion, the most suitable one, they lay eggs there. One turtle can dig up to 80-100 holes, but it will lay all its eggs in only one of them. The process of laying eggs lasts for hours and experts say that the female turtle positive emotions at this moment does not experience at all.
This exhausting procedure for turtles lasts about 60 days (from May to July). And from July to September, small turtles begin to appear. They say that males are hatched at a temperature of 28.5 ° C, but for females, heat is required more - 32 ° C.
Cubs hatched on the appointed day,
moreover, they say, they still need to sit in the sand for 26 hours, which is probably why the supervisors feel the place of laying so carefully - the palm goes vertically into the sand in several places in turn.

If "something suspicious", they rake horizontally to the sides with their palms - in layers.

Probably, being afraid to injure the kids who have already decided to get out on their own :)

If they don’t find anything, they all bury it again, make appropriate notes in their notebook and put a wire frame over the masonry - until the next time.

Yes, so the kids get out of the hole and, guided by the moon, head to the sea, carried away by instinct. During the period when the little turtles hatch from eggs, it is forbidden to kindle a fire or light a light, because it can deceive the cubs and they will go astray. They should have time to get to the water before dawn and the heat came. Latecomers are destroyed by the hot rays of the sun or become food for birds. One of the most dangerous enemies on earth they have is a fox. Of course, even once at sea, the cubs cannot be considered completely safe. Not reaching a certain size, they serve as tasty food for fish.
Instinct again leads adults to the place where they were born. Having hatched in one place, they return there already in order to give life to a new generation.
In Turkey, there are 17 beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs, among them the most important are, for example, Iztuzu, Patara, the Gösu River Delta (Gösu), Belek - all of them have the status of protected areas.

I, in general, disagree about Belek, but it’s not for me to judge.
Well, we came here knowing that Caretta breeds here and that we need to run in the morning (we read w, but what about w!) To the beach and peer at the people walking by.

Oh. Only, having gone to the beach, well, we completely forgot about it - after all, the sea is the same! Half past six in the morning and very warm. And the sea is gentle and the air is warm and my temperature has been 38.2 since yesterday.

And then literally 25 meters from us - it is obvious. And we are in chest-deep water.
In general, they caught us by surprise, but we are for the cameras and run :)
And there already special uncles enter in a special notebook how many pieces from which number of the hole when they got out.

The people of various colors lined up in two lines and with very welcoming cries of the kids, of whom there were four, encourages.

Uncles shout at onlookers so that they don’t inadvertently interfere :) They drove me away when I was standing half a meter to the side of the highway - you never know, maybe the kid wants to turn?

In general, there were four supervisors. And figli? Responsible work!
One records does.

One - with an important plaque on his chest, like, the main one.

He makes all decisions about all the movements of the supervisors in the case of turtles.
One - raises and lowers, and, in case of need, takes away into the common pile the wire frames that are no longer needed, which are installed above the masonry, while the baby is still in the sand.

And he carries a bucket.
One - I don't know why, probably - for the company.
With a bucket is a separate issue: we watched four kids move towards the water. One of them was very weak. At all:(
It was put into this same bucket. Probably carried to the turtle cemetery :(

While the turtles are crawling towards the water (and it's funny, the closer they are to the water, the faster they run, even jump :) it seems that they feel it, even though they were born just a few minutes ago :)), the supervisors are busy with a very important task: they carefully they dig up the masonry - their former home, everyone checks if there is anything else left there, counts the peel, put it back and bury the masonry.

And they don’t go anywhere until the turtles swim away :)

And even if the turtle, which itself is still the size of 3/4 cigarette packs, rolls over, falling off a pebble on the beach, it does not need to be helped by a specially trained uncle helps her in some strange, but probably more effective way: he does not turn over, he puts his finger to her, helping her to strain her little snares and roll over herself :)

As soon as the baby finally and confidently swims away, they collect their little things and go to the next clutch.
The whole crowd is behind them.

Zakynthos(Greek island in the Ionian Sea) is known not only for the bay Navagio. It is often called "turtle island" - the largest cartetta-cartetta turtles have chosen Zakynthos. This island has become a kind of maternity hospital and nursery for turtles.

Zakynthos- the largest nesting place in the Mediterranean for loggerhead turtles (sea bigheaded turtle, or carriage).

A little about carriage-caretta turtles

Caretta turtles are the most well-studied sea turtles, adults weigh from 77 to 160 kg, reach a length of 80 to 115 cm.

Loggerhead (sea big-headed turtle, or carriage)

Loggerhead turtles have become an endangered species and main reason such a trend is mass tourism in their nesting areas.
Water pollution and fishing activities have also contributed.

Female carriage turtles reach sexual maturity at around 30 years of age and return to their birthplace to mate and lay eggs. 80% of turtles return to Zakynthos. Turtles nest every 2-3 years.
The turtles hatch after about two months, at night and immediately go to the sea.

