For the first time, a Chelonia Mydas nest was recorded in Rhodes, signaling a possible expansion of the species breeding area in the Mediterranean. The discovery was made by ARCHELON in June 2024during investigations on the beaches of the island, as part of a project for sustainable tourism funded by the TUI Care Foundation.

The nest was found in the Gulf of Pagia, on the west coast of Rhodes. On June 22, traces of adult green turtle were found that led to a nest of 86 eggs, 78 of which were successfully hatched.

This species is in danger of extinction worldwide and the recent discovery is particularly important, as it suggests a potentially displacement in the green turtle breeding areas, probably due to the increase in sea temperature associated with climate change.

“The discovery of green turtle nest in Rhodes is an important step in understanding the breeding of sea turtles“, Said Biologist Costas Tenneketzis, responsible for the research. “This enhances the need for continuous monitoring and protection of turtle habitats‘

During the investigations, the team of ARCHELON together with the researchers at the ELKETHE Hydroviology Station in Rhodes and with local volunteers also recorded Seven cake turtle nests (Caretta Caretta) on the same beach, located in the Natura 2000 network.

Monitoring and protection efforts will continue, with the aim of fully understanding this new breeding trend and contributing to the protection of sea turtles.