During a 4x4 trip in the Akamas region in Cyprus, we visited Lara bay where there is a green and loggerhead turtle conservation programme. The area is a prime nesting area for these turtles and is visited by many people to try and catch a glimpse of them. As it is listed under the Fisheries Law Cap 135, as well as other legislation, the use of sunbeds, umbrellas, tents etc is forbidden (and very much frowned upon even just sunbathing without these!) as well as littering, disturbing nests and anchoring or using a boat. Unfortunately, I was unlucky and didn't see any turtles but just to see such an unspoilt area and the vast numbers of turtle nests was really interesting. Turtles have been threatened by a large demand for turtle soup, by-catch and tangling during fishing and the increasing use of beaches (i.e. nesting areas) for recreational use by humans. Green turtles especially are on the brink of extinction in the Mediterranean so conservation efforts like these at Lara bay are essential in the attempt to prevent this. On the west coast of Cyprus, the numbers of loggerhead turtle nests was over five times more in 2014 than in 1999. This clearly shows the massive importance of the work being completed in Cyprus. There are five main aims of the project: - To protect and manage turtle nesting beaches - To protect eggs and hatchlings from predators (mainly foxes - shown by surveys early in the project where 80% of nests had been dug up & eaten) and humans - To protect adult turtles - To monitor the turtle population - To raise public awareness An aluminium cage is placed over each of the nests after monitoring of where the eggs are laid. These prevent predator access but allow hatchlings to easily escape - a process often helped by the staff and visitors to guide them in the right direction. When to visit
At Lara Bay, adult loggerhead turtles will kick-start the breeding season in June through to July and the green turtles about 2 weeks later in their start and finishing times. The hatchings will then be in their nests for approximately 7 weeks and typically emerge at night. So, really it depends on what event you hope to see as to when to visit! If I were to visit Lara bay again, I wouldn't choose to do it as part of the 4x4 trips that are commonly offered in Cyprus. Mainly because for me, this part of the trip was what I was most looking forward to but due to the tight schedule of the day, we didn't spend long here. Also, the buggies that people hired to get there without a trip looked super fun and a visit at dusk would probably increase the likelihood of seeing some turtles.
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