Zakynthos is the natural ecosystem of the Sea Turtle Caretta – Caretta, a unique sea turtle species only found in the Mediterranean Sea.
Caretta – Caretta is currently under extinction and its favourite visiting place is Zante and, especially, some of the island’s beaches. There the female goes and lays its eggs in order to hatch, thus many of the island’s beaches are marked as protected spots therefore limited access, especially to the turtle’s nests, is applied in order to prevent disorders in the natural process of reproduction.
These beaches are, coincidentally, among the most beautiful beaches on the island. Laganas, Kalamaki, Gerakas are among the beaches that are proud to host these magnificent sea turtles and are also parts of the National Marine Park of Zante, aiming at preserving the island’s eco-system with its unique flora and fauna!
Among the main activities of the National Marine Park is to educate and inform the wider public of Zante’s spectacular natural environment and Caretta-Caretta sea turtle, while they also patrol the “restricted” spots to ensure no interruption or annoyance for Caretta-Caretta’s natural environment is on sight.
So, let us elaborate more on Caretta –Caretta species and its importance for the entire Mediterranean region. Caretta – Caretta has a maximum length of 1.2m and can weigh up to 100 kg. The sea turtles live about 60 years and are mature for reproduction at the age of 30. It is then when female turtles go back to the beach where they were born in order to lay their own eggs, and the procedure goes like this for the next generations. The turtles “give birth” to about 800 eggs for each season in the summer which need to be covered in sand for about 2 months before they hatch (July and August)…and it is such a lovely sight of the small turtles leaving the security of their egg-shell to go and dive into the deep sea!
Sea turtles are known to have lived for more than 130 million years ago and are considered to be among the oldest species on the planet, bearing a great resemblance in their body’s morphology and functions to dinosaurs. They are strong and very tough animals, fragile only due to human mistreatment and negligence!
For that reason, let’s have in mind the following tips before visiting the majestic island of Zante and enjoying its breathtaking landscapes and tradition, along with the unique attraction of Caretta-Caretta:
- The protected beaches like Laganas and Gerakas should only be visited during day-time, as turtles hatch mostly at night and the small turtle-cubs head to the sea then. Also, light use near the beaches is not allowed as turtles are distracted
- No sticking of umbrellas in the marked areas, not sand castles (they might get in the way of the small creatures), no vehicles and rubbish on the beach they may pass them for food and get poisoned or chocked)
- No pets allowed and limited watersports’ activities
- Do not try to assist the little hatchlings on their way to the sea as it is only natural for them to struggle by stretching the legs and muscles before diving into the unknown waters. They should get prepared for this!
And, some food for thought: - Keep in mind that only 1 out of 60 sea turtles reach the age of reproduction, all thanks to human activities!
- Most beaches in the Mediterranean that used to be nests for sea turtles have been spoiled by tourism infrastructure and for that reason turtles have never returned there
- Zante is the place welcoming the overwhelming majority of turtles’ nests in the Mediterranean: about 1.500 nests in 5km of beach coasts and 900 turtles lay their eggs on these shores
- Show some tolerance to locals or National Marine Park activists if they exaggerate on their reaction to visitors. They really make a superhuman effort to preserve this natural environment and help Caretta-Caretta avoid extinction!
So, enjoy the magnificent island of Zakynthos responsibly and take a close look of how people and animals can co-exist in total peace, serenity and even cooperation
