The Caretta Caretta Turtle is also called the loggerhead turtle and this animal has a special place in the heart of Turkey. It is a large reptile that can weigh up to 300 pounds, measure 84 inches and live to the grand age old of 67. It is also an endangered species and in this article, we discover why it is so special to Turkey and what the country is doing to help preserve its lifeline.

What is the connection between the Caretta Caretta Turtle and Turkey?

There is a beautiful beach in Turkeyon the Aegean Coast line called Iztuzu beach.This beach is also a nesting environment for the Caretta Caretta Turtle and they head there every year to lay their eggs in the golden sands and help their off-spring to hatch. Iztu beach in Dalyan also happens to be a famous beach for tourists to lay down their towels and catch the powerful rays of the sun. In the 1980’s, eager business men were desperate to develop the area into a man-made tourist resort, ultimately threatening the survival of this quiet and elusive creature.

Who stepped in to help the Caretta Caretta Turtle?

With the threat to the Caretta Caretta turtle looming, something needed to be done and the people that stepped up to the mark were David Bellamy and a local resident called June Haimoff. They successfully prevented any construction plans from going ahead and also ensured that Iztu beach was classed as a protected area. No buildings are allowed to be constructed and there are also restrictions on where tourists can place their parasol umbrellas. Night time access to the beach is banned as this is the time when the Caretta Caretta turtle can find peace and quiet to ensure their young hatch and make it to the waters of the Aegean Sea.

So what can you do to help?

The Caretta Caretta turtle has existed for 95 million years and hopefully with more knowledge of this species and how they are under threat worldwide, we can ensure that their footprint in the global scheme of life is not wiped out for ever. The Caretta Caretta turtle in Dalyan is still under threat from boat propellers and the natural forces of Mother Nature.

In order to help the Caretta Caretta turtle in Turkey, please share this post with as many friends as possible on Facebook, Twitter and by Email. After that head across to the site dedicated to helping the turtles and read about the life of June Haimoff otherwise known as Kaptan Joan.

If you would like to find out more about the project there is a gift shop which stocks the book detailing the whole crusade to save the Caretta Caretta turtle from start to finish. Alternatively, you can also email them to find out how to make a donation. The organization is a registered charity.

If you find yourself holidaying in the Dalyan area, then do take the chance to go to Iztu beach and see for yourself why the area is a marvelous place for the Caretta Caretta turtle to live.  

Mehmet Gozen, My Destination Aegean Coast
August 2011