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Ghedhabna Beach (Tunisia) as a Newly Confirmed Nesting Site for Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the Central Mediterranean: Implications for Conservation
Summary
Scientists discovered a new nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles on a beach in Tunisia, making it the second most important turtle nesting area in the country. The beach faces threats from plastic pollution, human activities, and crabs that eat turtle eggs, which could harm these already struggling turtle populations. Protecting sea turtle populations matters because healthy ocean ecosystems help maintain clean waters and seafood sources that humans depend on.
Endangered sea turtles are highly vulnerable to environmental pressures and human activities, resulting in major shifts in their population and distribution. Identifying and managing new nesting sites are essential for their reproduction and survival. This study identifies the presence of an unrecorded loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting population at Ghedhabna Beach in Tunisia. A mixed-methods study based on intensive field monitoring over three consecutive nesting seasons (2023–2025) and interviews with 120 local residents was conducted to assess reproductive parameters and community perceptions of sea turtles. An annual mean of 39.33 ± 12.56 nests (range 30–54) and a mean nesting density of 3.93 ± 1.29 nests km−1yr−1 were recorded, highlighting Ghedhabna as the second most important loggerhead nesting site in Tunisia. Incubation durations suggested a potential male-skewed hatchling production, a key factor for the Mediterranean population sustainability under climate warming. The interviews revealed a history of consistent nesting activity in the area and a limited public awareness. The main threats to nesting success include marine debris, uncontrolled beach activities, and predation by the ghost crab (Ocypode cursor). The mixed ecological and social approaches highlighted the urgent need to develop sustainable conservation measures in this zone, based on integrated management, to mitigate existing pressures and ensure population resilience.