Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) Nesting in Palestine

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Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) Nesting in Palestine ‫تعشيش السالحف البحرية الضخمة الرأس في فلسطين‬ By: Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758), or Loggerhead, is an oceanic turtle distributed throughout the world. It is a marine reptile, belonging to the family Cheloniidae. The average loggerhead measures around 90 cm (35 in) long when fully grown, although larger specimens of up to 280 cm (110 in) have been discovered. The adult loggerhead sea turtle weighs approximately 135 kg (300 lb), with the largest specimens weighing in at more than 450 kg (1,000 lb). The skin ranges from yellow to brown in color, and the shell is typically reddish-brown. No external differences in gender are seen until the turtle becomes an adult, the most obvious difference being the adult males have thicker tails and shorter plastrons than the females (Wikipedia, Khalaf 2013).

Hatchling Loggerhead sea turtles near Atlit, south of Haifa, Occupied Palestine, on their way to the Mediterranean Sea. Photo: Hila Shaked. August 2010. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Hatchling_Loggerhead_Sea_Turtle s_near_Atlit_Israel.jpg Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 115 – July 2014

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The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. It spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, with females briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. The loggerhead sea turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches and then become quiescent, producing no eggs for two to three years. The loggerhead reaches sexual maturity within 17–33 years and has a lifespan of 47–67 years (Wikipedia, Khalaf 2013).

The loggerhead sea turtle is omnivorous, feeding mainly on bottomdwelling invertebrates. Its large and powerful jaws serve as an effective tool for dismantling its prey. Young loggerheads are exploited by numerous predators; the eggs are especially vulnerable to terrestrial organisms. Once the turtles reach adulthood, their formidable size limits predation to large marine animals, such as sharks (Wikipedia, Khalaf 2013).

Loggerheads are considered an endangered species and are protected by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Untended fishing gear is responsible for many loggerhead deaths. Turtles may also suffocate if they are trapped in fishing trawls. Turtle excluder devices have been implemented in efforts to reduce mortality by providing an escape route for the turtles. Loss of suitable nesting beaches and the introduction of exotic predators have also taken a toll on loggerhead populations. Efforts to restore their numbers will require international cooperation, since the turtles roam vast areas of ocean and critical nesting beaches are scattered across several countries (Wikipedia, Khalaf 2013).

Among sea turtle species, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) is the most commonly found on the shores of Palestine. The main nesting grounds for the Mediterranean population of this species are located along the shores of Greece, Cyprus and Turkey (I.C.S.E.M. Report 1986). Until quite recently, hundreds of nests were found each year along the Mediterranean coast of Palestine. In the 1950's, some 200 nests with a density of about 15 nests per km were recorded on 15 km of typical beach in the northern region of Palestine (Sella 1982). The picture has changed, however, during the last few decades. The latest reports by the Israeli Nature Reserves Authority (Soffer 1988, Kuler 1990), and the research results of Silberstein and Dmi'el (1991) show that the abundance and density of nesting by this species has abruptly decreased. Along some 55 km of coastline, which includes the surveyed area mentioned in Sella's report, only 10 nests were found in 1984, 14 in 1985, 16 in 1986, 16 in 1987, and 11 and 13 nests in the years 1988 and 1989, respectively. Personal Reports also revealed a similar situation on other Mediterranean beaches in Palestine (Silberstein and Dmi'el 1991).

In the framework of attempts to recover the loggerhead sea turtle in Palestine, several aspects of its reproduction were investigated, with an emphasis on the Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 115 – July 2014

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physical conditions prevailing in the nests. During the 1986-1989 nesting seasons (mid-May through July), Silberstein and Dmi'el (1991) surveyed repeatedly, in collaboration with the rangers of the Nature Reserves Authority, 35 km of beach along the northern Mediterranean coast of Palestine. A total of 34 loggerhead nests were found in this area (16 nests were found in 1986, 10 in 1987, 4 in 1988, 4 in 1989). The earliest clutch was laid on 21 May, the latest on 27 July. Most of the nests were located <10-50 m beyond the high-tide line. Only a few were found further, in the dunes, some 80-150 m beyond the high-tide line. The average clutch size was 82 eggs (range 55-149). The average period of incubation was 54 days, ranging from 60-62 days in May (temperature in the center of the nest = 26.5°C) to 50-52 days in late July (nest temperature = 30°C) (Silberstein and Dmi'el 1991).

