The Research on the Population of Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta Nesting on Alata Beach (Mersin) in 2005 Nesting Season

In this study, the population of Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta nesting on Alata Beach (Mersin, Turkey) has been investigated for the 2005 nesting season. Alata Beach is 3 km long and is located inside the borders of Alata Horticultural Research Institute which is one of the 1st degree natural sites. During this nesting season 20 (22.22%) of 90 emergences of C. mydas and 26 (41.94%) of 62 emergences of C. caretta resulted in nests. On Alata Beach, the density rank of nests for C. mydas was found as 6.67 nests/km and for C. caretta as 8.67 nests/km. While the average incubation period of 14 C. mydas nests was estimated as 50.57 days (min. 48 - max. 55), the average incubation period of 12 C. caretta nests was estimated as 46 days (min. 37 - max. 52). The hatching success rate was determined as 87.45% and the success rate of hatchlings reached the sea was determined as 82.66% for 18 normal C. mydas nests which were reliable in terms of egg data. The hatching success rate was determined as 79.34% and the success rate of hatchlings reached the sea was determined as 66.48% for 23 normal C. caretta nests which were reliable in terms of egg data. Alata Beach, one of the nesting areas in Turkey, was examined by dividing into 4 sectors (A1, A2, A3 and A4). In 2005 nesting season, on Alata Beach the total number of eggs and the number of hatchlings reached the sea were examined according to the sectors and the distance of nests from the sea by using SPSS 11.5 statistical program, Oneway ANOVA. Independent T test was used while the two species were compared.