Sea Turtle (Testudines: Cheloniidae) Strandings and Rehabilitation in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

This study examines Green (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Sea Turtle strandings and hospital admissions in Northern Cyprus from 2017 to 2023. Data from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute's database and stranding records were analysed, showing that out of 109 individual cases, 56% involved Green Turtles and 39.4% involved Loggerhead Turtles. The main reasons for admission were buoyancy disorders and entanglement in fishing gear, with most strandings occurring in the Kyrenia region. The overall success rate for release-referring to animals returned to the sea-was 19.3%. However, the high mortality rate within the first 48 hours of admission highlights the urgent need for faster rescue responses and improved diagnostic capabilities. These findings, particularly the prevalence of entanglement injuries and buoyancy disorders potentially linked to marine debris, underscore the importance of targeted habitat protection and pollution reduction as critical components of sea turtle conservation in the region.