During 1986-1989, hatching success varied considerably among nests, ranging from 0%-90%. Hatch failure was attributed to the depth of the nest and to its location with respect to the water line. Typically, nests were dug by the female to a depth of 30 cm (upper egg layer) to 50 cm (lower egg layer) below the sand surface. At this depth, the sand humidity (average water content 3%) and the daily temperature fluctuation (2°C) were stable. Four nests, however, were constructed so that the uppermost eggs were only 10-15 cm below the sand surface. In these cases, strong temperature fluctuations and sand desiccation resulted in an average hatching success of only 6%. Eleven nests, located too close to the high-tide line, were exposed to summer storms that occasionally occur in this area. Seawater inundation resulted in an almost complete cessation of embryo development, resulting in 0-11% hatching success (Silberstein and Dmi'el 1991).

A sharp decline in the number and density of loggerhead sea turtle nests in Palestine is attributable to both regional and local processes. On the one hand, an immense fishing of turtles took place in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea during the first half of last century. Today the intensity of this activity has diminished, but the consequences for the loggerhead population are still very conspicuous. Concomitantly, a local large-scale excavation of beach sand for concrete production took place in occupied Palestine. This altered the structure of many beaches in which female loggerheads dug their nests (Sella 1982). The present situation demands that immediate protective measures be taken. The first emergency step should be to rescue eggs laid in poorly located nests, as is done for other sea turtle species (e.g., Eckert and Eckert 1990). These eggs should be transplanted over the shortest practicable distance and reburied under favorable natural conditions (at a beach hatchery site if necessary). As a last resort, and only if beach reburial is not possible, eggs may be artificially incubated in the laboratory. This procedure has been shown to result in high (90%) hatching success (Silberstein 1988). In either case, hatchlings should be Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 115 – July 2014

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released immediately to the sea from the original oviposition site. Other measures should include the protection of nesting and foraging grounds, technology to reduce incidental catch, and a concerted effort at public awareness and education (Silberstein and Dmi'el 1991).

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Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali Bassam (1994). An Introduction to the Animal Life in Palestine. Shqae’q Al-Nouma’n (Anemone coronaria). A Quarterly Magazine Issued by the Program EAI (Education for Awareness and for Involvement).

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Endangered Animals and Reintroduction. http://gazelle.8m.net/photo3.html Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2004). Gazelle: Das Palästinensische Biologische Bulletin. Eine Wissenschaftliche Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1983 – 2004. / Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. A Scientific Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1983 – 2004. ISBN 3-00-0141219. Erste Auflage / First Edition, Juli 2004: 452 Seiten / Pages. Zweite erweiterte Auflage (Second Extended Edition), August 2004: 460 Seiten / Pages. Norman Ali Khalaf, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). Jaffa (Yaffa): The History of an Old Palestinian Arab City on the Mediterranean Sea. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Number 39, Twenty-third Year, March 2005. pp. 7-8.

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Eine Aquatische Wissenschaftliche Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1980 - 2005. ISBN 3-00-014835-3. Erste Auflage / First Edition, August 2005: 376 Seiten / Pages. Norman Ali Khalaf, Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland & Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://drnorman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/aquaticaarabica.htm Khalaf-von Jaffa, Norman Ali (2005). The Rafah Zoo in the Rafah Refugee Camp, Gaza Strip, Palestine : A Story of Destruction by the Israeli Occupation Army.

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http://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86% D8%A7%D8%AA_%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86 Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Whale Sharks in Palestinian Waters: A Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) rescued near the Tantura Beach, Carmel Coast, North Palestine: The First Record from the Palestinian Mediterranean Coast. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 71, November 2007. pp. 22-23. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

(Abstracts in English and Arabic). http://whale-shark.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). Whale Sharks in Palestinian Waters: Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus, Smith 1828) near Um Al-Rashrash (Eilat) Beach, Gulf of Aqaba, South Palestine: First Records from the Palestinian Red Sea Coast. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin.