Happy Birthday Baby!

The length of newborn turtles is approximately 4.5 cm, they weigh 20 grams. Only those that reach the open sea survive.

Good luck!

Only one in 1,000 cubs survives and reaches sexual maturity.

The beginning of a long life

National Marine Park in Zakynthos

To save the turtle population Zakynthos founded in 1999 National Marine Park. Its main task is to preserve the ecosystem and create conditions for increasing the population of carriage-caretta turtles.
Part national park includes 6 beaches of Laganos Bay, small islands Marathonissi (Marathonissi) and Peluso.
About 3,000 turtle nests appear here every year, which are monitored by park staff and volunteers.

Turtle nests on the beaches of Laganos

Under close attention are not only turtles, but Mediterranean seals monachus-monachus.

Where can you see turtles?

The easiest and most harmless (for nature) way is to visit the island in May - June. At this time, turtles come to mate and swim very close to the shore. Most of their rushes to the beaches of the bay Laganos. A turtle swimming nearby is not uncommon during this period.

In May - June, turtles swim very close to the shore

Throughout beach season from anywhere on the island you will be offered boat trips on glass bottom boats, yachts, boats, during which you can see turtles.

Another popular way is an excursion to the island. Marathonissi: there are not only two excellent beaches (sandy and pebbly), but also numerous nests of turtles (respectively, many adult turtles in coastal waters). The island is part of National Marine Park.

Marathonissi (Marathonissi)

Rules for tourists on the beaches of Zakynthos

On those beaches Zakynthos, which are located on the territory of the National Marine Park, there are a number of rules that must be followed by all tourists (all of them are aimed at preserving the turtle population):

• night stay on the beach is prohibited - turtles usually hatch at night;
• at night, you can’t use any sources of artificial lighting on the beach and next to it (lamps, car headlights, etc.) - turtles use moonlight on the water as a guide, extraneous light sources knock them off the route;
• It is strictly forbidden to leave garbage on the beach - plastic bag can kill not only baby turtles, but also adults if it gets into the sea;
• on the beaches you can not move on bicycles, scooters, etc.;
• in places designated as laying eggs, you can not install sunbeds, umbrellas, awnings;
• in Laganos Bay it is forbidden to use motor boats and boats;
• it is desirable to be located no further than 5 meters from the water's edge - there may be masonry further;
• sand castles and other structures can only be made near the surf and do not forget to destroy them before leaving - they can become an insurmountable obstacle for turtles;
• you can’t make noise on the beaches, play with a ball, rackets, the rest here is passive (it’s better to go to the beaches of Mykonos for fun).

There are employees on the beaches National Marine Park and volunteers. They will always tell you what to do and what not to do, listen to them!

It is strictly forbidden to dig up the laying of eggs, this is punishable by law.

Zakynthos very popular with tourists from all over the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists rest here and this leads to a catastrophic deterioration in the situation with turtles. It is in the power of each of us to make sure that not one or two turtles survive out of a thousand, but more.

Zakynthos is the habitat of large sea turtles "caretta-caretta". In June, they are busy laying eggs, and the rest of the time they swim to the delight of tourists. Not far from Laganas (an area in Zakynthos) there is a small island of Marathonisi, the only inhabitants of which are turtles.
2: Lagonas Beach

3: Loggerhead, big-headed sea turtle or caretta-caretta (lat. Caretta caretta) is a species of sea turtles, the only representative of the loggerhead genus.

4: Adults about a meter long. This species of turtles is listed in the Red Book, because of the once popular delicacy of their eggs.

5: Set sail on a boat. The view of Laganas is a very flat part of Zakynthos.

6: Turtle again. There are really a lot of turtles swimming, but almost all adults are equipped with small beacons and are not at all for tourist purposes. However travel business uses it. The boat catches up with the beacon and everyone waits, watching the turtle when it comes up. The animal should inhale once every 15-20 minutes, and since, as a rule, at the moment when the turtle is close - it has long been under water, it was not necessary to wait more than 4-5 minutes.

7: Sailing to Marathonisi

8: Swim around it to see some caves

9:

10:

11: Mission: find the seagull

12:

13:

14: Landed on Marathonisi, there is a nice sandy beach

15: On this island behind the iron grid there was such a house, in all likelihood it was an abandoned church. I didn't find any information about this. There is a courtyard with vineyards, stairs leading up, fences and stone benches. Obviously a churchyard, it is not known what time.

16: And even before there was something like a pier in the sea from the yard, but now it is destroyed, there are blocks of stone. Destroyed for sure strong earthquake 1953. When almost the whole of Zakynthos plunged into ruins

17: Marathonisi Beach.

18: View of the island of Zakynthos

19: We sail back, and again they. This time in shallow water.

20:

21: Amalechka with her carriage

And finally, two videos with turtles in the sea.