Turtles

The work carried out by PPNEA for the conservation of sea turtles has been very important for protecting these ancient and endangered species. Sea turtles are among the oldest species on the planet and belong to the order Testudines. There are a total of seven species of sea turtles, six of which belong to the Cheloniidae family, while only the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) belongs to the Dermochelydae family (Rhodin et al., 2011).

In Albania, three species of sea turtles have been found along the Ionian and Adriatic coastlines: the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which is very rare in Albanian waters and has been encountered only on a few occasions (Zeko & Puzanov, 1960).

Studies on sea turtle nesting in Albania have been limited, with significant research starting in 2002 (Haxhiu, 1981; 1985; 1995; 1997; 1998; Haxhiu & Rumano, 2005). After this period, several sporadic nesting events were recorded in the areas of Cape Rodoni and Divjakë (Piroli & Haxhiu, 2018). In recent years, a study was conducted to explore potential nesting sites and develop protective measures for the sporadic occurrences found in Albania (Sacdanaku & Rae, 2019). During this study, several beaches suitable for sea turtle nesting were identified.

Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the sea and come ashore only to lay eggs during the reproductive period. Their reproductive success largely depends on the preservation of nesting habitats, protective measures, and climate change, as rising temperatures can affect their gender and endanger their survival (Rhodin et al., 2011).

PPNEA’s efforts for sea turtle conservation have intensified in recent years, with involvement in monitoring potential nesting sites along the Albanian coast. Over the last three years, PPNEA’s team has collected data on distribution, threats, and reproductive patterns of these turtles. Although the data has not yet been published, six nests have been identified in previous years, all of which were destroyed by natural and anthropogenic pressures such as predators, tides, and human intervention.

An important achievement was the successful first nesting season of sea turtles in the Vlora region, where between June and September 2024, 4 out of 7 nests were successful. This is a significant step forward for the conservation of these species and is considered a major achievement, showing an increase in the number of nests and an improvement in hatching success. This success was made possible by protective measures and habitat management applied during this season. This year also marks Albania’s first attempt to relocate sea turtle eggs, which was successfully completed with support from the Rufford Foundation. This development shows that egg relocation could be an effective strategy for protecting endangered nests and offers new opportunities for conservation efforts. This success will be included in a scientific article, which will provide valuable guidance for future interventions in Albania and the region.

An important element to highlight in the context of sea turtle nesting studies in Albania is that they have used the southern beaches of the country, which are characterized by coastal areas with gravel, to lay their eggs. This fact has been a significant research subject, as traditionally, the beaches used by turtles for nesting have sandy substrates, whereas gravel beaches have not always been considered suitable for egg development. A clear example is the Palasë beach, where in 2021, some members of PPNEA’s staff witnessed a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) laying eggs, and in 2024, the successful emergence of hatchlings was observed in the Palasë area, marking a turning point in our understanding of the possibility of nesting on gravel beaches. Scientifically, nesting on gravel beaches may offer several benefits to sea turtles. Gravel may be more stable and less sensitive to erosion caused by waves or tides, which often damage nests on sandy beaches. Additionally, flooding rates on gravel beaches may be lower, providing a safer habitat for egg incubation. This may be why turtles, despite preferring sandy beaches, can also adapt to other structures, like those with gravel, when they offer favorable conditions for egg development and nest protection.

With continuous monitoring, necessary protective measures, and local community engagement, PPNEA aims to contribute to the long-term protection of sea turtles and ensure a safer future for these endangered species.

Implementation period: 2024 – ongoing

Funding: Rufford Foundation

Country: Albania

Contact Person: Kostandin Xhaho, Project Assistant