Number 71, November 2007. pp. 23-26. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

(Abstract in English and Arabic). http://whale-shark.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2007). An Ocean Sunfish or Common Mola (Mola mola, Linnaeus 1758) caught off the coast of Gaza: The First Record from Palestine, East Mediterranean Sea. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 72, December 2007, pp. 1-16. (Abstracts in English and Arabic). http://www.geocities.com/jaffacity/Gaza_Ocean_Sunfish.html Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2008). Cetacea Palaestina: The Whales and Dolphins in Palestinian Waters. Cetacean Species Guide for Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. Number 83, November 2008, Thu Al-Qi’ada 1429 AH. pp. 1-14. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://cetacea-palaestina.webs.com/ Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2009). Flora and Fauna in Palestine. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 91, July 2009, Rajab 1430 AH. pp. 1-31. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://flora-fauna-palestine.webs.com/ Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2009). Fauna Palaestina – Part One. A Zoological Journey in Palestine, Arabia and Europe between 1983 – 2006 / Fauna Palaestina – Teil Eins. Eine Zoologische Reise in Palästina, Arabien und Europa zwischen 1983 – 2006. ISBN 978-9948-03-865-8. Erste Auflage/First Edition, September 2009: 412 Seiten/Pages. Self Publisher: Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart1.htm Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2010). Fauna Emiratus Part One. Zoological Studies in the United Arab Emirates between 2004 - 2009. / Fauna Emiratus – Teil Eins. Zoologische Studien in die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate zwischen 2004 - 2009. ISBN 978-9948-15-462-4. Erste Auflage/First Edition, November 2010: 350 Seiten / Pages. Self Publisher: Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 115 – July 2014

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Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. http://dr-norman-ali-khalaf-books.webs.com/faunaemiratuspart1.htm Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2012). Fauna Palaestina – Part Two. Zoological Studies in Palestine between 1983 – 2009 / Fauna Palaestina - Teil Zwei. Zoologische Studien in Palästina zwischen 1983 – 2009. ISBN 978-9948-16667-2. 1. Auflage / First Edition : July 2012, Shaaban 1433 H. 208 Seiten / Pages (Arabic Part 120 Pages and the English Part 88 Pages). Publisher: Dar Al Jundi Publishing House, Jerusalem, Palestine. http://dr-norman-ali-khalafbooks.webs.com/faunapalaestinapart2.htm Khalaf-von Jaffa, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam (2013). Fauna Palaestina – Part Three.

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Records of Dead Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) washed up on the Jaffa Beach, Occupied Palestine between 2010-2013. Gazelle: The Palestinian Biological Bulletin. ISSN 0178 – 6288. Number 114, June 2014, Sha’ban 1435 AH. pp. 1-11. Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. http://marine-lifepalestine.webs.com/loggerhead-sea-turtle-jaffa Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa, Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher (2014).

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) Nesting in Palestine.

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417-423. In: Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles (K. A. Bjorndal, ed.).

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Wikipedia. Loggerhead Sea Turtle. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loggerhead_sea_turtle ‫ نورمان (نعمان) علي بسام خلف اليافاوي‬.‫د‬.‫ أ‬: ‫حيوانات فلسطين بقلم‬ http://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8 %A7%D8%AA_%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86

School children watching as volunteers of the Israeli Sea Turtle Rescue Centre and releasing a Loggerhead Sea Turtle back into the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday 21.11.2013 in Ga’ash, Central of Occupied Palestine. Photo: Uriel Sinai, Getty Images. http://blogs.ft.com/photo-diary/files/2013/11/TURTLE.jpg Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 115 – July 2014

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Prof. Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa with a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758) carapace at the Sea Wonders shop, Souk Al Arsa, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 19.12.2013. ، ‫ منطقت التراث‬، ‫المؤلف مع صذفت ظهريت لسلحفاة بحريت ضخمت الرأس في محل عجائب البحار في سىق العرصت‬ 19.12.2013 . ‫ دولت اإلماراث العربيت المتحذة‬، ‫الشارقت‬ http://www.flickr.com/photos/50022881@N00/11792225256/

Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 115 – July 2014