ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND GREECE - THE MAGIC OF CARETTA - CARETTA
The Caretta - Caretta is a large, ancient reptile which originated from dinosaurs. It has lived in the sea for over a hundred years. At the age of four, it comes to the coast of Zakynthos Greece to lay its eggs in the sand.
Each Caretta Caretta turtle lays about 100 - 120 eggs in a hole, which is dug in the sand during the night. The eggs have the size of table tennis balls and remain in the nest for 55 days.
All the eggs hatch and baby turtles come out in a common effort during the night. (The temperature of the sun's heat helps the eggs hatch.) The little Caretta Caretta turtles, then, find their way to the water. Some believe that is the reflection of the moonlight on the surface of the sea that shows them which direction to go in.
Scientists believe that the number of Caretta Caretta turtles that eventually manage to become adults are only ten from each nest. Many enemies in the sea and on the coast wait for the little turtles to hatch.
Who are the enemies of the Caretta Caretta turtles
The lights on the coast keep the turtles away from Zakynthos Island when they want to lay their eggs, and also lead the baby turtles into the opposite direction. If a tourist accidentally makes a hole in the nest and one eggs break, then the rest of the eggs in the nest are ruined.
Foxes and rats eat little Caretta Caretta turtles on the shore, while seagulls and big fish eat little turtles in the sea. Speed boats can accidentally hit and kill adult turtles. The Caretta Caretta turtles are also in danger from fishermen and pollution, and other reasons, such as the compression of the sand, the planting of trees or bushes, the setting of umbrellas, armchairs, bicycles and different kinds of boats along the seashore.
