Study of the first reported nest of loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, in the Spanish Mediterranean coast

• Published in: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom Vol. 82; no. 6; pp. 1005 - 1007
• Main Authors: Tomás, J., Mons, J.L., Martín, J.J., Bellido, J.J., Castillo, J.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.12.2002
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Aquatic reptiles; Autoecology; Beaches; Biological and medical sciences; Caretta caretta; Coasts; Fresh water ecosystems; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Grain size; Incubation; Marine; Nesting; Reptilia. Amphibia; Research Article; Sand & gravel; Success; Synecology; Tourism; Vertebrata; Mediterranean Sea; West Mediterranean; Europe; Spain; United Kingdom > UK; MED, Spain, Almeira; Nesting; Hatching; Caretta caretta; Egg brooding; First record; Beaches; Coastal zone; Marine environment; Reproduction; Vertebrata; Chelonia; Reptilia; Nest
• ISSN: 0025-3154; 1469-7769
• DOI: 10.1017/S0025315402006537

We summarize all the data of nest placement, incubation period, emergence of hatchlings and nest study of the first reported nesting event of a loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta (Reptilia: Cheloniidae) in the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The nest was laid in a beach of Almería province (south-east Spain) in July 2001. The incubation period was 58 days. Forty-two hatchlings emerged from a total of 97 eggs laid. Future beach surveys will determine whether this is a sporadic nesting event or whether loggerheads nest frequently in these coasts.