Study Predicts Expansion of Green Turtle Nesting Range

• 12 Dec 2023

Rising global temperatures are expected to significantly expand the nesting range of green turtles (Chelonia mydas), particularly in the Mediterranean, according to a recent study.

Key Points

• Overlooked Mediterranean Green Turtle: The study sheds light on the often-overlooked Mediterranean green turtle species in climate change discussions, emphasizing the potential ecological impact of global warming on their nesting dynamics.
• The research team delves into the impact of climate change on marine ectotherms, with a specific focus on sea turtles and their susceptibility to temperature-related changes throughout their life cycles.
• Nesting Range Expansion: The study predicts a substantial 60% expansion in the nesting range of green turtles under the worst-case emissions scenario.
• This transformation is expected to stretch beyond current nesting sites in Turkey and Cyprus to encompass vast areas of North African, Italian, and Greek shores.
• Model Predictive Accuracy: Researchers developed a model to predict the suitability of various Mediterranean coastline points as green turtle nesting locations.
• Challenges and Potential Negative Impacts: The potential nesting range expansion poses challenges, particularly in the heavily populated central and western Mediterranean.
• Increased human contact and urbanized beaches may negatively impact nesting success, highlighting the need for future studies to address and mitigate these challenges.