SICILY IS CONFIRMED AS ONE OF THE PRIVILEGED PLACES FOR NESTING SEA TURTLES. EVERY YEAR, THESE THOUSAND-YEAR-OLD CREATURES CHOOSE THEIR BEACHES TO LAY THEIR EGGS. HOWEVER, INCREASING ANTHROPIAN PRESSURE AND POLLUTION ARE CREATING NEW CHALLENGES TO THEIR SURVIVAL. WWF ITALY launches a call for local institutions to take adequate measures to ensure the protection of breeding areas
“Tortoises on holiday”: Sicily is a favorite breeding destination
Each spring, sea turtles return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs, a behavior known as philopatry. This phenomenon is driven by an innate instinct that drives them to choose the same sandy areas they knew during their childhood. For quite some time now it has become one of the favorite destinations Sicily.
How come?
Sicily is a safe destination
During the nesting season, sea turtles, such as the Caretta Carettachoose the beaches of Sicily to lay their eggs. Females dig holes in the sand, where they lay 80 to 120 eggs per nest. This method protects future young from predators, such as birds and mammals, and from adverse weather conditions. In addition, sand provides a stable and safe environment, essential for the development of embryos.
This aspect is fundamental not only for the survival of baby turtles, but also for determining their sex: higher temperatures during incubation tend to produce females, while lower temperatures favor the birth of males.
As for the incubation period, it lasts about 60 days. During this time, the embryos develop inside the eggs until they hatch. When baby turtles emerge, they are guided by primal instincts that push them toward the sea.
Sicily, with its sandy beaches, offers an ideal environment for this process. The combination of soft sand, less subject to anthropic (i.e. human) pressure, such as fishing or intensive tourism, and the limited presence of natural enemies, further contribute to the maintenance of the habitat for the reproduction of many species.
The protection of these areas is therefore fundamental to ensure the continuation of the population of these reptiles in the Mediterranean.
But let’s see what the “tourist destinations” most appreciated by these fantastic creatures.
Record nests in Sicily
In 2024, the Sicilian coasts recorded a remarkable increase in the number of nests: 184 were recorded. The majority are located along the east coast of Sicily, with a significant concentration in the province of Syracuse, especially in Noto and Avola, where 82 nests were recorded, followed by Ragusa, with a total of 41 nests, while Palermo recorded 12.
Some have achieved exceptional records for the number of eggs laid. In the province of Ragusa, a clutch of 143 eggs was documented, exceeding the typical average for this species. Another nest in Reitani, Syracuse province, housed 117 of them.
Threats and challenges to conservation
Despite the increase in nesting sites, sea turtles face a range of threats that threaten their survival. Of these, light pollution is one of the most serious and widespread problems. Artificial lighting, such as in tourist areas or coastal infrastructure, can disorient newborns at the time of hatching.
Instead of heading towards the sea as expected, the young may venture inland, risking dangers such as road traffic or predation. A recent example of this problem occurred in Palmi, Calabria, where about sixty specimens were rescued while trying to reach a road, attracted by the lights.
In addition to light pollution, human activities pose a significant threat. If beach cleaning is not done carefully, it can cause damage to the nests and disturb turtles as they lay their eggs. In addition, human presence can cause stress in mothers, which negatively affects their behavior and therefore nesting success.
The WWF call
Il WWF Italy emphasizes the importance of more environmentally friendly practices to minimize human impact on breeding sites. The organization recommends measures such as regulating the use of artificial light and reducing noise pollution along the coasts.
Luigi Agresticoordinator of WWF Italy’s naval campaign, stated: «Confirmation of‘The increase in the number of nests along the Italian coast underlines the need to harmonize their presence with human activities. It is crucial that the competent authorities take adequate conservation measures to ensure a balance between the needs of the species and human activities.”
World Wide Fund for Nature Italia offers several opportunities to support sea turtle conservation.
For example, through an adoption, research projects, rescue interventions and the protection of breeding areas are financed.
But which species are spotted in Sicily?
Sicilian specimens: a unique natural heritage
Sicily is an important breeding area for two important species of sea turtles, each with distinctive characteristics and specific ecological roles.
The Caretta Carettabetter known as the loggerhead turtle, is the most common species that nests on Sicilian beaches. This specimen stands out for its brown carapace, characterized by light scales that give it an easily recognizable appearance. Specimens have an average length that varies between 80 and 100 centimeters and can reach a weight of about 200 kilograms.
The Dermochelys coriaceaO leatherback turtleis a less common species on the Ionian coasts and shows some clear differences from Caretta caretta. It is recognizable by its hardened and plate-covered carapace.
The leatherback turtle is the largest of the sea turtles, with a length that can exceed 2 meters and a weight of more than 700 kilograms. Its physical characteristics are evolutionary adaptations that help it survive in more extreme marine environments and feed on jellyfish, its main food.
The fundamental role of sea turtles in the marine ecosystem
These animals are essential for maintaining the ecological stability of the environment in which they live.
In particular, they play a key role within the food chains. By feeding mainly on jellyfish, they help control the populations of these invertebrates. Without their valuable activity, these gelatinous organisms can multiply and have negative effects on marine ecosystems, such as competing with other species for food.
Turtles can also transport nutrients between marine and coastal environments, and their carcasses can provide essential nutrients for coastal ecosystems. In addition, their feces, called “guano,” can fertilize beach soil and promote the growth of coastal vegetation.
These ancient creatures are also important indicators of environmental health. Their presence and migration patterns provide valuable information on environmental changes and marine habitat conditions.
Finally, they enrich global biodiversity. Their conservation is therefore fundamental, not only to protect these species, but also to maintain the complexity and health of marine ecosystems.