Many on the island are aware of SPOT (the Society for the Protection of Turtles – https://www.cyprusturtles.org/) who care for the island’s turtles in so many ways but perhaps not so many are aware of Karsiyaka Turtle Watch, a band of volunteers who stalk Guzelyali beach throughout the nesting season. This is not all, they protect the nests with cages, keep records of all the nest laying, hatching numbers, man the “Turtle Shack”, pass on information to the general public etc etc.
In years gone by when early morning dog walking we have often been lucky enough to see a couple of volunteers finding a nest that has hatched and they were excavating the rest for release later that evening. I have watched the releases so many times but still find it magical. Sadly only about one in a thousand of the turtles survive so KTW manage to give them a better chance.
I was lucky enough to watch the last nest’s hatchlings being released on Saturday. The volunteers will be keeping a watch for a while until they are certain they haven’t missed any nests.
These kind people are all volunteers and I would like to offer huge thanks for the tireless work they do throughout the nesting season.
I am certain they would love more volunteers/donations and next season, sponsors for new nests.
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